When you think of Instagram, you probably think of pretty pictures, models posing with free products, and jealousy-inducing vacation views.
While that may be what you ultimately see, there’s a lot more going on “behind the screen” to ensure that that that content makes it to your feed. And Instagram pros know all the tricks.
But for brands that are making the leap and trying to get themselves “Instagram ready,” it can be difficult to navigate everything that is possible with this ever-growing platform.
Beyond the act of snapping a photo and sharing it in your feed, what else is there to do…really? Is there anything else you can do to make a greater impact with your content? Are there ways to reach a wider audience, tell a better story, and make your brand a magnet for those double taps?
The answer is yes, yes, yes, and…yes!
The truth is, most brands are just scratching the surface when it comes to Instagram.
But there are a myriad of tips, tricks, and functions that you can start using right now to take you Instagram game to a whole new level.
We‘re not talking “posting times” or “posting frequency” – there are plenty of lists on the internet for that. We’re talking powerful, useful, actionable, and practical tactics you can use (starting right now) to help push your content further and build a better brand story.
Now, grab your phone, get your thumbs ready for a light workout, and follow along.
#1 Beyond Posting: Reposting!
Reposting is (almost) exactly what it sounds like. However, we are not talking about posting your own content over and over. (#Boring)
On most other social platforms, if you see a photo or video you like, you can just hit the share button and post it to your feed, but Instagram is a bit different. And if you didn’t know this hack until now, you’ve probably been missing out on some epic reposting opportunities.
Using this little trick will let you repost another user’s content (that your audience might also like) right to your feed.
What You Need:
- One reposting app (we are using the “Repost for Instagram” app)
- One Instagram account
- Two thumbs (or if you’re preferable to the slightly-slower-but-always-charming Index style, you know what to do)
After you download the Repost For Instagram app, launch the app, quickly swipe though the walkthrough screens (we’ve done all the trial and error for you)) and accept the terms of the app, close it up and head over to Instagram.
- Open Instagram and find a post you want to share on your account.
- Click the three dots on the top right on the post and select “Copy Link”.
- Go back to your phone’s home screen and open the “Repost for Instagram” app.
- You should see the link you just copied waiting for you.
- Tap the link preview and you will be taken to the “Repost” screen.
- Click the repost button on the bottom left then click “ok” on the prompt screen.
- Now you are back in Instagram, you will see the post you are “reposting” ready to go.
- Click the arrow on the top left and then click
- Write a caption for your post and share it with the world!
- Admire your recent achievements – you did it on the first try (well, we hope—if our directions were good enough)
This many sound a bit daunting at first but trust us – after you do this a few times, the process will become second nature—and it’s worth your time for more than one reason.
- Sometimes you see a fantastic piece of content that you just know your audience would love, and reposting is a quick way to share it and add your two cents to the post.
- This is also a great way to still share content even if you are tapped out of ideas that day. (It happens to us all. #Burnout.)
- *Added bonus: Tag the person who originally posted the content in hopes that they like your post in return. Perhaps they’ll even start following you as a “thank you” for sharing their post and helping them spread their message even farther.
#2 Sharing Stories & Using Highlights
In case you haven’t heard, “Stories” on Instagram is giving people life right now. And if you use this feature correctly, it should do the same for your brand.
Not only has Instagram stories amassed over 500 million users (as of January 2019) but the organic reach of stories is nearly 6% –which may not sound like much but it is far greater than the standard organic reach on platform like.Facebook. Why? Stories are timelier, only last 24 hours, and the often-unpolished nature of Stories makes them feel more real and authentic. Your followers and fans are able to experience the moment, in real-time (or close to it), with you.
But there are more ways to leverage Stories on Instagram than just by posting your own – you can share others’ posts as Stories and put your best work into “highlights.”
Sharing Content as Stories
As in our previous example, sharing content is a great way to show that you are active. The great news here is you don’t need another app. You can do this right from your Instagram feed. Break out your phone, here we go.
- Open Instagram and find a post that you would like to share.
- Use the “share” or “send” icon just below the image you want to share (it looks like a paper airplane).
- Tap the icon and then tap the option to “Add post to your story” at the top of your share list.
- Add your personalization flair (tags, text, emojis, etc.)
- When you are done press the “Your Story” button on the bottom left of your screen.
- You’re done! Easy, right?
Using Highlights
You know that feeling when you post a Story that’s so good—you can’t bear the thought of it disappearing—and wish there was some way to feature it forever (or at least until next Tuesday)? Well “Highlights” makes this dream come true.
- From your Instagram profile screen, just below your profile information, you will see a section called Story Highlights.
- Anything you put in your highlights will remain in your profile for your audience to see.
- Click the + button that says “New”
- Scroll through and find a past story you want to add to your bio
- Give your highlight a title and click “done.”
- Viola!
Tagging & Geo-Tagging
Many users don’t know that Instagram is not just looking at what you are posting but also the people and places you’re tagging in them. Why? Well, for one example, Instagram actually has the ability to show users the most popular posts near their location. So, adding these tags to your posts can help push them out to a wider audience. Let’s try it out, starting with a brand new post.
Location Tagging Your Posts
- Open Instagram and pick an image to post
- Click Next
- Add any filters and click next
- Add your caption and hashtags
- Under the “Write a Caption” section you will see “Add Location”
- Select a location provided or…
- Tap the “Add Location” text and type in your location, business name
- (or where you wish you were. Yeah, you can do that too)
- Click share in the upper right-hand corner.
- You’re done, finished, you win – time for a snack.
Tagging People – Share the Love!
- Follow (at least) steps 1-4 from above
- Under the location you will see “Tag People” click this
- Your post will be shown to you again
- Tap anyone on the image you want to tag
- Instagram will ask you “Who is this?”
- Start typing the name or “handle” of who you are tagging (John S or @johns)
- Note: if you are following this account their name will populate. If not, just enter the name and press your search button on the keypad.
- When you find who you want to tag, click their profile.
- Click the checkmark on the top right of the post.
- Success – you have added a tag.
- Post away!
If you have not been tagging your posts, now is the time to start. However, if you want to go back to any of your posts and add tags for people or locations – no problem. Just click those hand tree dots on the top right of your post and you can edit and tag to your heart’s content!
There are plenty of additional tips we will cover in future posts-from hacking hashtags to engaging and DM’ing – but this should be enough to get you rolling on Instagram. If there is a specific hack, you want to know about or your brand needs some help reaching its best audience – send us and email and we will connect you with one of our social media experts. You can also call us directly at 877-866-6699 and don’t forget to follow us, tag us, and DM (direct message) us on Instagram – @National_Positions !