Category Archives: Social Media

Simple 5 Step Social Media Strategy for Writers

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Here’s your five step social media strategy, aka what to focus on when you don’t have time to be social. Stop being overwhelmed and start marketing!

Five Step Social Media Strategy for Writers

Use this social media strategy for writers

Let’s face it. Social media marketing can be overwhelming. The more experts and gurus you listen to, the more steps there seems to be to reach the social media success train.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve put together a quick and easy five step social media strategy for those times you don’t have time for marketing.

Because you’re busy and looking for help NOW we’re going to dive right in. Take what you need and do it NOW.

Pro Tip: Don’t do this all at once. Choose one thing you can do now and work on it first. Then come back and pick another to work on. Then another. Look at it like building blocks—do what you can, master it, then move on to the next step.

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Here’s your five step social media strategy

Step one: decide on your objectives

Your options are endless here, but the key is choosing a goal.

What are your social media goals? Why are you posting?

You need something to keep you focused on the big picture so you keep moving towards your writing/business targets.

Here are a few objectives ideas:

  • Build your online profile
  • Build brand visibility
  • Networking
  • Reach new clients/readers
  • Stay connected with current clients/readers
  • Launch products/books/services

Remember, choose one and work on that first. Once you feel like you’ve mastered that objective move on to another, then another.

Step two: choose your social networks

I know you know. You don’t have to be everywhere.

However.

You do need to be online. It’s the modern marketplace.

Since you can’t do it all, you must choose where to spend your social time/energy. There is a lot of advice out there for which networks have the biggest payoff but you will need to decide for yourself what works.

A couple questions to consider when choosing your social networks:

  • Where are you most comfortable online?
  • Where are your clients/readers most comfortable online?

My two cents. If you’re a writer and trying to build your platform as a writer, I recommend Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as your networks of concentration.

Twitter

Yes people are saying Twitter is on its way out and yes it’s not the same as it was a few years ago.

However. This is where you meet other writers.

You know who else you meet on Twitter? People looking for writers.

How you manage Twitter is an art in itself but once you have it set up, you will understand why I won’t let Twitter go.

Twitter is for quick interactions. It’s great for sharing helpful links, meeting new people, and getting ideas. But it’s not a place to sell. You build relationships on Twitter, 280 characters at a time.

Feeling overwhelmed by social media marketing? Here's your five step social media strategy, for when you don't have time to be social.

Facebook

This is where the largest concentration of people who are on social media are. Facebook. Join the conversation.

If you think of Facebook as a place to host/advertise events, join writers groups and share your blog posts and article clippings, it may start to make more sense.

However, this is not a place to vent your personal feelings about in-the-moment happenings.

Yes you see people doing that all the time, but they’re not trying to build a professional brand and they’re using their personal profile to do that.

If you think about your professional goals and aligning what you post on Facebook with them, you’ll know what you need to do.

Instagram

This is where your future fans and readers are. Trust me on this. It’s time to figure Instagram out.

Instagram is a wonderful place to connect with people as you build your brand. How? Consistency and engagement. That means YOU are consistent and YOU are engaging with others.

You can share your writing, post prompts or inspiration, and behind-the-scene peeks at your writer’s life.

Images have a way of connecting people with you that words alone don’t. But this is not a place to post your entire vacation photo album—not when you’re building your professional brand.

This is also a place where you do need to engage and be active. If you don’t post and interact with other posts, you don’t grow.

Wondering how on earth to do this?

Read my post on how to build an Instagram strategy. This is one of my favourite social media services and I’ve seen this strategy work time and time again.

Remember: choose one social network and work on that first. Once you feel like you’ve mastered that social network move on to another, then another.

Step three: complete your social media profiles

Smack in the middle of your five step social media strategy is optimizing your profiles.

This comes after you choose your social media platforms because I don’t just want you to complete your profiles but optimize them.

How? I’m glad you asked! Read my post with five tips for optimizing your social media profiles.

But maybe you don’t have time to read another blog post. Here are the main points.

  • Choose a professional/standout profile picture and cover photo
  • Make it easy for people to know who you are/what you do
  • Link to your website
  • Include keywords about your services
  • Be clear on your location/contact info
5 Tips for Optimizing Your Social Media Profiles Ebook

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My biggest tip for optimizing your social profiles is consistency across platforms.

Each network has its own rules for how long your bio can be, what sort of profile image works and where your website link goes, but if you can keep more or less consistent then you’re on the right track.

Step four: interact with your audience

We talked about this a bit in Step Two of the five step social media strategy but it needs repeating. The point of social media is to be social.

I know, you don’t have time to be social. But do you have 15 minutes?

Spend 15 minutes a day checking into your two or three chosen social networks and leave comments, reply to comments and lend your expertise whenever convenient.

