Create the #perfectInstagramphoto
#perfectpost
Creating high quality content is the most important thing if you want to succeed on IG. I know this because I have seen a vast improvement in my engagement since I upgraded to my DSLr with a few new lenses.
I have captured your attention through quality images, and that’s exactly what your posts need to do. You need to capture the attention of your audience through the caption, through the photo/video itself or through its editing. It’s highly important that the content you put out there is of high quality, whether using your phone to shoot or if you use a camera or DSLR.
You have to start with what you have. I have experimented with both iPhone and Google Pixel, so don’t think you need to spend a lot of money to generate great content because I started with the cheapest tripod and the cheapest camera I could find. Now I have upgraded all my camera gear, mostly using the money from my collaborations to invest in that.
You might be surprised to know that some of my IG post have actually been taken on my iPhone. For example, the image below was taken on my iPhone 10:
Let’s talk light.
One thing you need to understand about great content is the importance of lighting. Believe me, it took me a while to understand. It does not matter if you’re taking photos of food or if you’re taking photos of your OOTDS, one thing I can tell you is that natural light makes such a difference. It really can be make or break. If shooting indoors I recommend a ring light. Nowadays you can find them so cheap and I’m sure you will fall in love with the content you can create with them.
Don’t underestimate the importance of experimenting and research. I only know more because I took the time to research products and techniques. I took a lesson online and took so many pictures that I know most of the settings for my camera by heart. And when my camera isn’t available, I just use my iPhone.
If you need some basics on camera usage and Iphone photography check these videos that have helped me out:
It’s better to be prepared.
Preparation is key to producing a greater volume of content. I always make sure all of my batteries are charged and make sure I have enough memory cards. I also make sure the outfits or items are prepared the night before a big shoot. The most important of all is to HAVE YOUR INSPIRATION PICS READY (I use INSTAGRAM, Pinterest Or Tumbler to inspire my shoots). I recommend saving them on your phone so you have them at hand as you look to find your own locations to shoot.
If you go into a shoot with some idea of what you want and the poses or the angles you want, you can shoot faster. You may be able to generate enough content for 7 or 8 posts in just a couple of hours with a little inspiration and preparation behind you.
Another thing is to check your pictures in between shooting different poses. It is far better to check and edit your poses on location rather than getting home to find you could have made simple alterations to improve your shoot. Make sure you check your photos as you go; there is nothing worse than checking your photos and realising later that you had something in frame that you did no want. Even simply changing photo quality from RAW very crisp to LOW JPEG by mistake between shots can ruin your content - so check!
Give them what they want.
Is proven that pictures with people in them have more likes than objects. I myself have learnt that doing product lay outs alone does not work on my page. But I only realised this through trial and error. Now I know that I need to post a series of pictures if I want to include a product lay out, which leads first with an image of me modelling the products on show.
All this is to say see what your following like and repeat it. If you like someone’s style you will keep on keeping a eye out for what they wear. The principle is the same for your followers with you.
BONUS TIP
What NOW?
You now have a good quality post and a great feed so why aren’t people liking and following you? People don’t do things if they are not told to do. A call to action is what you need.
Ex. (If you would wear this give it a like.)
Ex. (If you want to see more like it and follow for more .)
Make sure you connect with your audience. Make sure you talk to them if you want them to connect with you. Use a description that engages your followers and do not be afraid to show a little personality. People like people, not robots!
POst AD
This is the same for your IGstories. You should have your advert for your post ready to share on IGstories as soon as you post a picture/video with your followers straight away. the IG algorithm is changing constantly and your followers will not see your post on their feed for hours unless they see a link via your story.
Go Business
Have you done all of the above but you are still not seeing success? Well, have you seen your optimum time for posting?
One of Instagram’s best business features, Insights is the app’s built-in analytics tool that provides detailed information on who your followers are, when they’re online, and more. You can also see Insights for specific Instagram posts and Stories to see how they performed and how people are engaging with them.
Use this to your own advantage so you know exactly when to post and when it is more probably that your engagement will be higher.
1st HOUR
As the algorithm is always changing, this information will too. The first hour after you post is live is the most crucial. So make sure you have the most engagement as possible. Make sure your friends like, comment and save that photo and for sure make sure you reply to their comments. This tells Instagram your are active and will share it to more people. This will make sure your post ranks on the hashtags and that will bring you to the Home feed. This is what makes thousands of people see your post and makes you go viral .
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.