Instagram Tips and Tricks (+ FREE Instagram Planner!)

Do you want to take your Instagram to the next level but you’re not sure where to start? After years of using Instagram, I’ve picked out my best Instagram tips and tricks to share with you today! I’ve also included a free Instagram planner so you can write down all of your inspiring ideas as you go!

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Let’s get right to it!…

1. Define Your “WHY”

It’s important whether you’re starting a new Instagram account or re-branding your current account, to define your “why”. Why are you using the app? Is it a creative outlet? Will you be gaining exposure for your business? Sharing cute pictures of your dog? Creating your own personal brand to partner with companies through collaboration?

Whatever it is, define it now and write it down on your Instagram planner. Don’t worry, you can always change it later. I’ve redefined my “why” several times.

2. Pick Your Instagram Name and Write an Eye-Catching Bio

The first 3 things people see when they go to your Instagram profile are your profile picture, your username, and your name. Make sure your profile picture is warm and inviting but also bright and eye-catching.

Be sure to pick a catchy username (also called an Instagram handle – It’s the one that starts with @). You want people to be able to remember it when they go to search for you. In the name section, make sure you include your name and some relevant keywords. (Example below: Jes Lyn | fit mom lifestyle)

Next is your bio. When you’re writing your bio make sure to add everything someone may need to know about you. Include your location, email, and what your content will be about. Don’t be afraid to use emojis. Also, be sure to add Instagram highlight covers to make your profile pop!

Read: How to Add Instagram Highlight Icons to Your Profile the Easy Way!

3. Pick Your Editing App & Filter

Everyone has unique preferences for what they want their finished photos to look like. You might like dark and moody or bright and airy. My favorite apps for editing photos are VSCO, PicMonkey, A Color Story, and Lightroom. There are so many apps out there that can help you enhance your Instagram!

Read: Don’t Use Instagram Without These Apps

Once you pick an app for editing, choose a filter you love and use it on all of your photos. This will allow your feed to have a consistent flow. Editing can take some time to master but stick with it and you’ll be editing like a pro in no time!

Read: How to Use VSCO Recipes to Edit Instagram Photos

4. Choose Your Hashtags

Another one of the most important Instagram tips is to use hashtags! Hashtags are how people will find your photos on Instagram. When someone is searching for a hashtag, they will see the photos that people used that hashtag on. Try to find some accounts that are posting content similar to what you will be posting and see which hashtags they are using.

Once you have a few to start with you can use the Instagram search bar to find more. Type in one hashtag and search it. You will see a line of related hashtags that you can add to your list.

You can also use the Tailwind hashtag tool to make your hashtag research much faster. I use it every time I post a photo to my account!

Once you have a few groups chosen, (Instagram lets you use 30 hashtags per photos) you can add them to your caption or into the first comment (Tailwind can do this for you automatically!) It’s completely up to your preference.

5. Write Down Your Post Ideas and Start Posting!

Instagram Caption Tricks – Start by making a list of post ideas for photos and captions. I find it works better to write down ideas as they come to my mind rather than thinking of them on the spot. There’s a specific formula I have found that works perfectly for captions and its super easy to use!

For More Instagram Caption Tricks Read: 3 Things Every Instagram Caption Should Include

You don’t have to think of photo and caption ideas together. You can piece them together like a puzzle later. Just let your creativity lead the way. Once you have it all planned out, post a photo and have fun connecting with others in the comments section!

I hope you enjoyed these Instagram tips and free Instagram planner! Alright, friend, time to get planning. I’ll see you on the gram!!

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