Aside from great content, as a blogger, you need to build your social media presence. It seems that new social networks are being introduced everyday. It’s hard not to jump on the band wagon and join every network. Trust me, I know how tempting it is. But, focusing on building your social media presence where your passion lies will be more authentic to your readers – and to brands who are looking to build relationships with you. One social network that has taken off is Instagram. And I love it! You can see my photos by following @ByEmilyStephens on Instagram!

What is Instagram?

Instagram, quite simply, is an online social networking service that allows users to share pictures and videos, apply filters to them, and share them across other social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr.

How do I use Instagram?

After downloading and installing the {free} Instagram app, double click on the icon to open the app.

You’ll create an account by clicking the “sign up” button. Provide your user name, password, and email address and you’re ready to go. (Though not required, Instagram also asks for your telephone number and a profile picture. Because this is a visual network, you’ll want to use a profile picture. Don’t leave it blank. And don’t use a photo of your dog.)

Find people to follow by importing your Facebook contacts or by searching by name. As you begin to follow others, your “feed” (the main screen) will display their photos. Interact with other Instagram users by “liking” and leaving comments on their photos. Respond to comments left for you as well, making sure to “tag” the person’s Instagram name so they know you’ve replied. Engagement is important on every social network.

How do I add my own photos to Instagram?

ALWAYS use the camera that is built into your phone. NEVER use the Instagram Camera found in the app. It takes poor photographs and your editing capabilities will be limited.
Edit your photos using a photo editing app. (My favorite is Rhonna Designs. Currently only available for Apple devices, but coming soon for the Android!)
Upload your photos by selecting the button within the app that resembles a camera.
Use hashtags to increase the reach of your photos. Some popular hashtags include:

• Food: #food #foodie #foodporn
• Family: #family #toddler #boymom #girlmom
• Photography: #project365 #project52 #photoaday #picoftheday
• Animals: #dogsofinstagram #catsofinstagram
• Seasonal: #winter #spring #summer #fall
• Holidays: #Thanksgiving #Christmas #Halloween
• Places and locations: #YourState #YourCity #DisneyWorld #Target
• Other: #instagood #igdaily #latergram #dayinthelife #weekinthelife

Sharing to other Social Networks

You can choose to share your photos to other social networks through the Instagram app. It’s necessary to first link your accounts from the Settings menu. You can choose to link your Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Tumblr accounts. (There is also an option to email your photos.)
With each photo you publish to Instagram, you may elect to share it to any of your linked networks. Do NOT share to all of your networks. Your followers do not want overload.

Building an Instagram Community

A question that I often see asked is about building an instagram community. It’s not easy, but if you work at it, your following will grow. Here’s a few things to do:

• Post daily. Share at least one photo daily. Leave comments and “like” the photos of other Instagram users that are appealing to you.
• Use hashtags. If you love something, chances are others do too! Whether it is #target or a #pineapple, add the hashtag! Don’t go overboard using hashtags. While Instagram allows for thirty (30), keep it to no more than five; more looks spammy.
• Find new followers every day. This goes back to hashtags. Search a topic that interests YOU and check out the users that are sharing photos with those hashtags.

Should have one personal Instagram account and one account for my blog

In my opinion, no! Your Instagram followers want to see a bit more of your life – the things you enjoy and are passionate about. Keep it all together, remember to disclose when appropriate, have a balance of sponsored and unsponsored content.

Other Instagram Tips

Your Facebook friends aren’t going to be interested in what photos you’ve liked on Instagram. Do everyone a favor and turn off “share likes to Facebook.” This can be done by visiting your profile, clicking the gear, selecting “Share Settings”, click “Facebook” and “turn off.”

By default, Instagram photos are public. To make your photos visible only to approved followers, you’ll need to select “Posts are Private” from the settings menu. Keep in mind, that only your approved followers will see your photos – even if you’ve added hashtags to them.

Recap

• Never use the Instagram camera to take a photo.
• Always use hashtags, but don’t over use them.
• Be sure your profile picture is a picture of you and not your logo, your dog, or your kid.
• Respond to comments left for you (using the commenters Instagram user name) and leave comments for others.

Are you on Instagram? I’d love to see your photos, leave a comment below with a link to your Instagram account or with any questions you may have about Instagram!