A 5-Point Instagram Checklist for Creators (SAVE THIS)

Are you a blogger, business owner, or entrepreneur that uses Instagram? Chances are you use Instagram to promote your brand and grow your following. However, I’ve found that far too many accounts neglect the importance of posting the right content when growing their account.

It’s weird, right?

We share pictures of our products and expect the world to come rushing to our doors, but it does not always go that way. At least not without some basic knowledge.

Instagram is not like TikTok. There is no charm to the low-quality video or badly lip-synced sketch. Let’s face it, Instagram requires you to be a bit more polished. From high image resolution, to captions, to hashtags, there is more that goes into crafting engaging content.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or don’t have time to try the latest insta-gimmick, I have some pro tips for growing your account that won’t require too much of your valuable time.

Remember these five things before each and every post so your profile reflects the authentic brand that you want to portray online. Here’s what you need to start posting like an expert:

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1.) Keep Your Images Clear and Crisp

Every post you make gives the audience a glimpse into your brand and what you are all about. Make it count. Make sure your photos are not grainy. Use lighting in your videos to account for camera quality. Open the shades and grab some sunlight if you need it.

2.) Tag Your Location

Instagram’s search feature is getting better. Add a location to increase your exposure and profile views. Posts with a location receive more engagement than those without. This does not have to be your home address but give people a sense of where you are from or where your business operates.

3.) Use my Five-Point Caption Strategy

Captions fall into one of these categories: Personal, Educational, Passionate, Promotional, and Engaging. See my last article on writing effective captions for tips on what your captions should say 👉🏾5 Steps To Write Killer Instagram Captions (with Free Guide).

4.) Get Strategic With Your Hashtags

Should hashtags be in the caption or comments? Should I use 5 or 30?” Luckily for us, Instagram came out with a definitive answer. “Do keep the number of hashtags between 3–5.”

With a limited number of hashtags, you need to be more strategic. Focus on building awareness. Use the hashtags that fit your brand and reach a specific group of people. You want your post to rank top in your hashtags, not just get a lot of likes.

5.) Include a Call-to-Action

Begin and end your caption with a question to give the audience a reason to leave a comment or return later. Share a way to apply your message or a way to support you. Use a CTA to keep people engaged.

The bottom line is this: if you want to make your Instagram account successful for your brand, there are plenty of best practices to consider.

Pay attention to the info above and put these strategies into action before you share your next post on Instagram. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Not only will it increase the likelihood that others will engage with your content, but it also increases your chances of coming across as a trustworthy brand whose followers can depend on for relevant content within their niche.

Want to take this guide with you wherever you go? Follow @divadsanders for more Instagram strategies and brand-building insights.