Trust me, this will expedite your brand building like nothing else will.

If you get nothing else from this five step social media strategy remember this: You’re not on social media to sell. You’re there to be social. Offer value, compliments and help. Sales will follow.

Step five: build your promotion strategy

All along we’ve been talking about how you DON’T sell on social media. But you do need promotion. There is a difference.

In most cases, clients/readers need to know, like and trust you before they’ll hire you/buy your book/work with you. In a virtual world, how do you make this happen? You need a strategy for converting warm leads into clients and retaining existing clients.

If you can stay in touch in a consistent, helpful, positive way, people who visit your website or connect with you on social will get to know you and will develop trust in you and your brand.

I know it as a “keep in touch strategy.”

I first heard about it when I read Michael Port’s Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling.

He suggests building an automated strategy using customer relationship management (CRM) software. While that’s something you can build up to, there’s lots you can do before investing in a CRM.

You’ll need to figure out a few things you can do to make people feel special, noticed, and important. Here are some ideas.

Book Yourself Solid

Passive ways to stay in touch

  • Posting regular blog/website content
  • Posting regular social content
  • Share real-life tips and tricks from behind the scenes of your business
  • Commenting on/liking/sharing others’ posts on social media

Active ways to stay in touch

  • Build an engaged email list and connect consistently
  • Send handwritten notes or cards
  • Live streaming—doesn’t get much more personal than that!
  • Initiate communication
  • Send an article you think your contact would appreciate (personal touch)
  • Become a connector—in helping your connections cross-promote or develop business otherwise (even if it’s without you) you will build so much good will
  • Share gratitude and compliments—recognize others, say thank you, give sincere, public displays of affection

Remember, this is a five step social media strategy but work on one step at a time. Once you feel like you’ve mastered that strategy move on to another, then another.

There, of course, is more. But you don’t have to do it all today.

If you’re feeling like you don’t have time to be on social media or you’re overwhelmed with where to start, then please implement this five step social media strategy. It WILL help you!

And if you are just plain stuck then I can help. All you have to do is get in touch.

Here's your five step social media strategy, aka what to focus on when you don't have time to be social. Stop being overwhelmed and start marketing!

One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.

This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.

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Feeling overwhelmed by social media marketing? Here's your five step social media strategy, aka what to focus on when you don't have time to be social.

How to Write Powerful Instagram Captions | Free Prompts

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Yes we’re getting into Instagram captions today. Because people are SUPER stressed out about them!

I understand, I do. And I’m here to offer some reprive.

How to Write Powerful Instagram Captions | Free Prompts

Writer folks, I’m gonna say it straight: You’re spending too much time on your IG captions!

You just are!

There are a few simple ways to craft engaging content on social media and while you do want to put your best foot forward, it shouldn’t take all day.

I got into this a bit in Content Ideas When You Don’t Know What to Post and if you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to do so.

Because there will be times where you’re stuck for ideas and this little brainstorm method gets me out of jams all. the. time.

Would you like free writing tips? Sign up for my weekly tips & tricks, from one writer to another at robynroste.com/writing-tips.
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Alright, so why are Instagram captions so tricky?

My hunch is because it’s a visual platform and many/most of us are words people so may find it difficult to find that balance between capturing attention through visuals and then compelling action through emotional writing.

Why is this hard? Because it’s hard! You have to marry skills which may or may not be equally developed. And you have to think about your posts in a few ways.

  • The post at hand (image + caption)
  • What you posted before and what you’ll post after
  • The grid (this post within the context of your IG grid, a nine-photo display of your most recent posts someone will see when they check out your profile)

There’s a lot to keep track of.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIGRkjLntBM/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBEiOcgN5F/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CH78upVLp1y/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHxnwiDg995/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHsf8kNANSW/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHiMyGUAxqe/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHdBbSJMfRz/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHX3zHyAYJw/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHNmZvSAoCz/

Here’s a quick look at my personal IG grid—this is literally my latest nine posts from whenever it is you’re looking at this training. No pressure, right? My goal is to keep it looking awesome for whenever someone stumbles upon it.

Instagram captions: free prompts

If you want these Instagram caption prompts as a handy PDF download, I’ve got that ready for you! Just sign up for my free resource library by putting your email address into the form below and I’ll send you the password.

Once you’re in the library, navigate to the social media section and look for “Instagram Caption Prompts.”

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One month of Instagram caption prompts! Compelling Instagram captions are an important part in increasing engagement. When you have high engagement your visibility improves, which is key for getting discovered. However, coming up with great captions day after day can be tricky. These prompts will help!

Compelling Instagram captions are an important part in increasing engagement. When you have high engagement your visibility improves, which is key for getting discovered. However, coming up with great captions day after day can be tricky.

These prompts will help!

