Instagram for Photographers
From a Personal Album to a Professional Portfolio
My Instagram used to be a random collection of my personal travel photos and pictures of my cat. It was my digital photo album. I was a photographer, but my feed didn’t show it. I made a conscious decision to treat my Instagram as my professional portfolio. I started curating my grid, only showcasing my best client work. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a person who takes photos; I was a professional photographer. The inquiries started coming in because my feed finally matched my ambition.
The Story Behind the Shot
I used to just post a beautiful photo with a simple caption like “Golden hour magic.” It got likes, but it didn’t get clients. I learned that clients don’t just hire you for a pretty picture; they hire you for the experience. I started telling the story behind the shot. I wrote about the funny moment with the couple, the way the bride’s father teared up, the chaos and the joy. This storytelling transformed my work from a simple image into an emotional moment, and that’s what people wanted to hire.
The Power of Niche and Location-Based Hashtags
I was using generic hashtags like #photography and #portrait. I was a tiny fish in a vast ocean, completely invisible. I changed my strategy to use hyper-specific niche and location-based hashtags. Instead of #weddingphotographer, I started using #SanDiegoWeddingPhotographer and #BohoBeachWedding. The audience was smaller, but it was the right audience. I started getting inquiries from local couples who were looking for exactly my style. I stopped shouting at the world and started whispering to the right people.
The #1 Secret to Getting Photography Clients from Instagram
The number one secret to getting photography clients from Instagram is to show them that you can solve their biggest fear: feeling awkward in front of the camera. I started posting behind-the-scenes videos of me making my clients laugh, giving them gentle directions, and making them feel comfortable. This showed potential clients that a photoshoot with me wasn’t scary; it was fun. They weren’t just hiring a photographer; they were hiring a friendly guide who would make them look and feel amazing.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about being a photographer on Instagram is that you need the most followers to be the most successful. I used to be so jealous of photographers with huge followings. The reality is, many of them are influencers, not working photographers. You don’t need 100,000 followers to have a fully booked calendar. You just need a few hundred of the right followers in your local area who connect with your style and your personality.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was Starting My Business
When I was just starting my photography business, I wish I knew that Instagram was not just a marketing tool; it was a networking tool. I wish I had spent more time connecting with other wedding vendors in my area—florists, planners, and venues. By tagging them in my work and building real relationships, they started to refer me to their clients. My business grew through community, not just through hashtags.
Your Instagram Grid Is Your New Gallery
I’m just going to say it: for a photographer, your Instagram grid is your new gallery opening. It is the first place a potential client will go to see your work. Is it a cohesive, professional, and compelling exhibition of your best work? Or is it a cluttered, confusing mess? You are a visual artist. Your grid is your most important piece of marketing real estate. Curate it with the care and intention of a gallery owner.
The Mistake 99% of Photographers Make
The biggest mistake 99% of photographers make on their Instagram profile is that they don’t show their face. Their feed is a beautiful collection of other people’s faces, but their potential clients have no idea who they are. People hire people. You need to show up on your feed and in your Stories. Let your clients see the friendly, professional, and passionate person they will be spending their wedding day with.
The Presentation Change That Changes Everything
This one small change in how you present your work will change the number of inquiries you get forever: start posting carousels instead of single images. A single hero shot is great, but a carousel that shows a variety of shots from the same session—the wide shot, the detail shot, the candid moment—tells a much richer story. It shows potential clients the full range of what they can expect to receive from a session with you.
The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Clients
The reason you’re not getting clients from Instagram is because you’re not showing your value beyond just taking pretty pictures. Anyone with a nice camera can take a pretty picture. Why should they hire you? You need to use your content to showcase your expertise, your process, and the unique experience you provide. Are you great at making kids laugh? Do you have a secret list of the best photo locations? Show your value, and the clients will come.
Instagram for Artists
From Likes to Sales
I used to be thrilled when a post of my latest painting got hundreds of likes. It was a huge ego boost. But my bank account was empty. I was getting applause, but not sales. I made a crucial shift. I started treating my Instagram like a storefront, not just a gallery. I made it clear in my bio that my work was for sale. I posted clear photos of my art, listed the prices, and made it easy for people to purchase through a link in my bio. The likes were nice, but the sales paid my rent.
The Magic of the Creative Process
I used to only show my perfectly finished art pieces. I thought I needed to project an image of effortless genius. The reality was, it felt sterile and intimidating. I started sharing the messy middle: the initial sketch, the work-in-progress shots, the studio chaos, the moments of frustration and breakthrough. My audience loved it. They felt like they were a part of the creative journey. Sharing your process doesn’t ruin the magic; it deepens the connection.
