Want to create shareable content? Content that compels people to comment, save, and engage? What works on Instagram is forever changing! So, what’s working now in 2020? That’s what we’re discussing in today’s episode.
If we think back to the early days of Instagram, we were all sharing super filtered iPhone photos with no captions. (Hello Valencia filter!) Stories, IGTV, and advertisements weren’t a thing, and the whole interface looked different. Instagram is an ever-evolving app, and as we all know what worked when it started in 2012 doesn’t work now. And, I’d even say things that created engagement in 2018 and 2019, won’t anymore.
In this short episode, you’ll learn 4 types of images that will stop the scroll and create engagement with your audience! If you’re stuck on what to share, consider this your guide!
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE NOW:
Search for episode 66!
As a little note before we dive in, this is all about Instagram for businesses and not about personal profiles. I don’t have a personal Instagram account, so my business is both for me! Because of that, I definitely share differently than someone who is just sharing with friends would. But, I’m talking about business accounts and specifically for personal brand businesses (coaches, photographers, graphic designers, etc.)
Remember that the value comes from the caption! But, we’re focusing on the imagery here. The image stops people from scrolling and will get them to read what you have to say. Check out How to get your audience to actually engage with you on Instagram for an episode specifically about captions! Now, about your images…
What is working on Instagram in 2020 PREVIEW:
1. Photos of YOU.
If you are nowhere to be found on your feed and you are the face of your company, then that is a problem. People want to know who’s doing the talking, especially when you’re a service business and they’ll be working with you directly. Or when you’re a content creator or product creator and they’ll be working with you virtually, like through a course.
I think sometimes people are scared to post themselves because they think it feels weird. It’s not! People think this way because they visualize the images all being of themselves just staring at the camera smiling. Wrong! That’s not what we’re going for here.
When you make the time and investment of a brand photoshoot, you’ll be set and ready to go with images you can use throughout your Instagram and your website! I highly recommend doing a shoot. You can learn my top tips for planning a photoshoot for your website and social media with How To Prepare For An Incredible Personal Brand Photoshoot and 10 Questions You’re Asking About Personal Brand Photo Shoots
People like to engage with people! You’ll likely find increased engagement with photos of YOU versus an image of say a stock photo, a generic quote, or even of your work.
2. Content that takes a stance and opinion, an unpopular one even.
If you're posting some boring generic quote, no one will want to share it. It’s the “WOAH I’m so understood by this” or “OMG I agree with this so much” type of content that really will convert.
Sharing a “Happy Friday” graphic that you could find on Pinterest, is not compelling but, a “3 Things You Can Do On Friday To Prep Your Business For The Weekend” graphic is compelling and shareable.
My most shared graphics on my feed have been stances that someone could disagree with or me standing against a common belief. Here are a couple of examples of some highly shared content pieces I’ve had:
None of those have my logo on it. A couple of them don’t even have my name or handle.
Looking for the other 2 types of engaging content and images?
Listen to the full episode to hear more on these types of engaging and sharable images AND the other 2 types of images and content you should be sharing on your Instagram! And come chat with me on Instagram!
Want more Instagram related podcast episodes? Be sure to listen to these past episodes next!
Episode 14: How to Use Instagram to Grow Your Business When You Have Fewer Than 1,000 Followers
Episode 15: How To Prepare For An Incredible Personal Brand Photoshoot
Episode 16: 10 Questions You’re Asking About Personal Brand Photo Shoots
Episode 40: How to Create Your Best Instagram Stories EVER
Episode 43: How to Get Your Audience to Actually Engage with You on Instagram
Episode 25: Stop Treating Your Business Like A Hobby: 5 Ways To Step Into The Business Owner Role
