Things That Matter More Than Your IG Grid

Trying to figure out what’s next for social media platforms like Instagram is never simple. It’s so easy to get caught up in what your competitors are doing, and how you can stay one step ahead of all the changes. I will admit that having a visually appealing and on-brand Instagram presence will help your target audience hang out on your page longer, but it’s not the most important thing. 

In this blog post we’ll break down the five most important things that matter way more than what your Instagram feed looks like. 

Clarity over Creativity

Of course, being creative in the way you reach your audience is important. But clarity should be your top priority. When you’re creating content, keep in mind that the purpose of your posts is to capture your audience’s attention and encourage them to check out more and more of your content. 

Focus on creating a clear and concise message that resonates with your target audience. Do your best to not overcomplicate your posts. Keep it simple with a strong and clear hook that draws your audience in to learn more.

Pro Tip: If you have more than one idea you want to get across, make it into another post. 

Understand Your Audience 

Creating content that your audience actually wants is key for leveling up your profile’s engagement. Make sure you take the time to understand your audience’s interests, and pain points. 

One way to do this is by keeping track of frequently asked questions, comments, and feedback you get from your audience and current clients. I also recommend keeping track of your social media analytics to help you determine what content is working, and what you might want to consider changing.

Pro Tip: Not sure what your audience wants? Ask them! This is a great prompt for a story. 

Clean Up Your Graphics

When it comes to graphics, less is more. To stop people from scrolling through their feeds, visuals are crucial to grabbing their attention! It can be really tempting to put every detail on your beautifully branded graphic, but do your best to save that information for the caption - or create a carousel with multiple graphics. I recommend using simple and eye-catching graphics that align with your brand and your brand’s message. 

Pro Tip: Canva has great templates you can customize and put to use! 

Stick to One Clear Message

To not overload your audience, I recommend sticking to a single clear message in each post. Trying to share multiple ideas in one image or caption can quickly become confusing to your audience - even if it’s not confusing to you! 

Pro Tip: Ask yourself, what is the ONE thing I want to get across in this post. 

Use an Effective CTA
Every call to action (CTA) should help guide your audience after they look at a piece of your content. Keep them clear, concise, and use a single take away. Some of the most simple CTAs are asking your audience to follow your account, click a link, send a message, or leave a comment. When you direct your audience to their next steps, you can help them move one step closer to working with you! 

Without a doubt, your Instagram feed is important for making a positive first impression on your target audience. But keep in mind that there are a few more important things than having an aesthetically pleasing grid. And worrying about your grid shouldn’t stop you from sharing your story!

By prioritizing clarity over creativity, understanding your audience, simplifying your graphics, delivering a single clear message, and utilizing effective CTAs, you can focus your efforts on creating content that meets your audience where they’re at. 

If you need support in optimizing your process, or knowing where to start, I’m here to help.