The Artist Behind the Art
I was hiding behind my art. My feed was a beautiful collection of my work, but I was nowhere to be found. I was afraid to show my face. A friend convinced me to post a simple video of me talking about the inspiration for a recent piece. It was terrifying, but the response was incredible. People felt like they finally met the artist. They weren’t just buying a painting anymore; they were collecting a piece from an artist they knew and connected with.
The #1 Secret to Selling Your Art on Instagram
The number one secret to selling your art on Instagram is to build a story and a sense of urgency around a collection or a “drop.” Don’t just randomly post pieces for sale. I started creating cohesive collections and promoting the launch date for weeks. I would share the theme, the process, and sneak peeks. By the time I released the collection, I had a group of excited fans ready to buy. It turned my art from a simple product into an anticipated event.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about being an artist on Instagram is that you have to have a massive following to make a living. I used to think I needed tens of thousands of followers. The truth is, you don’t need a huge audience; you need a dedicated community of true fans. The “1,000 True Fans” theory is real. If you have 100 people who will buy a $100 print from you once a year, you have a $10,000 business. Focus on connection, not on follower count.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was Struggling to Make Sales
When I was struggling to make sales, I wish I knew that people wanted to know the “why” behind my art. I was just posting the what—a picture of the painting. I wish I had been writing thoughtful captions about the meaning, the inspiration, and the emotion behind each piece. The story is what gives the art its soul, and it’s what transforms a casual viewer into a passionate collector.
People Buy From Artists They Know, Like, and Trust
I’m just going to say it: people buy art from artists they know, like, and trust. Your Instagram is the most powerful tool you have for building that relationship. Let your followers into your studio. Let them see your process. Let them get to know your personality. When they feel like they have a personal connection with you, they are infinitely more likely to invest in your work. They are not just buying a piece of art; they are supporting a person they believe in.
The Mistake 99% of Artists Make
The biggest mistake 99% of artists make when trying to sell their work on Instagram is that they don’t have a clear call-to-action. They’ll post a beautiful photo of their work and then… nothing. You have to tell people how to buy it. Is it available on your website? Should they DM you for inquiries? You have to make the path to purchase as clear and as easy as possible. Don’t make your potential customers do the guesswork.
The Photography Tip That Changes Everything
This one small change in how you photograph your art will change your sales forever: stop only posting flat, straight-on shots of your work. You also need to post “in-situ” mockups that show your art in a real-life setting. Show your painting hanging over a beautiful couch. Show your print styled on a bookshelf. This helps your potential buyers to visualize the art in their own home, which is a crucial step in the purchasing decision.
The Real Reason Your Art Isn’t Selling
The reason your art isn’t selling on Instagram is because you’re treating your audience like customers instead of like a community. You’re just broadcasting your work and hoping for sales. You need to build a connection. Reply to comments. Ask questions in your Stories. Share your struggles and your triumphs. When you build a genuine community of people who are invested in you as an artist, the sales will follow as a natural byproduct of that relationship.
Instagram for Realtors
From Listings to a Personal Brand
When I started as a realtor, my Instagram was just a feed of my listings. It was boring, and it looked just like every other realtor’s feed. I made a critical shift to focus on building my personal brand. I started sharing my knowledge of the local market, my negotiation tips, and my love for the community. I became a trusted local resource, not just a salesperson. People started calling me because they trusted my expertise, not just because I had a new house for sale.
The Shift from “Just Sold” to “Just Value”
My feed used to be a graveyard of “Just Sold” graphics. It was a celebration of my success, but it provided zero value to my audience. I stopped talking about myself and started educating my followers. I created content about “3 Things to Look for During an Inspection” and “How to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal.” My engagement soared because I was finally providing real value. I was arming my future clients with the knowledge they needed, and in doing so, I was earning their trust.
The Human Side of Real Estate
Stop being a “secret agent.” Your clients are not just hiring a license; they are hiring a person. I started showing the real, behind-the-scenes life of a realtor. The late-night offer writing, the pre-showing jitters, the joy of handing over the keys. This humanized me and made me more relatable. People want to work with someone they know, like, and trust. Showing the real, human side of the job is the fastest way to build that trust.
