Instagram caption mistakes?

If you’re looking to grow your following and build a community on Instagram, you need to provide educational content (lessons, how-tos). Positioning yourself as a thought leader is the perfect way to build credibility and deepen your relationship with your audience. 

So, the next time you’re drafting content for your feed, keep these tips in mind: 

• Write now, edit later
  When you're writing captions, try not to let your inner editor take over. Instead, try steam of consciousness approach and edit later on. It's easiest to batch content a month or so in advance, so you have optimal time to write and edit compelling, concise copy. 
• Have an engaging hook
  ​The first sentence of your post is the most important. Instagram only shows the first line of the caption unless you click "see more," so keep it short and sweet. If you aren't capturing your audience's attention within the first 5 seconds of them seeing your content, they are going to keep scrolling by.
• Keep your paragraphs short as possible
  Optimally 1 or 2 sentences per paragraph.
  
  Bonus tip: you can have clean breaks in your Instagram copy, without using emojis or other characters, by using this free website. White space makes it easier for readers to digest information. ⠀⠀​

• Storytell
  Be open, relatable, and most importantly, share educational information. If you want to stand out from the competition and increase engagement on your Instagram account, you need to focus on building community. 
  
  Nothing does this better than showcasing your personality and being vulnerable, while also serving as a resource. Identify 3 core niche topics that you're an expert in to create content around.
  
  For example, as a content marketer, I share content about marketing, mindset, and creativity to support other women creative entrepreneurs. ​⠀⠀⠀​
• Ask your audience what type of content they want
  Don't waste time guessing what your audience wants, ask them! Not only is this method the simplest way to glean market research, but it makes your audience feel valued and heard.
  
  ​Throw up an Instagram story with your inquiry, create a survey on Google Forms (and post the link in your bio so your audience can fill it out), creep on forums like Quora. The answers are out there. 
• Leave a call-to-action (CTA)
  Don't end the copy you worked so hard to craft at a dead end. Leave a CTA: tell people to double tap if they agree, tag a friend, click the link in your bio to learn more. Remember engagement is the name of the game for Instagram.
  ​
• BONUS TIP
  Post pictures of yourself, 1 per every 9 to be exact. There's vulnerability in showing who is behind the screen -- and doing so builds trust between you and your audience.
  
  ​I tried posting pictures of myself as well, and on average, receive about 40% more engagement.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Planning content for social media isn’t always easy, but once you get the hang of batchworking, it streamlines your business like you wouldn't believe.

Need help managing your social media platforms? My inbox is always open!