InstagramTips, Tricks, & Best Practices

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ContentsIntroductionHow It WorksKey SettingsBest PracticesAdditional AppsAnalytics

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IntroductionOver the years Instagram has risen in prominence in the social media world. 32% of internet users are on Instagram, that’s more than Twitter, and its popularity continues to rise*. With the introduction of Instagram Stories, and Instagram Live in the later half of 2016, Instagram has consistently proven itself to be a marketing essential.

*Social Media Update 2016, Pew Research Center 11/11/16

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How It WorksPart 1: PostingInstagram’s primary purpose is for posting photos or videos. Using either your own camera app, or the built in Instagram camera, you can take photos or record a video up to a minute long. Choose the size and filter, adjust the edit applications, add a caption, and you’re good to go!

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How It WorksPart 2: Instagram Stories (Instastories)

Introduced in August 2016, Instagram Stories is a feature that lets you share all the moments of your day through pictures or 10 second videos that disappear after 24 hours. Just swipe right to open your camera, shoot, draw or type, and post!

*Images via Instagram

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How It WorksPart 2: Instagram Stories (Instastories) - Tagging

• Just like tagging a photo, you’re able to tag accounts on Instagram Stories. Simply type @ and the person’s handle to tag them.

• Verified accounts can now add links to their stories, making it seamless to redirect Instagram followers to products

• Read more about stories and linking on The Daily Rind

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How It WorksPart 3: Instagram LiveThe newest feature to Instagram, Instagram Live, allows you to connect with your followers in real time. To go live just swipe right to open your camera and tap the “Start Live Video” button. You can go live for up to an hour, and once you finish the live story disappears from the app.

*Images via Instagram

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Key SettingsProfile

Decide whether to be a regular or business account, and be sure to fill in all profile information. There are sections for name display, bio information, and website. The website field is the only place on Instagram that allows a functioning hyperlink for unverified accounts. Don’t leave this field blank.

*Image via @musicpronoun

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Key SettingsOptions

In Options you are able to link to multiple social media accounts through “Linked Accounts”. When linking to Facebook you’ll link to your personal account, and from there you can choose to switch to your fan page.

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Best Practices Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some tips to make your Instagram really shine!

*Images via @dietcigmusic

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Best PracticesTypes of Content

• While Instagram can be used to post promotional photos and videos from press materials to clips of official music videos, this content doesn’t always make for the best fan experience.

• Aim for at least 70% authentic, non promotional photo and video posts. Fans get excited by candid insight into the lives of their favorite artists.

*Image via @jessicahernandezthedeltas

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Best PracticesQuality Check• Be sure to take well composed, well lit photos that catch

the viewer’s attention• Consider adding a theme to your photos through color

and filter choice to catch the viewer’s eye and distinguish yourself in their feed

• Try different angled photos to vary up your gallery

*images via @TheRyanWhitman

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Best PracticesSocial Sharing

• It’s best practice to upload photo and video natively to each social platform• Though at times sharing content from your

Instagram to Facebook and/or Tumblr can be a great way to cross promote your platforms.

• Both services have great Instagram integrations, and by sharing may let your fans know where to find you.

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Best PracticesHashtags

• Posts using features like location tagging and hashtags tend to over-index in engagement

• Hashtags help users from different communities find content they’d be interested in

• Try expanding your community with some of these:• #TBT (Throwback Thursday): An Older Photo• #OOTD (Outfit of the Day): Fashion• #justgoshoot: Great for any high quality shot• #way2ill: Great for any high quality shot

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Best PracticesLocation

Tagging your location on posts adds them to the feed for that spot, boosting discovery and reach. Try including venues for tour promo in advance.

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Best PracticesTagging on Photos

• Tagging accounts on photos will add your photo to their tagged section. This is great for expanding your reach.

• Tagging accounts in your captions and comments will just notify the person you tagged. This should always be done when responding to comments

*Image via @kinagrannis

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Additional AppsApps Created by Instagram

Instagram also has created its own photo tool apps to help you create great content:

• Hyperlapse: Create your own time-lapse videos• Boomerang: Make gif-like video posts• Layout: Create photo collages and comparisons

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Additional AppsLater (Formerly Latergramme)

Not in the Instagram family, Later is an external app that allows you to plan, schedule, and publish your content to Instagram. It’s a great app for when you’re on the go, or want to work on gallery theme.

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Additional AppsRepost for Instagram

Repost, another external app, lets you share content from other galleries while still giving credit to the original photographer. This app is a nice way to give fans or partners a shout out on your feed.

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AnalyticsMeasuring Success

Instagram has introduced analytic tools (Insights as they call them) for their business accounts. If you want to remain a personal account, there are analytic tools out there that let you analyze and track your audience, such as:

• Iconosquare• Instareport• Instatrack

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AnalyticsInstagram Insights for Business Accounts

Currently Insights provides Instagram business accounts with the following:• Follower Demographic

Analytics• Follower Location• Gender and Age• Follower Activity: when

your audience is active• Your Top Posts

*Image via Later

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