The #1 Secret to Getting Real Estate Clients from Instagram
The number one secret to getting real estate clients from Instagram is to become the “digital mayor” of your town. Don’t just talk about houses. Talk about your community. Interview local business owners. Share your favorite restaurants and parks. Showcase the lifestyle of your city. When you become the go-to resource for your community, people will naturally think of you when they think about buying or selling a home there.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about being a realtor on social media is that it’s unprofessional to show your personality. The opposite is true. In a sea of realtors who all look and sound the same, your unique personality is your single greatest competitive advantage. Are you the funny realtor? The data-driven, analytical realtor? The super-caring, hand-holding realtor? Lean into what makes you different. That’s how you’ll stand out.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was First Licensed
When I was first licensed, I wish I knew that Instagram was a long-term relationship-building tool, not a short-term lead generation machine. I was so focused on getting my next client, right now. I wish I had focused on providing consistent value and building a community for the long haul. The clients I have today are the result of the seeds of trust I planted months or even years ago.
Your Next Client Is on Instagram Right Now
I’m just going to say it: your next client is on Instagram right now, watching your content. They might not be ready to buy for another six months, but they are forming an opinion of you today. Are you showing up as a helpful, knowledgeable, and trustworthy expert? Every single post is an opportunity to nurture that future relationship. The work you do today is what will pay your bills in the future.
The Mistake 99% of Realtors Make
The biggest mistake 99% of realtors make on their Instagram is that they only talk about real estate. Their feed is a boring monologue of market stats and listings. You need to mix in content about your life, your hobbies, and your personality. People want to work with a well-rounded human being, not a real estate robot. Let them get to know the person behind the license.
The Content Strategy That Generates Leads
This one small change in your content strategy will change the number of leads you get from Instagram forever: start creating content that answers the specific questions that your ideal clients are secretly Googling. “How much do I need for a down payment in [Your City]?” “What are the best school districts in [Your County]?” When you create content that solves their specific problems, you will become an invaluable resource that they will be eager to work with.
The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Clients
The reason you’re not getting clients from Instagram is because you’re not building relationships and trust. You are broadcasting your listings and hoping for the best. You need to be engaging with your local community. You need to be having conversations in the DMs. You need to be providing so much value for free that you become the obvious choice when it’s time for them to make a move. The transaction is the result of the relationship.
Instagram for Restaurants
From a Menu to a Masterpiece
My restaurant’s Instagram used to be just pictures of our menu. It was boring and unappetizing. We made a critical shift: we started treating our Instagram like a food magazine. We invested in good lighting and started taking irresistible, mouth-watering photos of our most popular dishes. We used video to show the sizzle of the steak and the steam coming off the pasta. We learned that you’re not just selling food; you’re selling a craving.
More Than Just Food
I used to think my restaurant’s Instagram should only be pictures of our food. But a restaurant is more than just a menu; it’s an experience. I started showcasing our beautiful decor, our friendly staff, and the vibrant atmosphere of a busy Friday night. I wanted people to feel the energy of our restaurant before they even walked in the door. People don’t just choose a restaurant for the food; they choose it for the vibe.
The Power of Your Customers’ Photos
Stop neglecting user-generated content (UGC). Your customers are your best photographers. I started actively encouraging our diners to tag us in their photos. We created a branded hashtag and a “photo-worthy” spot in our restaurant. We re-shared our favorite customer photos every single week. This did two things: it provided us with a constant stream of authentic content, and it created powerful social proof that showed how much people loved our restaurant.
The #1 Secret to Getting More Customers in the Door
The number one secret to getting more customers in the door from Instagram is to run a contest or a giveaway that requires them to come in to participate or to claim their prize. “Come in this week, take a photo of our new special, and tag us to win a $100 gift card.” This drives real, tangible foot traffic and turns your digital followers into paying customers.
The Biggest Lie About Restaurant Marketing on Instagram
The biggest lie about restaurant marketing on Instagram is that you need to have professional food photography. The truth is, sometimes a simple, unedited iPhone photo of a new dish can feel more authentic and immediate than a highly-produced shot. Don’t let the lack of a fancy camera stop you from showcasing your delicious food. Authenticity is often more appetizing than perfection.
What I Wish I Knew When We First Opened
When we first opened our restaurant, I wish I knew how powerful Instagram could be for building hype before we even unlocked the doors. I would have started posting behind-the-scenes photos of the construction, sneak peeks of the menu, and introductions to our team for months before our grand opening. We could have had a line out the door on our first day if we had built the community online first.
