Instagram Is Not Facebook
It is important to mention that Instagram does not work like Facebook, even though the same business owns these two. Indeed, you can only post pictures on Instagram; it is not possible to post text only. You also need to know that it is mainly a mobile app. Its users must then use their cellphones to share their latest photos or Stories. Now that everyone seems to have a Facebook account, many people, especially younger generations, turned to the app with the shaded logo. It also seems easier to become an influencer on this social platform.
Create a Regular or Business Account?
When you create an account on Instagram, you can choose to have a regular or a business account. Contrary to what people may think, everybody can decide to have a business account; it is not restricted to big companies or celebrities. If you w ish to use Instagram to share pictures and Stories with your friends and family, the regular account will be sufficient. On the other hand, if you own a business or want to use this social media for marketing purposes, you should take the Business account. It will allow you to have access to statistics and use advertising. To choose this option, go on your parameters, click on Account and switch to a business account.
You will also need to find yourself a username if you want to use Instagram. It can be your name or your company’s. Whatever your choice is, it needs to be available.
Fill Your Bio
Let us now move to your profile page. It is the place where you can see all the pictures published by an account, but also its bio. Start by adding a profile picture to your account. It will allow you to be credible. If it is your business’ account, you can use your logo or a version of it. Next, you need to write your bio. You have a few lines to present yourself; please note that this description must be short since you only have access to 150 characters. Consequently, do not hesitate to use emojis. Finally, it is also possible to add a link to your website in your bio. Take this opportunity to put the link of your business’ website, your online shop, or your blog.
Follow Relevant Accounts
Once you have completed your bio, it is time to find some accounts to follow. An outdated strategy was to follow thousands of random accounts, believing that some would follow you in return. It is not something we recommend since these people will likely have no interest in the products or services you offer. Instead, take a few seconds to ask yourself who are the experts in your field. Which inspiring people would you like to follow? Aim for relevance as much as possible. You can also add your friends and family, of course. Note that on Instagram, it is not mandatory to follow someone who follows you.
Pay Attention to Your Pictures
As we mentioned earlier, Instagram is a social media platform where it is possible to share photos, pictures, and videos. Therefore, it is vital to publish attractive photos of good quality if you want to stand out. It is what will make the real difference between having a popular account or not. Start by analyzing posts and try to find your style. Of course, some filters and apps that can help you with your photos. It is also possible to find inspiration and templates on Canva. Try to follow a central thread in order to create a strong brand image that your followers will recognize easily.
Create Interesting Stories
Stories are trendy things on Instagram. They are short and temporary videos that disappear after 24 hours. They are also very accessible since they are located at the top of the app. Since they are often playful, they are a marketing tool you should not ignore. If you want to read more about them, learn how to use Instagram Stories to boost your business. Furthermore, did you know that there is a way you can keep your best Stories? Indeed, click on your Story. At the bottom right, you should see an icon saying highlights to save it. They will appear on your profile page. You can then organize them into categories and use icons to give a pro look to your Instagram account.
Choose the Right Hashtags
Let’s now talk about these famous hashtags. Mostly used on Instagram and Twitter, these keywords help your content to be found more easily. They are, however, rules to follow. First, it is recommended not to use more than 10 hashtags per post; this implies that you must find the best keywords for your content. Aim for relevance; the more you will be precise, the best it will be. If needed, many apps can help find the right hashtags. Try always to use the same ones to keep consistency too.
Look for Engagement
As it is the case for Facebook, engagement is the key to success on Instagram. It is not enough to post every day to be popular and have followers. Indeed, it would be best if you had engagement like comments or reactions among the people who see your content. Interact with them, ask them questions or opinions. You should also take the time to follow some hashtags that are relevant to your account to comment and be aware of the trends. The engagement rate became more important when it was discovered that some influencers were buying followers. They were mostly false or empty accounts. We believe that it is better to have a community of 1000 followers with a lot of engagement than 100 000 people who ignore you.
In conclusion, we hope we manage to give you a few tips on how to start your adventure on Instagram. As the old saying goes, it is better late than never. Begin by completing your profile page, and then publish your first pictures and Stories. Good luck!