Instagram is a much-loved photo-sharing and social networking site. However, as with most social networks, if you're new to Instagram, you may need some help using it and learning the etiquette.
These top tips for newbies will help you become a popular and engaging Instagram user. And while your chances of becoming an influencer are remote, you can have lots of fun trying.
(NB: Have a look at our beginner's guide to Instagram if you want to learn more about the basics.)
1. Spread Out Your Posts
One of the first Instagram tips goes for any social network, blogging platform, or content curation service: spread out your posts over time.
Whether it is intentional or unintentional, you shouldn't forget to post for weeks at a time and then suddenly flood your followers with dozens of photos in a single day.
Depending on how many followers you already have, you probably shouldn't post more than twice a day, otherwise, your followers might get sick of seeing you in their feed, no matter how great your photos might be.
2. Use Hashtags Wisely
There is nothing more annoying on Instagram than looking up a hashtag and finding it spammed with photos that don't relate to the topic. This is particularly frustrating when it's a hashtag that is used to curate and recommend content.
So, while you should never use hashtags that are not relevant to your photo, you should definitely select a few hashtags to get your photo more exposure.
Using hashtags is a great way to get noticed on Instagram, and if you stay true to the content of your photo, it will definitely earn you more likes, follows, and comments.
3. Use the 1-2-3 Rule
A popular rule among Instagram old-timers is the 1-2-3 rule. The 1-2-3 rule means that for every photo you post, you should comment on two others and like three. This is often used by users who are curating submissions by other Instagram users.
Related: Why You Should Ignore the Number of Social Media Likes You Get
4. Avoid Posting Too Many Selfies
While there's nothing wrong with posting a few self-portraits, don't let selfies dominate your Instagram feed.
If you are going to post photos of yourself (or your friends), at least try to avoid the duckface pout that has become a staple of all teenage photos on every social network out there.
5. Never Ask for a Shoutout
Another common mistake that people who are new to Instagram regularly make is asking for shoutouts. A golden rule of Instagram is don't ask for attention---indeed, this is is a basic principle of any social network.
Asking for attention, or asking users with a lot of followers for a shoutout, only makes you look desperate. If you want to be noticed on Instagram, let it be for your photography, and not because you asked someone to notice you.
6. Know When and How to Reciprocate
Any social network involves a delicate balance of not expecting reciprocation but also reciprocating when you can.
For example, don't follow a user and unfollow them days later if they don't return the favor. You also should not feel obliged to follow other users back.
How you can reciprocate, however, is that if someone leaves a thoughtful comment on your photo, try to do the same for them. If someone likes a photo or two of yours, find a photo or two of theirs that you can add to your favorites.
However, as is the case with following users back, only add photos to your favorites if you genuinely like them. You can always use Instagram's web-based interface to make that task of reciprocation a little bit easier.
7. Don't Flood Other Users With Likes
Many Instagram users have a habit of checking out your feed and then giving you 10 or 20 likes in a row.
While this can come across as flattering at first, it can also be a little frustrating, especially if you have notifications on your phone turned on.
Rather than flood a user with a ton of likes, pick two or three photos that really stand out and like them. Otherwise, it can come across as an effort to get likes back, rather than a genuine compliment.
8. Only Post Your Best Photos
Since all of your content is viewable from one single feed, make sure that you always post only your top work.
With any social network or photo-sharing site, you want to put your best foot forward, and Instagram is no exception. When you take several photos at one location or of one subject, pick one or two that you feel really stand out and post those.
After a while, as you scroll through your Instagram feed, you'll be greeted with a beautiful representation of your work.
9. Follow the Biggest Instagram Trends
You know what social media is like; trends come and go in a flash. And Instagram is no different.
If you're new to Instagram and want to grow your number of followers quickly, hopping on these bandwagons is a good way to get noticed.
Of course, that doesn't mean you should start spamming; doing so will have the opposite effect. However, with some well-considered and thoughtful content pertaining to whatever is hot this week, you can quickly grow a fanbase.
10. Chill With the Filters
Yes, we all know that Instagram has dozens of fun filters. And there is no doubt that if your photo is drab and washed out, filters can quickly add some sparkle.
However, seasoned Instagram users are wise to them. If you're trying to show off the quality of your work, you're not going to win fans by using simple auto-filters.
It's much better to use one of the many free photo editing apps to get your images looking unique, then post them.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Don't expect to create a new Instagram account and have thousands of followers within a month.
Growing an Instagram following requires time, dedication, and consistency. Just like anything, unless you're prepared to put in the effort, you will never see the rewards. But given enough time and effort, you will get noticed.