People Eat with Their Eyes First
I’m just going to say it: people eat with their eyes first. On Instagram, your photos are your first impression. A dark, blurry, or unappetizing photo can literally turn a potential customer away. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but you do need to learn the basics of good lighting and simple food styling. A delicious-looking photo is your single most powerful marketing tool.
The Mistake 99% of Restaurants Make
The biggest mistake 99% of restaurants make on their Instagram is that their bio is missing crucial information. Is your address listed? Your hours of operation? A link to your menu or your reservations page? You have to make it as easy as possible for a hungry follower to become a customer. Don’t make them go searching for the basic information they need.
The Photography Tip That Gets More Reservations
This one small change in your food photography will change how many reservations you get forever: include a human element. Instead of just a sterile photo of a plate of food, show a hand reaching for a slice of pizza, or show a couple laughing over a shared dessert. This makes the photo more dynamic and relatable. It helps the viewer to imagine themselves in that moment, enjoying your food.
The Real Reason You’re Not Getting More Customers
The reason you’re not getting more customers from Instagram is because you’re not engaging with your local community. You are just posting photos and hoping for the best. You need to be proactively engaging with other local businesses, food bloggers, and potential customers in your area. Follow them, comment on their posts, and build relationships. You have to be a part of the local conversation to attract the local clientele.
Instagram for Fitness Coaches
From Workouts to a Philosophy
My Instagram feed used to be just a collection of my personal workout videos. It showed that I was fit, but it didn’t show how I could help others. I made a critical shift to start sharing my fitness philosophy. I talked about my beliefs on sustainable fat loss, body positivity, and building a healthy relationship with food. This attracted clients who were not just looking for a workout plan; they were looking for a coach whose entire approach resonated with them.
The Power of a Client’s Story
Before-and-after photos are powerful, but they only tell part of the story. I stopped just posting transformation pictures and started sharing in-depth client testimonials. I would have my clients share, in their own words, how their lives had changed. They talked about their newfound confidence, their increased energy, and their improved mental health. The story of the internal transformation is always more powerful than the external one.
From a Free Content Machine to a Real Business
I was giving away all my best workouts and tips for free on Instagram. I was building an audience, but I wasn’t building a business. I learned that you have to use your free content to lead to a paid offer. I started creating valuable freebies, like a “5-Day Healthy Recipe Guide,” that required an email address to download. This allowed me to build an email list of warm leads that I could then offer my paid coaching programs to.
The #1 Secret to Getting Fitness Clients from Instagram
The number one secret to getting fitness clients from Instagram is to create content that addresses their real struggles, not just their physical ones. Don’t just post another “ab workout.” Create content about “how to stay motivated when you’re a busy mom” or “how to overcome gym anxiety.” When you show that you understand their deeper, emotional challenges, you build a level of trust that a simple workout video never could.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about being a fitness coach on Instagram is that you have to have a perfect, “six-pack” body to be successful. The truth is, people are tired of seeing unrelatable, perfect bodies. They are looking for coaches who are real, authentic, and who understand their struggles. Your journey, your imperfections, and your empathy are your greatest assets. They make you relatable, and relatability is what sells.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was Struggling to Get Clients
When I was struggling to get clients, I wish I knew that my perfectly curated feed was actually intimidating my ideal clients. I was posting my most intense workouts and my most impressive athletic achievements. My potential clients, who were just beginners, looked at my content and thought, “I could never do that.” I learned that I needed to create content that met my clients where they were, not where I was.
Vulnerability Trumps a Six-Pack
I’m just going to say it: your vulnerability and your authenticity will attract more clients than your six-pack ever will. Sharing your own struggles with body image, your own failures in the gym, and your own journey with food makes you human. It shows your potential clients that you’ve been where they are, and that you understand their path. That level of empathy is what people are truly looking for in a coach.
The Mistake 99% of Fitness Coaches Make
The biggest mistake 99% of fitness coaches make in their Instagram content is that they are only speaking to people who are already fit. They are using jargon, they are demonstrating advanced exercises, and they are assuming a level of knowledge that a true beginner does not have. You need to create content for the person who is still on the couch, not the person who is already in the gym.
The Language Change That Changes Everything
This one small change in how you talk about fitness will change the type of clients you attract forever: stop talking about “burning calories” and “losing weight,” and start talking about “gaining energy,” “building strength,” and “feeling confident.” Shift your language from a negative focus on what people want to lose, to a positive focus on what they want to gain. This will attract a much healthier and more motivated type of client.
