Throughout the years, I've loved trying out new social networks. Although some (Facebook) are better than others (MySpace), each of them does a fairly good job of covering their own little corner of the interwebs. Most are used in different ways and, if used efficiently, can be a great way to connect with people through storytelling, pictures, and microblogs. One network that my business clients always seem to get stuck on is Instagram! Trying to tell a story in words or tweets is easy, but doing that with pictures can be tough.
Though these tips can work across almost any network, they're especially handy for Instagram!
Showcase your favourite things or products artistically like Paxley does!
Using social networks as a storytelling platform has proved effective for lots of brands trying to do something new and fresh within the industry. Whether that story is following your family throughout adventures near and far, or showcasing your line of sunglasses in a fun and interesting way, capturing those moments in a photo can really spark something special.
Instagram filters are all well and good, but sometimes they just can't capture the heart of the moment. Using apps like Afterlight (my personal favourite) to really get in and edit the contrast, style, and framing of the photo can make a huge difference.
Don't wait for something awesome to happen and potentially miss the moment, get used to having your phone at arms length and snap photos all day long. Empty it of the stuff you don't like, but get used to taking lots of photos, and you'll really start to capture some magic!
Another easy way to get used to taking photos regularly is to participate in Photo Challenges, like the YMC Photo-A-Day challenge for June, or the upcoming Blissdom Canada Photo-A-Day challenge for July! Since you have a suggested photo word to work with, it can really create some unique ideas. Plus, it's cool to check out the hashtag and see what awesome photos people came up with that day!
Being consistent is crazy important to growing an audience—whether you're an individual or a brand. Keeping that in mind, starting a hashtag is an awesome way to keep yourself consistent! In my case, with my company Main St. Creative, I've started taking pictures along my travels, always of wherever I'm working at that time. I try to incorporate either my phone or my laptop into every shot, but do it artistically so it keeps the photos interesting. It's fun seeing the results all together on the instagram page, and everything is tracked with the same hashtag, #WhereIsMainSt
Whether you start with one idea or try each of them, share your Instagram page with me below so I can follow you and check out your progress! Looking forward to seeing what you "snap!"
Want to follow me on Instagram? Click here!
Now you can get in the pictures with your kids by using this smart app that makes taking selfies simple. And check out these other great photo apps for your iphone!
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