I find that Instagram newbies may not exactly understand what's OK and not ok to do as a regular practice and may annoy their followers. These tips are my opinions and ideas to create a more pleasant experience for your followers.
1. DON'T CLOG THE FEED.
- This is the #1 complaint I have and hear from other Instagramers. If you want to post 10 photos from a party or social event do it on Facebook. Instagram is about simplicity. 1 photo at a time and I think 1-2 photos per day max is about the right number. (ex. 1 photo in the morning and 1 photo in the evening)
2. THINK PROFOUND.
- Instagram is not a status update (or a food blog). Think of your posts as more of an inspiring idea, a beautiful scene, an intriguing angle, a lovely portrait or interesting subject. Don't post for posting sake. Add value! Also consider, by some strange chance,(of course I'm probably totally wrong here) that your followers may not think your kid's every waking moment is quite as adorable as you may believe it to be 😉 THINK PROFOUND.
3. KEEP IT CLASSY.
- Post photos that inspire and uplift not bring people down. Oh and enough of the cleavage shots. This isn't myspace 😉
4. GIVE BACK.
- Zombies are annoying online (as well as in movies. Give back. In case you missed it, Instagram is not merely a photo hosting hub but a SOCIAL NETWORK. If people comment on your photo… respond back DANG IT! If they ask you a question try your best to answer it in a timely manner. Don't be a broadcaster. PARTICIPATE in the conversation. BE GENEROUS.
5. EASY ON THE DSLR PHOTOS… COWBOY.
- Let people know if you are posting photos that are not exactly #iphoneonly… I'm completely guilty of posting portfolio photos that I shot with my professional camera and editing in Photoshop from time to time. I used to get a lot of flack from people when I didn't specify. Cough cough my friend Jeremy Cowart ;)… I think it's ok to post those photos from time to time as long as you are not trying to mislead people. Give those photos a hashtag that lets people know you used a DSLR and or photoshop. You can use something like “#DSLR” or “#NOTIPHONE” etc.
Anything that I missed. Thoughts? Isn't Instagram awesome?