The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Clients
The reason you’re not getting clients is because you’re not showing them that you understand their struggles. Your feed is a highlight reel of your successes. You need to create content that shows empathy. Talk about the real challenges of sticking to a fitness plan. Acknowledge the frustrations and the setbacks. When a potential client feels truly understood by you, they will be much more likely to trust you with their fitness journey.
Instagram for Fashion Bloggers
From Following Trends to Showcasing Your Style
When I started as a fashion blogger, I was desperately trying to keep up with every single micro-trend. It was exhausting, and my style was all over the place. I finally realized that my power was not in following trends, but in developing my own unique personal style. I started sharing what I truly loved to wear, even if it wasn’t the “it” item of the moment. My audience started to follow me for my perspective, not just for the clothes.
The Shift from Outfit Photos to Actionable Advice
My feed used to be just a stream of “outfit of the day” photos. They were pretty, but they weren’t very helpful. I started to shift my content to provide real value. Instead of just showing my outfit, I would create a carousel on “3 Ways to Style a White T-Shirt” or a Reel on “How to Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans for Your Body Type.” I became a resource, not just a model, and my engagement soared.
The Relatability of Re-Wearing Your Clothes
I used to be afraid to be seen in the same outfit twice. I thought it would make me look like I wasn’t a “real” fashion blogger. The reality is, it just made me look unrelatable. I started to intentionally re-wear and re-style pieces from my closet. I showed my audience how to build a versatile, sustainable wardrobe. This made me so much more relatable to my followers, who also don’t wear a new outfit every single day.
The #1 Secret to a Successful Fashion Blog on Instagram
The number one secret to growing a successful fashion blog on Instagram is to find a specific niche. Don’t just be a “fashion blogger.” Be the “expert on sustainable workwear” or the “go-to source for petite-friendly fashion.” A clear niche makes you memorable and allows you to attract a highly dedicated and engaged community who are looking for exactly what you have to offer.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about being a fashion blogger is that you need an endless budget and a closet full of designer clothes. The truth is, some of the most successful fashion bloggers are masters of thrifting, budget-friendly finds, and building a creative wardrobe on a real-person’s budget. Your creativity and your eye for style are far more important than the price tag on your clothes.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was Just Starting Out
When I was just starting out as a fashion blogger, I wish I knew that my unique voice and perspective were my greatest assets. I spent so much time trying to look and sound like the big bloggers I admired. I wish I had had the confidence to be myself from day one. There are thousands of people with good style. The only thing that will make you stand out is your unique personality.
Your Unique Style Is Your Superpower
I’m just going to say it: your unique personal style is your superpower. In a world where everyone is trying to follow the same trends, having a distinct and authentic point of view is what will make you memorable. Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to wear what you love, even if it’s not “in style.” Your unique taste is the foundation of your brand. Own it.
The Mistake 99% of Fashion Bloggers Make
The biggest mistake 99% of fashion bloggers make is that they are just posting photos of themselves. Their feed is a monologue. To build a real community, you need to create a dialogue. Ask your audience for their opinions. Feature their style. Create content that is about them, not just about you. A successful fashion blog is a conversation about style, not a solo performance.
The Editing Change That Defines Your Aesthetic
This one small change in how you edit your photos will change your feed’s aesthetic forever: choose a consistent editing preset and stick with it. Whether you buy one from a photographer you admire or you create your own, a consistent preset is the key to a beautiful and cohesive feed. It gives all your photos a similar tone and feel, which is what creates that professional, magazine-quality look.
The Real Reason You’re Not Growing
The reason you’re not growing as a fashion blogger is because you’re not showing your personality. Your photos are beautiful, but they are also anonymous. People don’t just follow for the clothes; they follow for the person wearing them. Use your captions, your Stories, and your Reels to share your sense of humor, your passions, and your personality. Let them get to know the person behind the outfits. That’s what creates a loyal follower.
Instagram for Travel Influencers
From Pretty Pictures to Captivating Stories
My early travel content was just a collection of pretty landscape photos. They were nice, but they were forgettable. I learned that a great travel photo is a good starting point, but a captivating story is what makes it memorable. I started writing long, detailed captions about the history of the place, the people I met, the challenges I faced. I was no longer just a photographer; I was a storyteller. And my audience was captivated.
The Power of the Unfiltered Moment
I used to only show the perfect, “Instagram-worthy” moments of my travels. The beautiful sunsets, the infinity pools. It was a highlight reel, but it wasn’t the whole truth. I started to share the real, unfiltered moments: the missed flights, the language barrier struggles, the travel burnout. This vulnerability made me so much more relatable. People were tired of the perfect travel fantasy; they were craving the real, human experience.