  1. But first…
  2. I left the house for this
  3. I can’t work without ____________
  4. My morning ritual
  5. Namast’ay in bed
  6. Current status
  7. This book changed my life
  8. My day ends like this
  9. Spotted on my walk
  10. Win for the week
  11. Inspiration for today
  12. Guess where I am
  13. Left or right?
  14. Mistakes are proof that you tried
  15. Question of the day
  16. *insert witty Instagram caption here*
  17. Can you tag an account I need to follow? I’m looking for _________
  18. Quote of the day (motivation, inspiration, poem, book, song lyric)
  19. Describe your current status using only emojis
  20. Typical me
  21. Me doing me
  22. I woke up like this
  23. When dream becomes reality
  24. Awkward…
  25. The journey is always the best part
  26. Mirror: you look amazing today. Camera: nope, you don’t
  27. I got 99 problems but _________ ain’t one
  28. Be right back
  29. Just gonna cross this off the bucket list…
  30. Just like my eyeliner, I always wing it
  31. Yes, another food pic

A few writing tips to keep in mind

Finding a caption “style” and sticking with it will not only help you come up with content but it contributes to your branding. Maintaining a consistent style also helps your followers know what to expect and keeps them interested.

It’s more important to be yourself than it is to nail your caption. Don’t forget the likes and comments come from real people and focus on them more than the stats. Be yourself and people will be drawn to you.

Don’t stress out about captions—stay authentic. If you feel like your captions are forced your followers will too. Keep having fun and being social in mind as you put your captions together. The more you do the easier it gets. And many times short and fun captions do much better than lengthy ones. So if you are stuck for ideas keep it simple and to the point.

(Easier said than done, I know)

Writing captions is easier when you think of them as a story. And planning your captions gets even easier when you think of your entire Instagram grid as one long story—a serial if you will. Think about how your posts can build upon each other to tell a larger brand story and there will be less pressure for each individual caption.

If you tend to write longer captions consider breaking up the text with emojis. They can enhance your words and encourage your followers to keep reading.

Compelling Instagram captions are an important part in increasing engagement. When you have high engagement your visibility improves, which is key for getting discovered. However, coming up with great captions day after day can be tricky. These prompts will help!

One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.

This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.

Get Access to My Free Resource Library

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Stuck? 5 Content Ideas for When You Don’t Know What to Post

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Do you feel stuck for content ideas? Whether it’s social media or website or marketing content, it’s easy to feel like you have nothing to say.

And yet, the need for content doesn’t go away!

Stuck? 5 Content Ideas for When You Don't Know What to Post

The entire goal of this post is to give you at least five content ideas for when you don’t know what to post.

Secondary goal? To prove that there’s always something.

Would you like free writing tips? Sign up for my weekly tips & tricks, from one writer to another at robynroste.com/writing-tips.
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Content ideas for when you don’t know what to post

I don’t know about you but I do a LOT of writing. All day, every day.

But I do it for other people and most of the time, they’re telling me what to write.

So, I guess that’s easy in a way. Like, it has it’s own challenges but I never wonder what on earth am I going to write?

It’s more like…OK…um…how am I going to make this random topic somehow interesting?

Anyway, I think freelancers and writers find they don’t have ideas when it comes to writing for themselves. On their blog. On their social media. In general.

I’ve been here. I feel you.

BUT you can break free cause this is one big mental game. And you’re probably overthinking it.

No shame, you just need a system.

I’ve shared my personal system before (How to Create a Content Calendar) so you can check that out if you’d like a refresher, and I’ll summarize it quickly below as well.

Since I implemented this system in 2017 I haven’t had a single moment where I didn’t know what to write. Dead serious. It has changed everything!

For my blog content I have organized everything into six topics, also called themes or content pillars depending on what industry you’re in. Or who you’re talking to.

Here are my personal content pillars

  • Writing
  • Blogging
  • Social Media
  • Marketing
  • Podcasting
  • Publishing

I start with these big topics, then I brainstorm ideas for what could fit within each one. I write them down and do my best to keep breaking down those ideas into smaller and smaller pieces.

Why? Because the more pieces, the more posts.

The more posts, the less I have to figure out later. I just look at my article ideas and get writing.

Would you like free writing tips? Sign up for my weekly tips & tricks, from one writer to another at robynroste.com/writing-tips.
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What to post on Instagram

Alright, let’s get specific about Instagram, since that’s where I feel like the most people get stuck. Maybe it’s because we’re words people in a visual medium…maybe.

Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like it’s just difficult!

We see what the cool influencers are doing and feel like we need to do it to. But…do we? I mean, our goals are different, aren’t they?

(They are.)

