How to nail Instagram #INSTAFAMOUS
After my last post I turned to my Instagram and asked my following what would they like to see on this blog. Most of them asked me questions about how I got to have the following I have , how I have so many likes, how I engage with companies or how I have partnerships with brands. I thought I could let you all know my secrets here!
I didn't know the steps to take in order to build my Instagram and social media accounts at first. I had to invest a lot of time and complete plenty of research to figure this out. So many classes, workshops and YouTube video after YouTube video. Every day there is a new video, a new trend and new person that thinks that they have cracked the code but it takes trial and error to get there. I researched and acquired a valuable skillset, to then produce the content that I’m proud of. I want to break things down for you, not just give you a ton of info but break it down so you can see results and we can all grow together.
I made this blogpost to be as informative as possible. Whether you need more specific help on a specific area or you’re just curious about social media and want to start, this post is for you.
With that said, I ask that you respect this content and accept that everything I am posting is all on my own experience. There may be minor mistakes as English is not my first language - so take it easy on me!
THE MORE YOU FOCUS ON ONE PLATFORM IN THE BEGINNING, THE FASTER YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GROW ON OTHER PLATFORMS.
*You may have noticed that I started my journey on Instagram about 5 years ago, only focusing on that platform. At the time of writing I have achieved 18k followers. I have now moved to building my blog as I can traffic content between the two platforms.
Let’s start with the basics to help build your social presence.
NAIL THESE IF YOU WANT TO BE INSTAFAMOUS:
1. Pick a niche (fashion, lifestyle, motivation, luxury pick the one you more passionate about) do not post a picture of your lunch, after a picture of your car followed by a picture of your dog. Be sure you keep up a theme so people know what your all about. Audience will follow you because they know wen they come back what they will find.
2. Be Consistent - If anything I would say that the more consistent you are the better and the faster you will grow. My advice is to post regularly but not to post every piece of content you have at once.
Spread your content, making sure you have something to post each day. If you’re posting every day or once a week, keep the content coming and build momentum.
3. Connect with your following, making a genuine connection with your followers. Your following are the ones supporting you and making you BIG, so interact with them. Make sure you reply to their comments, like their photos and keep them interested. Make sure you let them know that they matter. [SHOUT OUT TO MY FAMILY ON IG]
3. Don’t worry about what others think! - Your opinion is the only one that matters. You will not be surprised how many times people have made fun of me, either because I am taking a picture of myself or because they did not believe in me. You’re the one that has to be happy with the content that you put out there and if you believe you can make it you will work with all your heart on it.
Let’s talk photography.
Here are some tips to take YOUR INSTA FAMOUS PICS!
#1 Look at objects: the camera, the scenery, the buildings, the street, and everything else. DON’T look at people. Looking at others just enhances the “Are they looking at me feeling?” Looking at an object eases it and focuses your mind.
#2 Don’t Pose! MOVE! If you watch some models getting their photos taken they will typically move & move a lot. Sure, they have their “Moves” but they don’t just stand there and pose. Movement creates such a natural look in the viewer’s eyes and it’s what takes the picture from looking cheesy & staged to natural and glamorous!
#3 Try to take pictures with EMOTION involved. Whether it’s you running down a street, kissing your bf/gf, jumping for excitement, or laughing your face off. Seeing others with EMOTIONS evokes our own emotions. People connect on a personal level if they can feel what you’re feeling. Next time you take a picture and just kind of smile, try to laugh super hard at something and you’ll see what I mean!
HASHTAGFASHION
The last tip I wanted to give you is about the Fashion Niche. Whether you’re a girl or a guy, you have to understand that you don’t need an entire walk in closet full of clothes.
#1: ASK A FRIEND -if someone has a similar style, ask them if they want to borrow a couple of your pieces in exchange for some of theirs. Snap some killer shots - and the best part is FREE
#2: WINDOW SHOPPING - Go to your local boutique or your local mall. Spend a few hours trying on a crazy amount of cool outfits, and have a friend take pics of you in different parts of the store. People on Instagram don’t care if you own the clothes, they just want ideas, inspiration and WHERE TO BUY IT!
TAG the brands and you’ll be getting some sponsorships in no time.
#3: SALES / SELL - there are plenty of new websites and new clothing brands for boys and girls that have sales all the time and I’m sure you can find some great bargains. Or just sell your own old clothes - there are now plenty of apps that can help you with that. Get some extra cash and do it all over again.
Here’s some of my favs:
SHEIN / DISCOUNT CODE (DAVE15) and get 15%off
And that’s it - for now! These are the first steps to a great Instagram and more is coming your way very soon with all the ins and outs how to manage your account, how to use hashtags, and how to shoot and edit your own pictures. And of course, HOW TO GET FOLLOWERS.
I hope this helps you and if you want to help and support the BLOG go ahead and SHARE IT. Tag me on IG and I will share your page.
Stay truthful, stay YOU.