From a Tourist to a Tour Guide
Stop making your travel content all about you. “Look at me in this beautiful place.” A much more powerful approach is to position yourself as a helpful tour guide for your audience. I started creating content that was designed to help them plan their own trips. “My 3-Day Itinerary for Paris,” “The Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Rome.” When you provide real, tangible value, you become an indispensable resource for your community.
The #1 Secret to a Successful Travel Influencer
The number one secret to becoming a successful travel influencer is to find a specific niche. Don’t just be a “travel influencer.” Be the “expert on solo female travel,” the “master of budget backpacking,” or the “go-to source for luxury family travel.” A clear niche makes you memorable, allows you to build a dedicated community, and makes you much more attractive to brand partners.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about the travel influencer lifestyle is that it’s a permanent vacation. The reality is, it’s a full-time job. Behind every beautiful photo is hours of planning, shooting, editing, writing, and negotiating. It’s an incredible job, but it is a job. Don’t be fooled by the glamorous facade. It’s a lot of hard work.
What I Wish I Knew When I Took My First Trip
When I took my first trip as an aspiring “influencer,” I wish I knew that the connection with my audience back home was just as important as the experiences I was having abroad. I was so focused on being in the moment that I neglected my content. I wish I had a better system for creating and scheduling content while on the road. A successful travel influencer has to be a master of both travel and media.
You Don’t Have to Travel Full-Time
I’m just going to say it: you do not have to travel full-time to be a successful travel influencer. You can build an incredible brand by becoming an expert on your own city or by taking a few intentional, well-documented trips a year. The quality and the storytelling of your content are far more important than the quantity of your passport stamps.
The Mistake 99% of Travel Influencers Make
The biggest mistake 99% of travel influencers make in their captions is that they are just a description of the photo. “A beautiful day in Santorini.” This is a wasted opportunity. Your caption is your chance to tell a story, to share a feeling, to provide a helpful tip, or to ask a question that sparks a conversation. Use your words to add depth and meaning to your visuals.
The Sharing Change That Boosts Engagement
This one small change in how you share your travel experiences will change your engagement forever: ask your audience for their recommendations. Before you go on a trip, post a Story asking your followers for their favorite spots in that city. This does two things: it gives you great, crowd-sourced travel tips, and it makes your audience feel involved and invested in your journey. They will be more likely to follow along with a trip that they helped you to plan.
The Real Reason You’re Not Growing
The reason you’re not growing as a travel influencer is because you’re not connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Your content is beautiful, but it lacks soul. Are you sharing your personal reflections? Are you being vulnerable about the challenges of travel? Are you having real conversations in your comments and DMs? People follow for the pretty pictures, but they stay for the personal connection.
Instagram for Musicians
From a Promotional Tool to a Fan Club
I used to treat my Instagram as just a place to promote my new music. “My new single is out now! Link in bio!” It was a one-way broadcast, and my engagement was low. I changed my mindset. I started to think of my Instagram as my official fan club. It was a place to connect with my listeners, to get to know them, and to let them get to know me. The more I focused on connection, the more they naturally supported my music.
The Power of the Snippet and the Behind-the-Scenes
Stop just posting the Spotify link to your new song. You have to give your audience a taste. I started sharing short, 15-second snippets of my songs in Reels and Stories. I also started sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the recording studio, the songwriting process, and the tour bus. This gave my fans a deeper, more intimate look into my world and my music. It made them feel like insiders.
The Magic of a Live Performance
As a musician, you have a superpower that most other creators don’t have: you can perform. Stop being afraid to go live on Instagram. I started doing a weekly acoustic session right from my living room. I would play a few songs, take requests, and do a Q&A with my fans. It was a raw, intimate experience that my fans loved. It was like a private concert just for them.
The #1 Secret to Building a Loyal Fanbase
The number one secret to building a loyal fanbase on Instagram as a musician is to make your fans feel seen and heard. When a fan shares your music to their Story, reshare it and thank them personally. When someone leaves a thoughtful comment, reply with a genuine message. Remember their names. Create a “Close Friends” list for your top supporters. These small, personal gestures are what turn a casual listener into a lifelong superfan.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about being a musician on social media is that it’s all about going viral. A viral hit can be a great thing, but it’s often fleeting. A more sustainable strategy is to focus on building a dedicated, niche community of fans who will support your music for years to come. It’s better to have 1,000 true fans who will buy every album than it is to have one viral song that a million people forget about next week.
