That’s the number of photos and videos shared daily among 1 billion active Instagram users.
While the data looks promising in terms of the sheer amount of audience that could potentially see your content, on the other hand, competition is overwhelming at best.
But let’s not get too pessimistic. There are still accounts crushing it with their Instagram content, and soon, you too will learn a trick or two on how to achieve this against all odds.
Join us as we explore some of the best content tricks and practices suggested by the likes of flock social and other reputable Instagram growth experts.
Create a unique experience
Whether you’re a brand, an influencer, or an agency looking for ways to improve your Instagram metrics with content, you have to completely shift your mindset. This means going from the product-first to experience-first content.
Let’s be honest, the audiences are there mostly for the entertainment, and it takes a lot to make them stop scrolling and engage with your content. The product post won’t cut it.
On the other hand, a call to get immersed into a whole new experience most certainly will.
To achieve the experience like feel to your content, think of the lifestyle, the challenges, or the pain points associated with your products or services. And deliver more of that. This could be anything from posting relatable parent memes if you’re selling products for little ones to ridiculously entertaining adventure shots if you are selling photography equipment.
Evoke emotions
Positive ones, of course.
Building upon the previous tip, to really lure your target audiences in, your content has to speak to them. Meaning – you have to appeal to their emotion.
Now, to actually pull this off without the risk of going sappy or cheezy, first, you need to get to know your ideal audience. The harsh truth is – you’re not everyone’s cup of tea. And that’s fine, as long as you know how to press those buttons with the people you want to see engaging with your content.
Even if you’re a business, well, especially if you’re a business, you have to show your brand’s humane side. Spotlight the charities you’ve been supporting in a special edition of your Instagram Stories Highlights, for example. Or, show the children, pets, or elders who have benefited from your business somehow.
Who wouldn’t want to join the community that prioritizes something more than just profit?
Keep the creative spark
This one is easier said than done, for sure.
However, it’s a must if you want to grab the elusive attention of the modern-day audience.
You’ve seen this many times when a lesser-known brand hits that sweet content spot and gets their post to go viral. Those holy grail Instagram moments don’t happen by chance entirely. A lot of brainstorming and trial and error takes place to build that creative muscle.
Encourage your creative team to look for ideas everywhere and organize a weekly brainstorming session.
Also, try collaborating with young talent in your industry, as they most often can provide that much-needed fresh, hip perspective that can take your content to the next level.
Let the games begin
Finally, for the super-effective engagement boost, throw a fun contest in the mix here and there.
Instead of the traditional giveaway, go for the cool caption contest. Post a funny or super-relatable photo featuring your brand, and ask your audience to leave their caption ideas in the comments.
Make it a time-limited session to get them to act fast.
Most importantly – offer a really valuable prize for the winners to entice more people to take part.
