If you are looking to make the most of your Instagram account, you need to be aware of a few key things. These include using hashtags, adding filters, and engaging with people who follow you.
Authenticity trumps perfection
If you’re a fan of Instagram, you’ve probably noticed a lot of attention being paid to authenticity. In fact, it’s one of the most important qualities for companies to have. A recent survey found that 90% of consumers say that authenticity is very important when they make a purchase.
While the concept of authenticity is certainly more difficult to attain than perfection, it’s not impossible. The following examples show that it’s possible to do the simplest of things and still be considered authentic.
Authenticity is usually associated with being true to yourself and your values. But if you’re the type of person who wants to be seen as authentic, you may have to do more than use filters and edit your photos.
Over-editing photos
Using Instagram to its fullest requires using a variety of apps and services to create the best photos and videos possible. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools and tips to get you started. The key to creating the perfect shot is to learn which elements of the photo to edit out of sight and which ones to leave in tact. In addition, you can use Instagram’s filters and other apps to improve your pictures and save yourself some time.
It isn’t hard to see why some people are more than a little bit obsessed with experimenting with their pictures. Some even use professional services, which isn’t always a bad thing. But, it is important to understand that not every business has the budget for a full-fledged photographer. For a lot of businesses, stock photography will do.
Adding filters
If you’re a business owner, you know that filtering your Instagram photos can be a big help. It can improve the quality of your posts and engage your audience. But how do you go about choosing the right filters?
When deciding which filter to use, it is important to note your general vibe. For instance, if your company has a feminine feel, a filter like Kylie Cosmetics is a good choice. However, if your brand is more of a rugged, outdoorsy type, you may want to choose something with more of an urban flair.
To add a filter, you’ll need to have an application installed. Once you have the app, you can search for filters on the app’s menu. Then, you’ll be able to preview and download them. You can also apply them on existing images or videos.
Adding captions
Adding captions to Instagram videos is a great way to increase engagement with your content. It’s also important for accessibility. Captions can make your media more accessible for people with hearing disabilities. In fact, there are over 1.5 billion people worldwide who suffer from hearing loss.
Luckily, there are apps available to help you add captions to your videos. You can find them in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. They’re easy to use, and provide a host of other features as well.
For example, you can choose between manually creating a caption or using a third-party transcribing service. Rev is one popular option. It’s a paid service that offers a 99% accuracy guarantee and a 24-hour turnaround.
Using hashtags
One of the best ways to promote your brand on Instagram is by using hashtags. These tags allow you to find content and share it with your audience in real time. You can also use hashtags to discover new accounts and increase the visibility of your account.
When you want to use a hashtag, just follow the instructions. Firstly, make sure that your hashtag is short and easy to remember. Also, avoid repeating the same hashtag in every post. Using too many hashtags will look spammy. Instead, choose a few to use in each post.
Once you have a few hashtags, you can start to explore their potential. For example, if you have a business, you can choose branded hashtags. Alternatively, you can use product hashtags to reach a specific audience.
Engaging with people who follow you
One of the perks of being a social media hound is the ability to engage with your followers on a one on one basis. The social media platform is great for building brand loyalty and boosting profitability for its members. However, the number of followers you have does not necessarily mean you have an audience of aficionados. If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking to get more out of your content, there are a few tricks of the trade you should know about. Luckily, you have a plethora of tools at your fingertips.
For starters, you can toggle to the Discover section of the app. Aside from the usual suspects, you’ll find a treasure trove of lesser known social networks, all of which can be exploited for your benefit.