What I Wish I Knew When I Released My First Single
When I released my first single, I wish I knew that the release day was not the finish line; it was the starting line. I just dropped the song and hoped for the best. I wish I had had a multi-week content plan to promote the single after it was released. I should have been sharing behind-the-scenes stories, fan reactions, and different snippets to keep the momentum going.
Your Fans Want to Know the Person Behind the Music
I’m just going to say it: your fans want to get to know the person behind the music. They are curious about your life, your influences, your personality. Don’t just be a walking advertisement for your own music. Share your hobbies, your sense of humor, your struggles. The more they connect with you as a person, the more deeply they will connect with your art.
The Mistake 99% of Musicians Make
The biggest mistake 99% of musicians make on their Instagram is that they are inconsistent. They will be super active when they have a new song coming out, and then they will disappear for months. You have to stay consistent to stay relevant and to nurture your community. Even when you’re not in a release cycle, you should be posting content, engaging with your fans, and building your brand.
The Story Strategy That Changes Everything
This one small change in how you use Instagram Stories will change your relationship with your fans forever: use the interactive stickers to let them be a part of your creative process. Use a poll to let them vote on the cover art for your next single. Use a question sticker to ask them what a certain lyric means to them. This makes them feel like they are collaborating with you, and it creates a much deeper level of investment in your music.
The Real Reason You’re Not Growing Your Fanbase
The reason you’re not growing your fanbase on Instagram is because you’re not being consistent and engaging. You are just broadcasting and you are not building a community. You need to be posting regularly, you need to be replying to comments and DMs, and you need to be proactively engaging with your fans and other musicians. An Instagram account is like a garden; if you don’t tend to it every day, it will not grow.
Instagram for Local Businesses
From a Customer Base to a Community Hub
I used to see my local business’s Instagram as just a way to sell to people in my town. It was a transactional relationship. I changed my approach to see my Instagram as a community hub. I started featuring other local businesses, I shared community events, and I created a space where local residents could connect. My business became a beloved part of the local fabric, and the sales followed because people wanted to support a business that supported their community.
The Power of the Local Hashtag
Stop using generic hashtags like #shoplocal. They are too broad. The key to attracting local customers is to use location-specific hashtags. I started using hashtags like #[MyCity]Eats, #[MyNeighborhood]Vibes, and #[MyTown]Events. This ensured that my content was being seen by the people who could actually walk through my front door. It’s the difference between putting up a billboard on the highway and putting a sign in your front yard.
The Untapped Power of Local Influencers
Stop thinking that “influencers” are just for big, national brands. There are influential people right in your own community—local bloggers, community leaders, and the creators of popular local Instagram accounts. I started collaborating with these local influencers. I’d offer them a free product or service in exchange for a post. It was an incredibly cost-effective way to get a trusted endorsement and to reach a wider local audience.
The #1 Secret to Dominating Your Local Market
The number one secret to dominating your local market on Instagram is to provide more local value than anyone else. Become the undisputed expert on your town. Your feed should be the go-to resource for the best things to do, see, and eat in your area. When you provide this much value to your local community, you will build an incredible amount of trust and goodwill, which will translate directly into foot traffic and sales.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about using Instagram for a local business is that you need a huge number of followers to be successful. The truth is, you don’t. It is far more valuable to have 500 engaged followers who all live within a 10-mile radius of your business than it is to have 10,000 followers scattered all over the world. For a local business, the quality and the location of your followers are far more important than the quantity.
What I Wish I Knew When I First Started
When I first started my local business, I wish I knew that I should have been building my local Instagram community before I even opened my doors. I could have been posting behind-the-scenes photos, building relationships with other local businesses, and creating a buzz for months in advance. I could have had a built-in customer base on day one. Don’t wait until you’re open to start your marketing.
Instagram Is the New Word-of-Mouth
I’m just going to say it: for a local business, Instagram is the new word-of-mouth marketing. People are constantly searching for local recommendations on the platform. When a customer tags your business in a positive post, it’s like them telling hundreds of their local friends how great you are. Encouraging and re-sharing this user-generated content is the most powerful and authentic way to grow your local reputation.
The Mistake 99% of Local Businesses Make
The biggest mistake 99% of local businesses make on their Instagram is that they don’t make it immediately obvious where they are located. They forget to put their city in their bio, they don’t use the location tag on their posts, and they don’t have their address clearly listed. You have to make it as easy as possible for a local customer to find you. Don’t make them do the detective work.
