I – Instagram to boost your posts. #AtoZ

Posted on by writershilpa

A to Z blogging Challenge.

Instagram-  The most valuable photo company sells no cameras!

Instagram addicts will know  the hypnotic effect it has over its users. The vivid and breathtakingly stunning pictures  you see on this social media platform are mesmerising, no doubt, but they also tell a story.  A reason why you can, and should, use it to boost your blog posts.

I created an Instagram account  to share my art work with other artists and was left dumbstruck at the art I saw on display.

Sharing pictures from my personal album was the next step. Back when I got onto the Instagram bandwagon, it was all new and I felt like Alice in Wonderland. But, slowly and steadily, I learnt about the kind of pictures one could upload, the filters that enhanced your pictures, and yes, the hashtags.

I remember there was a time I had no idea what a “tag” was, or what being tagged meant! Ah, but let me save that story for some other time.

On Instagram, you add hashtags to your pictures (as you all know by now) to boost your work.  Adding 30 hashtags to your posts on Instagram is a done thing. But, I find that number too big. I prefer 6-7, or at times, 10-12 hashtags to promote my post.

Since some time now, and after watching my blogging idol Shailaja Vishwanath, I have begun using Instagram to share my blog posts, too. Yes, that woman is a pro at blogging strategies and social media and knows well how to use which social media platform for promoting  blog posts. So, do follow her. She is a storehouse of knowledge, and has a large heart, too!

Using Instagram to boost posts helps. As also sharing pictures on an everyday basis so as to keep your followers clued in to your world.

A word of caution here. Do not let the number of Likes affect your peace of mind.

 

A few tips for newbie Instagram users:

Change your Instagram profile settings to ‘Public’. Your posts will receive that much more audience. Unless, of course, you want to keep it private.

Add your picture and your bio to your profile. You may use hashtags to inform who you are, or what your likes/passions are. For e.g. #food, #art, #books, #dogs….

Share a picture everyday. Experts recommend sharing two to three pictures on a daily basis, but then, you run the risk of getting addicted to Instagram and also to your phone!

Add  a brief description of the picture, although, on Instagram, your pictures should be able to tell the story. Keep the description short, else you could as well share it as a blog post!

Promote your posts with images created specially for Instagram.  Install the Canva app on your android phones. It makes it easy to create the perfect image and share it on any social media platform of your choice. 

Do remember to add the link to your posts, or a direct link to your  blog in your bio. That helps generate traffic for your blog!

So, happy clicking!

 

Love,

SHILPA…

April 2018 A to Z blogging Challenge

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge is all about my blog, Metanoia, and my blogging journey from the time  I started, 5 years ago. The lessons I learnt, the tips and tricks I picked up from fellow bloggers and the guidelines I could have used back when I began. 

You will find all of my A to Z posts here.

Published by writershilpa

Do you know the secret to living a happy life? Eat. Pray. Love. Or, watch what you eat, wish well for all and fill your heart with love! That's precisely what I try to do through my blogs: 'Metanoia', the wellness website, and 'The S Word', my blog for essays on life. Welcome to my virtual homes!

32 thoughts on “I – Instagram to boost your posts. #AtoZ”

    1. You ought to give it a try, Archana. Instagram can be addictive, no doubt, but at can also help you promote your blog, visit other bloggers and help you learn about how we can share our pictures and posts.

      Like

  5. Great tips here, Shilpa. While I use Instagram on a daily basis for my personal use, I’ve never tried much to promote my blog posts except for once or twice.

    Maybe I need to get back to it now. Thanks, Shilpa.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ve done this. The advantage is, if you have a Facebook Page, it lets to share your Instagram posts on the Facebook Page as well.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I had an Instagram profile with loads of followers. I used to post pics from our family trips. But I deleted my profile a year back for want of privacy. Same with my personal FB profile. Too much intrusion in personal space, I feel. I haven’t tried instagram for my blog. Not sure how it will too given my preference of genre. But it does seem to work wonders for loads of people. Heck it made Rupi Kaur.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I am late bloomer on Instagram. Started a few months ago with daily FMS posts and started blog promotion only this April. Let’s see how it works for the blog, but I love Instagram of all the social media platforms. I am in awe of the beautiful pictures that people share.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Me, too, Shilpa! This year, the FMS photo a day challenge taught me a lot, as is sharing posts via images from the blog. Although I know I am not supposed to be obsessed with the numbers, I wish I had more followers..and more Likes! Hehehehe!

      Like

  12. I wish I was more insta savy. Just don’t find the time between blogging sharing on other social media platforms to get on to insta regularly. Though I know it’s a great platform to boost ones posts.
    Maybe your post will inspire me now Shilpa. 😊

    Natasha
    natashamusing

    April Anecdotes
    Intimacy</a

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Love Instagram, but mainly to share photos. I am not yet convinced I should use it as a blog-sharing platform, except for an occasional one. Sigh. Addictive certainly. Especially the travel accounts.

    Good tips for those interested in using Instagram as a blog-sharing platform.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I had the same feeling when I started with instagram (almost still do) This is quite helpful post. I still find it very hard to keep posting regularly, even weekly. May be after az, I will try getting traffic from instagram! Best wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I have always used Instagram to boost my posts, but of late I have started using stories too, and in my case they do equally well. So I kind of alternate between sharing my posts on the feed or as stories. But girl can they be addictive!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. True Seema.
      And I have realised – rather I am realising – that giving too much attention to social media can ruin your peace of mind! I love spending time at Instagram. ..i was quite addicted to it.. But I am glad I got control over myself. Sharing twice a day and then switching off is the best thing to do…

      Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and spending time at Metanoia!
      I am honoured! 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

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