6 Easy Ways to Make Sure You Never Run Out of Instagram Content
Running out of content ideas for Instagram? Worry not, sport, we’re here right on cue with your safety net.
Being a social media manager is hard. Trust us, we know — we work with some of the best ones in the world (hi guys 👋). As the person in charge of visual storytelling, not only do you hold your brand’s image in the palm of your hands, but you’re also responsible for keeping things fresh while executing on strategy. You’re well versed in the lingo, you’re up to date on the trends, and you’re likely producing some killer influencer campaigns (hopefully by choosing the right people to work with). But there is one looming aspect of the job that haunts you day in and day out.
Running out of content. Gulp.
Just writing the words is enough to send chills down my spine — I feel you bruh. Content is the focal point of an Instagram strategy, yet so many digital marketers managing social lament that it’s a sparse commodity. Beyond brand images and catalogue or look book shots, what does it take to furnish a well-balanced Instagram gallery? How do you make sure that your bank of visuals never dries up?
You’re already well educated on the fundamentals and what NOT to do on Instagram to prevent from failing. It’s now time to learn how to simultaneously keep your gallery interesting, help you tell your brand story and accelerate follower retention. Not to mention never be plagued again by the pestering fear of having nothing to post. Stick to the program and you won’t ever revert to publishing lame content again in an act of panic.
Can I get an Amen?!
1. BTS
This is quickly becoming a classic. People don’t just care about your products or service, they are interested in what goes on in and around your company. While raw video footage can be saved for your Instagram Story, a well edited shot of a model posing for a photographer, a stylist arranging a hem, or your company’s designer mid-drawing is all fantastic feed fodder.
For example, @tibi is using a great image of their designer mid-crayon stroke to tease the release of their new handbag collection. Now that is strategery!
2. Memes
Some accounts have built entire social strategies around memes, but a little meme-ing can go a long way. It’s an awesome method to reveal your brand’s personality while showcasing a sense of humor. And whoever doesn’t like humor should not be desired as a follower. Just sayin’.
Sustainable cool girl brand @reformation gets cheeky with it. On brand, cute and the peak of viral potential.
3. UGC
Some brands happen to be a veritable user-generated content goldmine. Whether they’ve created a custom hashtag used daily by the thousands, happen to have built an über Instagrammable brick-and-mortar location, or are simply just popular AF, when you’re out of original content, UGC is the next best thing. It makes your audience feel loved, while simultaneously incentivizing them to tag your brand more in the hopes of being featured, thus bringing your account more exposure and converting new followers. A little goes a long way!
The folks over at @darling started a hashtag that became renowned among aesthetic-focused circles. You might have heard of #ThatsDarling? They have copious amounts of images to choose from, should they ever run out of original content.
4. Repurposed Content
Have yet to amass a following that yields abundant earned content to choose from? Not to be confused with UGC, this is a prompt to repurpose other Instagrammers’ content from around the community, even though you haven’t been tagged in it. The ‘Gram is rich with high quality visuals, ripe for the #regram. Most users will be flattered by the feature and might even return the follow, just don’t forget to give the credit where it’s due.
The rad crew over at @tastethestyle found the perfect visual to embody that Sunday morning sentiment, and they made sure to credit the source by tagging it in the post.
5. Flat Lays
We know what you’re thinking. Product shots don’t work as well as lifestyle images. How about combing both notions into one beautiful image for a stunning engagement-spawning combo. Demonstrating how your product can fit into your consumers’ lives instead of always displaying aspirational photos that speak to the subconscious can be a real win.
Laid-out merch pertaining to the @anthropologie lifestyle? Two birds, one stone. These guys are pros.
6. Video
If you belong to one of the 3 niches where video content outperforms regular content, may we suggest that you get right on that. But before venturing blindly, get up to speed on everything you should know.
Can you think of a better way to showcase a lip crème than how @jouercosmetics has done below? Neither can we. Don’t be afraid to think outside the static image box to bring another dimension to your gallery.