The Bio Change That Gets More Local Customers
This one small change in your bio will change how many local customers find you forever: add your city and your neighborhood to your name field, not just your bio. The name field is searchable. So if someone in your city searches for “pizza,” and your name is “Tony’s Pizza – Brooklyn,” you are much more likely to show up in the search results. It’s a simple but powerful SEO trick for local businesses.
The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Local Customers
The reason you’re not getting local customers from Instagram is because you are not making it clear where you are located and who you serve. Your content is too generic, and your profile is missing key location information. You need to scream from the digital rooftops that you are a proud local business that is here to serve the local community. Make your location a core part of your brand identity.
Instagram for B2B Companies
From a Corporate Brochure to a Human Brand
Our B2B company’s Instagram used to be a dry, corporate brochure. It was a feed of press releases and product announcements. It was completely soulless. We made a critical decision to humanize our brand. We started featuring employee spotlights, we showed behind-the-scenes glimpses of our office culture, and we shared the personal stories of our team members. We went from being a faceless corporation to being a company full of real, relatable people. Our engagement, and our inbound leads, soared.
The Myth of the “Boring” Industry
Stop thinking your industry is too “boring” for Instagram. I used to believe that. We sell enterprise software. What could be more boring? But then we realized that behind every “boring” industry are passionate people. We started showcasing our incredible company culture, our team-building events, and the fun, creative people who work here. We started attracting top talent and new clients because they were drawn to the human side of our “boring” business.
From Product-Pusher to Value-Provider
Our Instagram feed used to be a relentless stream of posts about our product’s features. We were just pushing our solution. We changed our strategy to focus on providing massive value to our audience. We started educating them about broader industry trends, we shared valuable insights, and we became a trusted resource. We earned their trust by helping them, for free. When it came time for them to buy a solution, we were the obvious choice.
The #1 Secret to Generating B2B Leads on Instagram
The number one secret to generating leads for your B2B company on Instagram is to stop trying to sell to a logo and start trying to build a relationship with the person behind the logo. Identify the key decision-makers at your target companies. Engage with their personal content. Start a genuine conversation in the DMs. People do business with people, even in B2B. The personal connection is your gateway to the professional sale.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told
The biggest lie about B2B marketing on Instagram is that it’s not a platform where real business decisions are made. The truth is, the CEO of the company you’re trying to land as a client is scrolling through Instagram on their lunch break, just like everyone else. Instagram is a powerful tool for building brand awareness, establishing thought leadership, and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders in a more informal and personal environment.
What I Wish I Knew When We First Created Our Account
When we first created our B2B company’s account, I wish I knew that our employees were our greatest marketing asset. We have a team of brilliant experts, but we were hiding them behind our corporate logo. I wish we had empowered them from day one to be brand ambassadors, to share their expertise, and to build their own personal brands on the platform. The collective voice of your team is always more powerful than the single voice of your brand.
Decision-Makers Are on Instagram Too
I’m just going to say it: the decision-makers at other companies are on Instagram. They are not just LinkedIn robots. They are real people with hobbies, families, and personalities. Instagram is your chance to connect with them on a more human level. It’s a place to build rapport and trust outside of the formal constraints of a business meeting. Don’t underestimate the power of a personal connection in a B2B sale.
The Mistake 99% of B2B Companies Make
The biggest mistake 99% of B2B companies make on their Instagram is that their content is too formal and stuffy. They are just repurposing their LinkedIn content. Instagram is a different platform with a different culture. You need to loosen up. Use more video, show more personality, and be more conversational. It’s okay to have a little bit of fun. A little bit of personality can go a long way in a “boring” industry.
The Content Strategy That Changes Everything
This one small change in your content strategy will change how you’re perceived by potential clients forever: start featuring your existing clients. Create case studies, share testimonials, and do live interviews with your happy customers. There is no more powerful marketing tool in B2B than social proof. When a potential client sees that you have helped a similar company achieve great results, it de-risks the decision for them and builds massive credibility.
The Real Reason Your B2B Company Isn’t Succeeding
The reason your B2B company isn’t succeeding on Instagram is because you are not treating it like a networking and relationship-building tool. You are just broadcasting your corporate marketing messages. You need to be proactively engaging with your target accounts, building relationships with key employees, and having genuine conversations in the DMs. It’s not a megaphone; it’s a telephone. Use it to have real conversations.