Ideas for Consistent and Captivating Content for Instagram
Instagram’s visually driven platform requires a different content approach than text-heavy sites like Facebook and Twitter. And with over 2.35 billion monthly active users, standing out is extremely challenging. But crafting consistent, stellar Instagram feed and story content engages your audience and grows your account.
Image by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash
Let’s explore creative practices to build an effective, steady content plan tailored just for Instagram.
Why Consistent Content Matters on Instagram
When users visit your profile, they see your grid first. A cohesive, consistent feed of engaging images and videos makes a strong impression and motivates users to hit “Follow.”
Posting excellent content on a schedule can train your audience to expect new posts at certain times. This builds eager anticipation and incentivizes followers to check in and interact regularly.
Consistency also keeps your brand top of mind. Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts sticking to a steady posting rhythm. Maintain reliability to reach more current and attract new followers.
Image by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
How Often You Should Post on Instagram
So how often should you actually post? While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, a strong point is once per day—once you hit stride.
The key is finding a flow that works for your brand long-term. Avoid “batch posting” – scheduling a bunch of posts at once, then going quiet. This baffles the algorithm.
A daily post lets you stay on your mind without overwhelming your fans. You can always start with 3-4 times per week and work up to daily as you build momentum. All-in-all, the more comfortable you get with the process, the more you’ll be able to create for your followers.
The best times to post are usually:
- Early mornings around 9 am ET
- Lunchtime between 11 am – 1 pm ET
- After work hours between 5 pm – 6 pm ET
Pay attention to when your followers are most active and engaging with your content. Then optimize your schedule around those peak times.
How to Think About Instagram Content
With a posting schedule in place, it’s time to map out a content plan tailored to Instagram’s one-of-a-kind format.
Here are some top practices:
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Create the Best Photos in Your Niche
Instagram is a visual platform, so capitalize on that. Display your products, services, or causes through striking photos and videos. Get imaginative with graphics, animations, and quality video content.
Yes, this means investing in proper equipment and software. Training, even if you don’t know about basic photography or videography for social media, is definitely something to consider.
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Make Use of Instagram Stories
In addition to your main feed, leverage Instagram Stories to share timely content that’s happening in the now. Stories allow more casual, in-the-moment content that can enhance your brand’s personality. Behind-the-scenes content does well as Instagram Stories.
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Go Live on Instagram
Broadcast live streams centered around your products, events, AMAs (ask me anything) with executives or interesting people, Q&As, tutorials, and more.
Live video creates excitement and gives followers an incentive to tune in at specific times.
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Partner with Influencers in Your Niche
Collaborate with influencers in your niche to reach new audiences and get expert endorsements. Negotiate sponsored posts, takeovers, or giveaways aligned with your brand.
The real goal is to find other people your followers are interested in and create synergies between your accounts and theirs.
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Promote User-Generated Content
Reshare great photos, videos, and stories that your followers tag you in. This shows you’re listening and makes users feel involved. Just be sure to ask for permission first.
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Share Relevant Quotes and Statistics
Sprinkle motivational or inspiring quotes, interesting stats, and quick facts related to your industry. These resonate well when overlaid on visually captivating graphics.
This is particularly good for accounts that focus on business or religious topics. Otherwise, it’s easy to go overboard with generic quotes that your audience doesn’t really care about.
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Drive Traffic to Your Website
Add links in your bio and on Stories to drive traffic to key pages on your website, like product pages, blogs, and sign-up forms. Track clicks with UTMs to see which content performs best.
While you want most of your content experience to be native to Instagram, it is okay to cross-pollinate occasionally and get people to visit your owned digital properties.
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Jump on Trends
Test trending formats like Hot Takes, POV Videos, Green Screen Effects, Outfit Changes, and more. Add your unique touch to what’s currently creating a buzz.
Embrace the current trends, but don’t be afraid to add your personal flair and make it truly remarkable. With your truly creative approach, you can create a buzz that resonates with others and sets you apart as a trendsetter in the industry.
Captivating Content Ideas
Let’s dig into specific captivating content types beyond the usual:
Interactive Content
- Ask Me Anything: Go live for a Q&A session centered around a topic your audience is interested in.
- Reddit-Style AMA: Post a question box on your Stories. Followers submit questions anonymously, which you answer in a livestream or post.
- Question Box: Collect and answer text or video questions from followers on an intriguing subject. Great for tips, advice, etc.
- Q&A Stories: Use the questions sticker on Stories to take spontaneous questions from viewers.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Show what it’s like doing the casual parts of your day—especially when your viewers mostly see your “polished” content and appearances.
Educational Content
- IGTV Tutorials: Produce “how-to” video tutorials teaching your audience a new skill related to your niche.
- Take People Behind the Scenes: Give a step-by-step walkthrough of your product creation or service delivery process via photos, videos, or Stories.
- Explain Key Concepts: Create illustrations or animations visualizing complex topics, principles, or data related to your industry. Include informative voiceovers. Carousels are a great post format for this type of content.
- Experts Discuss Trending Topics: Invite niche experts, scientists, analysts, etc., to discuss trending topics live or in an interview format.
Entertaining Content
- Unique Product Demos: Demo products in funny, unexpected ways. The wackier or more unexpected, the better.
- Comedic Skits: Write and perform short funny skits incorporating your product or service. Humor engages.
- Movie/TV Recreations: Recreate a scene from a popular movie or TV show featuring your product making a cameo appearance.
- Reaction Videos: Record staffers reacting to trying your product for the first time. Capture authentic reactions.
Tips for Creating Cohesive and Consistent Instagram Content
Beyond posting consistently, making sure your content is cohesive and on-brand is equally important for a polished Instagram presence.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Maintain a consistent visual style by using the same filter presets, color palettes, design elements, fonts, etc.
- Shoot high-quality photos and videos that use good lighting, composition, and editing for high-end visuals
- Plan content around a monthly theme to tie posts together around a topic, campaign, or theme each month for continuity
- Reuse key graphic elements such as textures, patterns, illustrations, frames, and icons across posts
- Keep messaging consistent to reinforce core brand pillars, messaging, and tone of voice throughout all captions
- Make user-generated content reposts of customer photos/videos fit your visual style
- Use relevant hashtags, including a mix of branded and community hashtags, to extend reach
By taking a strategic approach tailored to the Instagram platform itself and keeping content cohesive, you can develop a consistent content strategy that engages your audience and makes your brand stand out in Instagram feeds.
Summary
Generating consistent, compelling content is crucial for growth on Instagram but requires a fundamentally different approach than other networks. Maintain a regular posting schedule optimized around your audience’s habits. Develop a diverse content mix that uses Instagram’s unique formats, including photos, Reels, Stories, and live videos. And craft cohesive content aligned with your broader brand identity.
With the right balance of creativity and consistency, you can build an Instagram presence that converts casual visitors into loyal brand advocates.