4 Major Mistakes All New Bloggers make on Instagram
Instagram. Are you using it in a way that promotes connection with your blog readers or are you posting out of the sheer need to check “post on Instagram” off your to-do list? Today, I’m talking about some of the biggest mistakes all new bloggers make on Instagram.
Mistake #1: You post anything and everything.
In short, you aren’t using the platform strategically.
There is a mindset switch that needs to happen when you start using Instagram for your business.
As a personal user, you can share literally anything because it’s a reflection of your likes, opinions and desires.
As a business user, however, you need to think about how you can best connect with your ideal avatar. This doesn’t mean you aren’t sharing and owning all the things that make you, you. It does mean that when you share and create you need to keep your people in mind.
How can you serve them? Is it something they would relate to or connect with? Is this something that would be useful for them? Would it inspire them?
When you start asking yourself these questions before you post, it gets much more strategic. And that’s a win in my book!
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Instagram Mistake #2: Your bio is all about you.
I get it. You create your account, dive into the settings and Instagram tells you to fill in a the little text box with something about yourself.
But that isn’t the first thing you need to fill into your bio.
Think of your profile like your front porch. You want it to be inviting, right? It’s a reflection of who you are and the people you want to connect with.
Your bio sets the expectation for what kind of content folks can expect to see from you.
So ask yourself this: What am I about? Who do I serve and how do I do it?
Once you have an idea of this, form it into a sentence. Then shorten it! Because you only get 150 characters in this section and you want to be able to add some personality and a call to action as well.
This simple change to your bio takes your account from confused newbie to strategic newcomer. The difference is small, but has huge impact.
Instagram Mistake #3: You’re relying on the link in your bio to do the heavy lifting.
The link in your bio is an easy place for you to push people to.
In my opinion? It’s a cop out. And you’re asking a lot of people when you tell them to head over to the link in your bio to read more.
People who are on Instagram are there to consume content, not leave the platform. So, when you take them out of scrolling through the feed, watching stories or IGTV, it’s an interruption to what they intended to do during this consumption time.
That’s not to say you should never ask people to click the link in your bio.
You definitely should!
The takeaway here is all about trying new kinds of content and calls-to-action.
Instagram is all about creating content that your people want to engage with on the platform.
Whether that’s in DMs or comments or stories is kind of up to your audience! But, if you never venture out “link-in-bio” territory, you may never find out that your audience, for example, loves to DM you!
Instagram Mistake #4: Your photos lack a human element.
When was the last time you fell in love with an Instagram account that didn’t have some kind of humanity behind it?
I’d be willing to bet that there are very few, if any!
Now, I understand that some people are very uncomfortable on camera. But when I say human element, I don’t mean that you’re posting selfie after selfie!
There are other ways to incorporate humanity into your feed. Some elements could be:
Hands
Your hands can create incredible things like pies, Christmas decorations for your home and your morning smoothie. You can hold your child’s hand and wipe their tears, throw a ball and hold flowers or a cup of coffee.
Your hands tell a story about your life.
Handwriting
Handwriting is such a personal form of communication. We all have different quirks in the way we write that communicates something special.
Maybe you have curly handwriting because your
Maybe you write in all caps because your first boss required it.
Or maybe you have a blended print and cursive writing style (like me!) because you just can’t seem to choose one.
Your handwriting is a reflection of where you’ve been.
Your kids
Whether or not you show your kids in your feed is an extremely personal decision. The right decision is the one that works for your family.
You might be uncomfortable on camera, but they might not be! And their little (or big!) personalities are perfect for sharing your story!
Feet
Your feet, your wheel chair, your walker or crutches are part of your journey in this world.
I hope, when you look down, you see a strong foundation and the story of where you’ve been.
And where you’re going.
Things you love
Flatlay style images are super popular on Instagram.
Did you know that you can take your own with just your iPhone?
When you take your own photos, you get to include anything and everything! The things you love, beautiful things, and even things that make you weird.
Instagram is such an incredible tool when it comes to building connection and finding the right people to connect with. And with a little know how and a hint of strategy, it can be one of your most valuable marketing tools.
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