Become an Insta-guru!

My iPhone has been glued to my hands since the moment I bought it, and admittedly, one of the first apps I downloaded was Instagram.

As far as i'm concerned, Instagram is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media applications! With a new online presence, and a growing number of corporate companies signing up, Instagram is proving itself to be worthy enough to be in the same leagues as Twitter and Facebook.

My interest in the app has only grown since I downloaded it. Also, since studying public relations and taking a social media class, my interest has turned into a goal (and slight obsession) to gain more likes and followers with each post, as I try to expand my social media presence. 

Over time while using the app, I have begun to notice certain tips and tricks that seem to help gain more popularity. I have also looked into statistics that helped me discover how to use the app as effectively as I can. Using these tips and tricks, I have been able to collect a total of 5,242 likes and gain 356 followers since purchasing my iPhone a few months ago.

By following these four ‘tips and tricks’ you will be able to use Instagram as effectively as possible!

1)  Post interesting and aesthetic photos! Users on Instagram are bombarded with different photos while browsing the social media app, so be sure your photo can at least keep up with others, or can stand out from the rest! What are your favourite kinds of photos to see on instagram?

              

                                    

                            fashion                                           food                                     outdoor scene

2)  Be sure to make your photo searchable by including relevant hashtags! Searching Instagram works by searching “hashtags,” which are words or phrases that relate to the posted photo. The following are some of the most searched hashtags on Instagram. What hashtags do you search most often?

3)  Engaging with others by leaving comments and liking their photos, will likely result in reciprocated activity.  Commenting on others’ photos and clicking the 'like' button shows that you are interested in what the user has to offer, which gives them a reason to check out your profile and photos in return.

4)  Post at the right time! Using an Instagram statistics website like statigr.am, can allow you to learn what times during which days your posts will get the most attention. With this information, you can upload photos at these peak times.