How to Create the Perfect Instagram Post

19 May How to Create the Perfect Instagram Post

Creating the perfect Instagram post means thinking about several different elements and combining them to get your message across. In this post we’ll go over what it takes to create the perfect Instagram post.

Constructing The Perfect Instagram Caption:

Before we get into images, lets talk about Instagram captions. Remember that your image or video will make someone stop scrolling, but your caption can help you reel them in. Captions allow you to add context, compliment your photo, and build stronger connections with your audience. They also help you build a voice for your brand, which is essential in attracting a community that cares about your business. Instagram allows for up to 2,200 characters, but will cut off your caption after the first few lines. Ideally you’ll want to make sure your first 3 lines will captivate your reader.

Think about what the goal or objective for your post is

To create the perfect Instagram caption for your perfect Instagram posts, start where we always do – the objective first. What do you want out of this post? Do you simply want to get information out there or are you looking for engagement? Figuring out what you want from the post will help you gauge its success.

Play with caption length

I’m always up for experimenting when it comes to social media. In general, it’s best to keep captions short, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least try a few longer captions. Sometimes a longer caption is needed to get your point across – so don’t be afraid to write more! Your audience may be into that.

Use Instagram As A Micro-blog

I’ve been seeing many accounts that are staring to use Instagram as a micro blog and I love it! These are long form posts are formatted to read like a blog post. Wether you already have a blog or not using a micro-blogging format for an Instagram caption may be a great way to:

Establish credibility within your industry and provide extra value to your followers: Micro blogging about current happenings within your industry can help position yourself as a thought leader within your field. Beyond current events you can micro blog to add more context to a recent post, express your position on specific topic, or just to share extra info or tips you may not want to sit and write a long post for.

Create Instagram specific content: Your micro blog posts can be content you only share on Instagram, which gives fans an extra reason to follow you on Instagram

Highlight your brand voice: A micro-blog post can help your express the tone and language of your brand. Your brand voice can help you attract your target audience.

What might you be able to micro-blog about on Instagram? Here are a few ideas:

• Behind the scenes: As always behind the scenes content is great because you give followers access to activities they have no access to otherwise.
• Tutorials and tips: Teach your audience a mini lesson, share a quick tip or walk them through a process step by step.
• Round Ups: Round ups can make great micro blogging content. Share the top content from your blog, highlight some of your favorite user generated content or under a related topic

P.S. Using Instagram slideshows for a micro-blog style post is a great way to show examples, get creative and emphasize your branding!

Encourage Engagement

Use your captions to muster up some engagement from your perfect Instagram post. Try asking your audience questions or have them tag friends in the comments. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t reply at first, keep asking!

Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way to gain visibility on Instagram. Be sure to include hashtags in or after your Instagram post. Instagram allows for 30 hashtags per post (this doesn’t mean you need to include 30 hashtags). Try to integrate some hashtags into your messaging and remember that you can add related hashtags as a comment under your post. Here are a few general tips:

Keep hashtags relevant to your brand, business, product or service: Using irrelevant hashtags just because they’re popular or trending will bring you a useless audience.

Create your own hashtags and use your branded hashtag on posts

Research and update your hashtags: First research your hashtags so you know what exactly is being posted under it and that it makes sense for your brand and post. Updating your hashtag list is important for several reasons. Hashtag popularity can change over time, you may find more relevant hashtags, or your current hashtag list may not relate at all with your photos. This is especially important now as Instagram has started to “shadow ban” accounts that use the same hashtags over and over or if you use any banned hashtags.

Tag

When appropriate don’t forget to tag people or brands in your photo. For example if you’ve created a graphic quote from an influencer go ahead and tag them in the post. This will notify the person that they’ve been included and can be a great way to get your content re-posted.

Choosing the perfect photos and videos for Instagram

There are several factors to consider when choosing or creating an image or video for your perfect Instagram post. You want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward to attract new fans and retain your current following with your videos and images.

• High quality image or video
• Make sure the image or video matches your Instagram theme
• Use images and videos that reflect the quality look and feel you’d like your followers to associate with your brand.

Remember that you only have a few seconds to capture your audience’s eye! Make them count.

Instagram Photo Sizes

Square: 1080px in width by 1080px in height.

Vertical: 1080px in width by 1350px in height.

Horizontal: 1080px in width by 566px in height. 

Instagram Video Specs

Instagram videos must be at least 3 seconds long

Instagram videos cannot be longer than 60 seconds long

Maximum width of 1080px – follow photo guidelines for height

Instagram is not as simple as just posting a picture. Creating the perfect Instagram post for your business takes time and thought. I hope this post can help you create better Instagram posts for your brand or business!

<3 DhariLo

P.S. I’ve created a checklist to help you make sure you’ve got all the elements for the perfect Instagram post. To download the list click the button below