Hey Insta-preneurs! 👋

Ready to turn your Instagram game from “meh” to “holy Insta this is beautiful!”? Well, grab your virtual popcorn because we’re about to spill the tea on how to conquer the ‘Gram with style.

I went from traveling the world on a budget to finding ways to travel for free, to now getting paid to travel. It’s not always as simple and easy as people on social media make it seem, but with dedication and hard work, you can make somethin’ happen. It all comes down to consistency and good content. Ok, let’s rewind and change good content to f*cking amazing content. The thing is, almost everything has been done before so we have to think outside of the box when it comes to storytelling. 

One of the most common issues I have noticed online with clients is imposter syndrome. Truth is, online there’s a lot of the blind leading the blind. Sometimes I wonder if anyone really knows what they’re doing… With that being said, what works for us, has worked for us, but may not necessarily work for you! Every business is different and unique, and our goal is to help inspire you to share your message and brand the best and most unique way possible for your targeted audience.

If you’re just starting off and trying to pave your own way, here are a few steps to get your foot forward before finding a brand strategist to help guide the way:

1. Profile Perfection: Your Instagram Persona

First things first, let’s talk profile. Your Insta identity is like your business card in the digital realm, so let’s make it pop! Choose a profile picture that screams “I’m fabulous, and I mean business!” Whether it’s your dazzling smile or a killer logo, keep it fresh.

Crafting a bio is your chance to shine. Spice it up, add a dash of personality, and tell the world why they need your brand awesomeness in their feed. The bio is your elevator pitch, but with emojis, please! Show off your personality, add some flair, and let the world know why they desperately need you in their Insta feed.

2. Post Like a Pro: Content is KEY

Now, onto the main act – your posts! Instagram is a visual playground, so get those creative juices flowing. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, a day in the life, showcase your products, share the people who work with your brand and flaunt your expertise. People want to resonate and connect! Humanize your brand. And hey, don’t forget the power of reels and stories – they’re like the secret sauce to keeping things spicy.

Also, don’t forget…. ENGAGE with your audience. Reply to your comments and messages, ask questions in your captions, and start conversations. Trust me, the Instagram algorithm loves a chatty Cathy, but most important, people want to feel engaged and heard.

3. Hashtag High: Be the Hashtag Queen/King

Hashtags are the magic beans that can make your content sprout. Create a mix of popular and niche hashtags related to your business. Choose 5-10 hashtags and if you find it time consuming, then write them down in your notes and save them for when you post. It’s like throwing confetti on your content, but in a cooler, digital way!

Remember that it’s like leaving your mark on the Insta world, and who wouldn’t want that kind of power? 

4. Collaborate and Conquer: Networking 101

Instagram is like a digital cocktail party, and you’re the fabulous guest of honour. Collaborate with fellow Insta-stars, shoutout to your biz buddies, and cross-promote like there’s no tomorrow. It’s not just about followers; it’s about building a community that cheers you on like you’re the Beyoncé of Instagram.

I find it entertaining when I see people following 0 people. Unless you’re Taylor Swift, follow back people who have similar values and visions as you. It’s a community you want to build, and it takes a village.

5. Analytics: The Sherlock Holmes of Instagram

Time to put on your detective hat! Dive into Instagram insights and discover the mysteries of your audience. Know when they’re most active, what content they love, and tailor your posts accordingly. It’s like having a crystal ball for Instagram success. There are apps you can use to see when your page and audience is most active. Research is key when creating your dream Instagram.

I always say to my clients, “Find three to five accounts you love. Write down why they inspire you, research their content and see how these accounts can help guide you. It always helps to find accounts that inspire us. They’re like our online mentors in a way.”

6. Lights, Camera, Action!

Don’t shy away from the big screen – embrace creating reels! Reels are pretty much videos! You don’t need to be a visual journalist like me to make these videos. Apps like Splice, CapCut, and Mojo can help you when creating videos. Heck, you can even use templates now on Instagram where all you have to do is drag and drop videos and photos from your personal library! it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Whether it’s tutorials, product demos, or a day in the life of your business, Instagram reels are your chance to showcase the real you. Lights, camera, and let the Instagram Oscars begin!

7. Insta-Cheerleaders

Remember, behind every follower is a real person – not just a number. Engage with your audience, celebrate their wins, and make them feel like the VIPs they are, after all, they’re your Insta-cheerleaders.

8. Highlight Covers

Don’t forget to design your highlight covers. Have fun with them and use your brand colours. If you’re not sure what your highlight covers are, they’re your stories that expire within 24 hours but they’re preserved in a time capsule. It’s basically a way to have a place where people can look back at some of the most important memories. 

You want to share your stories with your audience so have at least five highlight covers so that your page looks more complete and don’t fret, you can always go back and change them later on.

9. Post, Post and Post

Stories, reels, and posts – it’s like a buffet, and you’re the head chef. Mix it up, keep it spicy, and remember, variety is the spice of Instagram life! Don’t forget to post stories. People want to know what a day in the life is like. There’s a reason why people follow you, keep them engaged by posting. 

10. Forget the Instagram Rules

Time to hit the content catwalk! Everyone has a different formula so it’s important to also do what feels right for you. It’s your blank canvas. Your carte blanche. Instagram is a visual playground, so serve looks that could make even the Mona Lisa jealous 😉 Whether you’re showcasing your business journey, flaunting products, or just being your fabulous self, let the creativity flow and stay true to you.

The old me would say, “only post beautiful content and professional photos,” but as the years go on, I’ve learned from my mistakes. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you. Play around with your content and try to not obsess too much on perfection because that will most likely hold you back from sharing your content as it did for me in the past.

There you have it, Insta-champs! Time to unleash your Insta-magic and watch the digital fireworks. Cheers to fabulous feeds, captivating content, and a sprinkle of Instagram glitter on your unique journey! Instagram is like a digital dance floor, and you’re the star performer! You’ll just have to figure out what kind of dancer you are first. Just remember, some of the best dancers are the ones on the dance floor who simply don’t give a sh*t. Some times it takes being vulnerable for people to connect. Be YOU and you can’t ever go wrong with that.