Instagram is a visual-first platform that has gained momentum among influencers and businesses alike. If you’re new to the app, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Begin by crafting an introduction post that introduces yourself and what you do. It’s a great way to draw in new followers and foster trust with them.
1. Don’t post selfies
One of the best Instagram tips for beginners is to avoid posting selfies. Selfies can be an enjoyable way to express yourself, but they shouldn’t become the primary focus of your account.
It is best not to post selfies that could land you in legal trouble, such as taking a picture of yourself inside a polling booth while casting your vote. Doing so could result in expensive fines or jail time.
Business Insider suggests that you avoid taking selfies with firearms such as.45 caliber pistols. Posing with one can be considered a crime and could result in jail time or financial fines if caught.
2. Don’t ask for shoutouts
Shoutouts on Instagram can be an effective way to raise brand awareness, get your products noticed and boost engagement. But it’s essential that you ask for shoutouts in a professional and respectful manner.
Start by searching for users who share similar content to you and have roughly the same amount of followers as you. Doing this is the best way to uncover an opportunity that benefits both parties.
It is also wise to spend the time engaging with the user you wish to request a shoutout. Doing so demonstrates your genuine interest in their content and would make an ideal partner for such an endeavor.
3. Don’t overuse hashtags
Utilizing hashtags on platforms like Instagram and Twitter turns them into links that display all content tagged with that particular phrase. This is an effective way to increase engagement, gain new followers, and cultivate a community.
Utilizing too many hashtags may not always be the most effective approach. Smart Insights recommends no more than 10 hashtags per post as a general guideline.
If you do decide to utilize a lot of hashtags, make sure they are relevant to your post and audience. Doing this will help prevent overuse of hashtags and ensure the most engagement from your posts.
4. Don’t overuse filters
Instagram allows you to apply a variety of filters to your photos, but some should be avoided. These include those which add dog ears or change the hue from color to black-and-white.
They can be a fast and effortless way to give your feed an eye-catching appearance, but they may also do more harm than good. They promote an ideal of beauty that doesn’t exist and may lead to depression, eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts among young people.
Instead, use them as a way to brighten and highlight your photos so they stand out from the rest. Doing this will help your content get noticed on Instagram and give your brand an elevated vibe.
5. Don’t overuse text
Instagram is all about images and emojis, so it’s essential to use text sparingly. Overuse of text can make your captions appear cluttered and spammy; the best way to prevent this is by sticking with an optimal length – 80 characters or more.
It is recommended to add hashtags at the end of your captions instead of at the beginning, since they will automatically be truncated in feeds. Doing this helps users locate your content faster and focus on what matters most to them. You could even include a line break or emoji to separate hashtags from other words in order to attract more followers and make posts more visually appealing – which also aids with search engine optimization (SEO).