Instagram is fast becoming my favourite social media platform by far. I have been using it for around two years and I am constantly learning about it and the best ways to use it.
Now, I am not an expert but I have changed a few things about how I post, to get the optimum reach. I suppose at the end of the day it depends on what you want to get out of Instagram but if like me, you want to promote yourself and your blog, I will let you know what I have done to more than double the number of comments and likes that I receive on each post.
Timing is Everything
I would just post as and when before and not really think about when I was posting. Since I have been watching the times that I post I have so much more interaction. I use to rarely get comments but my comment number has increased and likes more than doubled. It seems like the best times to post are before 9am and then after 7pm. Have you noticed much difference in the times that you post? From my experience of Twitter, Instagram is the complete opposite. Twitter seems to work best for interaction during the normal working day.
Hashtags
I have always used a fair number of hashtags – my brother would often say to me ‘hashtag too many hashtags’ 😉 and in a sense, he was right. I have found using hashtags in a comment, rather than a caption, make your photo look better and if you use a few, they aren’t all shown in a comment. It is also really important to not use too many generic hashtags. You need to remember that they are things that people would search for – if it is a random sentence that you made up, it really is quite pointless on there. Also think about avoiding too many generic hashtags like #kids or #family and use more specific ones like #messyplayideas or #childhoodunplugged.
Caption Action
Before, I would quite often use an emoji or a single word in my caption. Occasionally this works if you are posting a quote for example but generally a caption on each picture really helps. I thought about the accounts that I like and they all have a descriptive caption. It helps you to get to know the person and their life and allows you to relate more. If you are using Instagram for blog promotion, then it will give people more about you and then if they like what they see and read, it gives them a clue about your blog and makes them more likely to stop by.
Privacy
If you want to grow your blog through Instagram, I don’t think you should have your profile switched to private. Hashtags are pretty much pointless if you have it on private and your pictures won’t come up in searches. If you are concerned about privacy, don’t share names or locations and post about things you have been doing, after you have done it. You could always have a personal account that is private and then one that you share different things on, relating to your blog and blogging audience.
How do you find Instagram works for you? Would you add any tips to the list? Oh, and you can follow me on Instagram HERE 😉
Rebecca x
BlogLovin’ | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Linking up to Twinkly Tuesday.
Very good points. I’m not noticing the timing thing too much on mine personally and find that I’ll get a steady stream of likes or comments throughout the day.
Definitely choose hashtags which are relevant to the posts
I’ve really noticed a difference on timings. Guess it depends who your followers are though!
I love Instagram – it is my favourite platform. To be honest, I post what and when I want as it is literally a snapshot of my life 🙂 Great tips, thank you. Kaz x
true, it all depends on what you want to use it for x
Some great tips and that’s really interesting about the timing. I use Instagram for personal and business/blog so I probably haven’t put as much thought into it as I should!
I have found all of this to really help x
brilliant tips and totally agree with the hashtag thing, I wonder why people use things like ‘family’ when there must be thousands of people using that a minute and I’ve never clicked on one but more interesting hashtags I’m more likely to go look at x
so right Fritha – specific and unusual works well x
This is such an interesting post — love the timing advice — I’m so glad you haven’t mentioned ‘theming’ the shots too, that makes me despair to be honest. I love how diverse people IG accounts are. It’s my favourite platform by far but it’s snippets of my actual life — I don’t want it to be overstyled — that’s not me!!
I don’t like overstyled either Caro, you’re so right. I still like fairly informal, just think about what I’m saying and tagging about it x
Really good points lovely! I tend to just post when I think about it but I think you’ve definitely got a point with the times at which you should post.
I have really noticed a difference with it! Thanks Mel
I have really noticed a difference with it! Thanks Mel
I’m not really into Instagram, I love FB for engagement and referrals but I’ll put your points into place and see if I get any improvements!!
I find Facebook hard work. I need to get better at it though!
Completely agree! I’ve started to watch when I post and my likes have doubled, such little things. Great tips. #twinklytuesday
That’s great Kaye – thanks for sharing
thanks..this is very helpful!
#twinklytuesday
I’m really glad 🙂
I have mine set to private but purely so I can see who is following and keep a bit of an eye on it. But Instagram can be great for traffic if used properly! I only really use mine as a back up for photos, maybe I should think about using it better….
good points. It can help you to grow your blog if you let it
I must say I find the photos sell themselves and the hashtags don’t make much difference #TwinklyTuesday
Your followers must be very engaged. I have to work a bit harder for engagement lol
I need to work harder on instagram. I took a step back this year and have been focussing on growing my following one platform at a time. Instagram is next on the list! Thanks for the tips. #twinklytuesday
Hope they’re useful Claire 🙂
Great tips, I think you’re right about the timing, now I think about it. I will try that one out for sure! Good idea about posting the hashtags in a comment – I had read that they have to be on the original post, but it sounds like that was incorrect! Thanks for sharing on #TwinklyTuesday xx
No, as long as they’re connected to the post in a comment they work! x
Great tips never really thought about timing but will in the future – thank you #TwinklyTuesday xx