Tips for posting on Instagram in 2023

I think we can all agree that Instagram’s algorithm is a bit of a minefield. Content creators across the globe are pulling their hair out trying to find out the best way to get noticed on the platform.

Whilst there is still an element of mystery as to how to achieve this, there are a few, essential things we can do to stand out from the crowd and make your mark in the algorithm.

Check out some top tips below:

1.      Posting on Instagram regularly

To put it simply, the more you post, the more you grow.

It may seem like a lot of effort, but if you want your following to grow, posting regularly is a must.

If this seems unrealistic alongside your general workload, it might mean that you recruit extra help to come up with creative ideas or to create and manage your social media account – or both! Get in touch today [HS1] if this is the case!

2.      Post reels

Adam Mosseri, CEO of instagram announced last year that the algorithm will favour video content over static content. This is still the case. Users spend 20% of their time on Instagram viewing reels and they are a more effective way to reach an audience outside your current followers as 50% of Instagram users find reels through the explore page. Essentially, they are crucial for growth.

3.      Co-post with other creators

Collaborating with other creators is one of the most effective and easy ways to grow on the platform. This is because it will get your content pushed out to both audiences so it will help get you more followers and views. Collaborating with an account with a higher number of followers will help you grow even more. This could be a competition with a giveaway or a business partnership that you want to promote – get in touch for more ideas!

4.      Spend time engaging with others

Community management aka commenting, liking, sharing other people’s content is essential when it comes to Instagram growth. It’s called social media for a reason! The platform is doubling down on one-to-one interactions, so efforts to create conversation will help set you apart from competition.

This kind of interaction doesn’t take much effort but can make a world of difference. This could mean consistently responding with bespoke responses when someone comments on your post or sharing another creator’s content (and tagging their account!), on your stories.

5.      Post short, snappy, original content with long captions

In 2023, Instagram will favour shorter, more original content. So short, snappy, sometimes humorous videos are the way forward. Videos as little as 7 seconds is what the algorithm will be favouring. The average viral reel is around 10 seconds long. Long videos no longer do well on Instagram.

Whilst the video content should be short, the captions should be long! This is great for SEO, so it will help get your posts pushed out more! Crafting longer captions that bring value to your audience in order to retain and grow your following.

6.      Use on screen text

Adding text to your reels and writing up captions instantly makes them more engaging and informative. If you’re posting video content without any form of text, it is likely to lack purpose. Ideally use variety, mix up the text, colour and size to add interest. Bold colours with a shadow behind can help make the text more readable. If it’s a business account, it’s super important to add a clear CTA at the end, so your audience is spurred into action.

7.      Add an appropriate audio

A video is brought to life by music, so adding audio is essential! It’s a good idea to jump on Instagram’s trending audio, as this increase likelihood of the reel being favoured in the algorithm. Overlaying a short message relative to your niche over a trending sound, is one the most underrated ways to grow right now.

How to find trending audio:

–        Go to the reels explore page (the middle icon at the bottom of the screen)

–        Scroll through the reels until you notice the small diagonal arrow next to the audio in the left-hand corner

–        These are the trending audio clips!

8.      Include a CTA (call to action) in every post

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. A strong, clear CTA will persuade people to act and tell them what do, for example helping you drive more traffic to your website or blog! CTA’s can also be used as an effective way to engage with your audience.

CTA examples include:

–        Save this for later

–        Sign up via our website (link in bio)

–        Find out more via our website (link in bio)

–        Read more in the blog (link in bio)

–        Follow for more tips

–        Check out our highlight about [topic]

–        Share so others can learn too

9.      Amend cover photo.

The overall aesthetic of an Instagram profile is really important. So, when posting reels, it is crucial to use a nice cover photo so that when someone lands on your page they get a great first impression.

To set a cover photo simply click ‘edit cover’ then either slide along the bar at the bottom and choose a good shot or choose an appropriate photo from your camera roll. Once you’ve selected the image you want, click ‘profile grid’ at the top right hand corner and drag to edit it so it fits perfectly.

10.  Hashtags are a must!

If you want maximum views and engagement on your Instagram reels, hashtags are a must. Using them will increase the likelihood of being featured on the explore page and getting your content in front a wider audience.

My top hashtag tips:

–        The optimum number is around 10

–        Include a mix of popular (trending) and niche hashtags

–        Use hashtags specific to your reel

–        Change the hashtags up from time to time to reach a different audience

–        Make sure they are relevant to your business/content

11.  Make sure that you’re niched down

Long gone are the days when ‘lifestyle’ bloggers could post about everything from food and fitness to travel and animals, Instagram wants content creators to pick and lane and stay in it. This will help with both the quantity AND quality of your following.

12.  Pay attention to new, trending features and jump on them quickly!

Instagram will favour the new features they launch on the app. So, if you’re including them, there’s a much higher chance that your content will be pushed out to a wider audience. It’s also wise to utilise all the available features when posting on stories. Including stickers, tags, GIF’s etc when posting stories is beneficial for engagement and will be more likely to feature on explore page.

If this is all a bit of a minefield to you and you feel like some extra help to execute the above, I’d be delighted to help you! Get in contact today and I’ll help your audience grow!

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