I’ve been wanting to sit down with a serious crash course on How to Build on Instagram for awhile now. Two things kept me. . . 1. Life. Holy Smokes Batman, it has just been a ca-razy whirlwind lately! And 2. I’ve noticed SO much changing on Instagram lately. I was a little nervous in potentially giving outdated information. At this point,. . . shoot! I know someone needs this information yesterday! Therefore, let’s dig in shall we?!
Let’s start with some Hard Truths. I am NOT an overnight success. I’m not sure you can even call me a true success as I’m still growing and working the hustle like so many out there. It took me about 5 months to hit 10K Followers on Instagram. To some, that may seem slow and to others that may seem lightning speed. Love yourself where you’re at, be the best you are every step of the way. In NO way do I consider building anything the right way, “Easy”. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of consistency and a lot of trial and error. Although, I’m truly hoping that this may help a lot of you skip over the “Error” portions that I made. (Wink, wink).
Here We Go:
- Complete Your Bio. This is often the very first thing a brand or potential follower will look at. What do you have to offer? You only have a quick blurb to grab people’s attention. Be YOU. Be creative and be catchy.
- Connect With Your Friends. This sounds like a no-brainer, but there are so many people who forget this step. Start with the people you know and start to figure out your voice and niche. What’s a niche? It’s basically your specific spot in life where you fit in. . . Don’t worry, it’s not EVERYTHING that makes you in life. . . it’s more like one portion you really want to bring to the table. For example, my niche is Lifestyle, further broken down into Motherhood Unplugged. However, obviously I have a lot more that makes me who I am. It’s just a good place to get started in searching for your audience.
- Post Content Interesting to Your Audience. Now, this can be tricky and can often feel like a guessing game, especially in the beginning. However, the more you nail down your specific niche the easier it will be to truly envision your specific audience. Imagine speaking to one, very specific person. What does this person like? What do they hate? Keep in mind, you never want to lose your authenticity. Be sure you know what you want to bring to the table. Have those goals clear and engraved into your heart clearly.
- Be Consistent. Reminder: Success does NOT happen overnight. Success comes from consistently showing up time and time again even after getting knocked down. This isn’t for the faint of heart. All honesty on the table, there are days I want to throw my hands up to wave that little white flag. On days like these, go back to why you’re doing what you’re doing. Is it your little kiddos? Is it your family? Whatever IT is, keep it close and put your Sassy Pants on. Show up and share the beautiful You that is ONLY You.
- Use the Right Hashtags. I personally feel like I’m still trying to get the hang of this one! I’ll get it and then. . . it’ll change. Ha! 1. Use searchable term hashtags. Think of what your potential followers would be searching for. They have a “pain” and you have a solution. 2. Use Industry specific hashtags like #ootd. 3. Another good one is Location Specific hashtags. If something is local, definitely use the hashtag for that area. DON’T use the same # in every post unless it’s one specific to your business. (#classymamabear.)
- Support Like Minded Peeps. Tying it back to finding our Audience. . . “Find your Tribe and Love Them Hard”! Everyone needs support in this world. There will be haters – unfortunately, that’s a way of life and the bigger you get, the more creeps ya meet. My biggest advice in regards to the haters. . . know that they are there and just “keep on swimming”. Focus on the good, focus on your why, focus on your drive and focus on the peeps who DO support you. With that said, I found a few Mom Loops extremely helpful in getting me going. Not to mention, I have made life long friends this way and am so grateful for so many of these women! A few of my favs have been: @motherhoodloop, @empoweringmamaloop, and @successful_girl_gang. And do yourself a favor, don’t do the Follow to Unfollow stuff! Not only is it dirty business, but it’s also never going to help you gain friends.
- Do NOT buy followers or likes. Trust me! This idea will seem so sexy! You will get caught up with the Comparisonitis Bug and start wanting — No, NEEDING — more likes and followers. And you will be tempted to take the easy way out. STOP, don’t do it! First of all, anything that seems to be too good to be true, is probably a trap. Second, Instagram has wised up and is taking action to stop any third party apps from being used. If you’re caught, your account will be suspended or frozen, aka – Instagram Jail! And third, buying the likes and follows aren’t REAL. To have a successful long term business, you want to be authentic and create long lasting relationships.
- Socialize. Communication is key. It isn’t called Social Media for nothing. If you’re just showing up to post, you’re not doing it right. Like other people’s stuff, comment on their posts, get to know your audience and love on them! Karma is the real deal you guys. If you give the love, it will come back. It may seem to take its sweet time, but it will come.
- Bonus Tip: Keep in mind, it’s not all about the number of followers. Engagement is just as important.
I truly hope this is helpful to you! I know it’s definitely an incomplete list as there seems to be more I’m learning each and every day. If you have killer tips, I would love for you to share below. And if there is a particularly helpful tip you’re loving above, let me know! More to come! If you’re not already part of my Classy Mama Bear Fam, please be sure to subscribe and say hello! I would love to hear from you.
Have a beautiful week!!
XOXO,
Classy Mama Bear