Introduction
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world today, with over 1 billion active monthly users. With its combination of images and videos, it’s a great way to share your story, promote your brand, and reach new followers. But getting started on the platform can be intimidating. If you’re looking to create an Instagram account but don’t know where to begin, this article will provide you with some tips and best practices for setting up your account and building your brand.
Choose a Username and Create an Account
The first step in starting an Instagram account is to choose a username. According to a survey conducted by Hootsuite, 63% of respondents said they would not follow an account if they didn’t like the username. Therefore, it’s important to pick a username that reflects your brand, is easy to remember, and is available. You can check whether a username is available by searching for it directly on Instagram or using third-party sites such as Namecheckr.
Once you’ve chosen your username, you can create your account. To do this, open the Instagram app on your phone and tap “Sign Up.” You’ll then be prompted to enter your name, email address, and password. Once you’ve entered this information, click “Sign Up” and your account will be created.
Complete Your Profile Information
Now that you’ve created your account, it’s time to fill out your profile information. The more information you include, the easier it will be for potential followers to find you. To update your profile, go to your profile page and tap the edit button. Here, you can enter your name, website, bio, and phone number. It’s also important to upload a profile picture so people can easily recognize you.
In addition to your profile picture, you should also include a bio. According to research from Sprout Social, profiles with bios get 23% more engagement than those without. When writing your bio, keep it concise and use relevant keywords to help people find your account. You can also include links to your website or other social media accounts in your bio.
Upload Quality Photos
The next step in starting an Instagram account is to upload quality photos. To make sure your photos look professional, consider hiring a photographer or using stock photography. You can also use free photo editing apps such as Adobe Photoshop Express or Pixlr to make your photos look their best before uploading them.
In addition to using quality photos, you should also utilize Instagram filters. Filters are a great way to enhance your photos and give them a unique look. Experiment with different filters to find the ones that work best for your photos.
Utilize Hashtags to Reach New Followers
Hashtags are an important part of growing your Instagram account. Research from Later found that posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement than posts without any hashtags. To find the most popular hashtags for your niche, use the search bar on Instagram or third-party sites such as Hashtagify.
When using hashtags, it’s important to use relevant ones. While popular hashtags may get you more views, they won’t necessarily get you more followers. Instead, focus on hashtags that are specific to your niche and that your target audience is likely to be searching for.
Connect with Friends, Family, and Other Influencers
Once you’ve set up your profile and started posting, it’s time to connect with your friends, family, and other influencers. Start by following people you know and asking them to follow you back. You can also find relevant influencers in your niche and follow them. This will help you gain visibility and attract more followers.
It’s also important to engage with the accounts you follow. Like and comment on their posts and respond to comments on your own posts. This will help you build relationships and show your followers that you appreciate their support.
Use Instagram Stories to Promote Your Brand
Instagram stories are a great way to promote your brand and reach new followers. Use stories to share interesting content, behind-the-scenes footage, announcements, and more. You can also use Instagram story ads to reach a wider audience.
To create a story ad, go to your profile page and tap the “+” icon. Select “Create Story Ads” and follow the prompts to design your ad. Once you’ve designed your ad, select your target audience and budget and you’re ready to go.
Conclusion
Starting an Instagram account is a great way to share your story, promote your brand, and reach new followers. To get started, choose a username, create an account, complete your profile information, upload quality photos, utilize hashtags, connect with friends, family, and other influencers, engage with your audience, and use Instagram stories. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful Instagram account.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)