I know you’re going to be shocked beyond shocked but…I systemize my social media posting too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIGRkjLntBM/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBEiOcgN5F/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CH78upVLp1y/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHxnwiDg995/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHsf8kNANSW/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHiMyGUAxqe/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHdBbSJMfRz/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHX3zHyAYJw/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHNmZvSAoCz/

Here are my Instagram content pillars. I used to keep them the same as my blog topics but this fits a bit better visually for my brand:

  • Tips and tricks
  • Books and stationery/coffee
  • Nature (especially my home/safe space/refuge)
  • Establishing myself as an expertise (helping people get to know me)

And here’s an example from one of my clients, to help you see how topics/themes help demonstrate your unique personality and skills:

  • Writing quotes
  • Humorous quotes
  • Dogs (specifically French Bull Dogs)
  • Gardening/Mushrooms/Quilting/Canning

But let’s say themes or topic just doesn’t work for you. Fair! Here’s another idea from another one of my clients.

In this case, they have thousands of resources on their website and publish content every day. There’s a lot to work with. Like, an overwhleming amount.

Four or five topics just wasn’t cutting it, so here’s what we do instead.

  • Illustrations from existing content (articles)
  • Quotes (text overlaid on stock photos)
  • Graphically branded post
  • Flat lay products

The big idea with this strategy is to showcase the huge range of resources available on the site, and to continually provide encouragement and inspiration through regular, consistent social media posting.

Content ideas AND MORE for those who are still stuck

We’ve reviewed a lot here, but it’s all high level so I understand if you’re still feeling a bit stuck coming up with content ideas.

So here’s what I recommend. Steal this content strategy I wrote for Sage Media & Marketing and stop stressing about it. Do it. Just take it.

The content strategy reviews five different types of content you can write and rotate through for a well-balanced, cohesive feed.

It’s truly awesome and if you do the work, you won’t run out of content ideas. And it will give youa fresh, well-balanced feed!

And when you’re ready to uplevel, check out this how-to guide: How to Create an Instagram Strategy.

If you’re honest-to-goodness stuck on the visuals then here’s who I recommend to help:

Do you feel stuck for content ideas? Whether it's social media or website or marketing content, it's easy to feel like you have nothing to say. And yet, the need for content doesn't go away! The entire goal of this post is to give you at least five content ideas for when you don't know what to post. Secondary goal? To prove that there's always something.

One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.

This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.

Get Access to My Free Resource Library

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How to Build an Instagram Strategy

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Today I’ll show you the basic outline for building an Instagram strategy. At least enough to get you started.

Today I'll show you the basic outline for building an instagram strategy. At least enough to get you started. And yes, this is a how-to!

Do you want the ebook that goes along with this training? It’s a free download in my resource library. Pop your email in the form below and I’ll send you the password.

Once you’re in the library navigate to the social media section and look for “How to Create an Instagram Strategy ebook.”

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How to build an Instagram strategy

Everyone’s saying you need to build an Instagram strategy but it seem like no one is saying how, right?

I get it. The thing is, it’s hard as well as personal.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all photo-creating money-making Instagram strategy you can copy and paste into your marketing plan.

I mean, people may tell you that and may even try and sell you that but I’m telling you, it’s something you have to build and customize to your specific brand.

BTW marketing plans, social media strategies and branding are whole other discussions.

But before the Instagram strategy: WHY should you use Instagram?

At this moment one third of Internet users have an Instagram account so there’s an excellent chance your target audience is here.

This is an opportunity to showcase and promote your services and brand to people who may not yet know about you and all you have to offer.

Instagram is an ideal tool to build a visual identity, telling your brand story through beautiful images, intriguing captions, and appropriate hashtags.

When executed well, Instagram can help you develop a deeper connection with your audience.

How to build an instagram strategy ebook - free download.

Do you want the ebook that goes along with this training? It’s a free download in my resource library. Pop your email in the form below and I’ll send you the password.

Once you’re in the library navigate to the social media section and look for “How to Create an Instagram Strategy ebook.”

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General Posting Strategy

As a brand (and yes, if you sell something, you’re a brand), it’s important to follow a posting strategy to help your audience know how to think about you.

  • Why should they follow you?
  • How will you engage, inspire or motivate them?
  • What are some ways you can deepen your relationship with your audience through the images you post?

Think about these questions and jot down some answers.

The best way to create a strategy is by focusing on one area of your brand; choosing a niche.

When choosing a niche ask these types of questions:

  • What can you do better than your competitors?
  • How about what will your audience find interesting, inspiring or motivational?
  • What is important for your audience to know?

Find these answers and you’ll have your niche.

Once you’ve brainstormed a few ideas try writing a paragraph about your brand.

Here’s my (current) write up as an example

I’m a professional writer with blogging, marketing and tourism experience. I also have a bachelor of journalism and diplomas in media and communications and biblical studies.

Unlike most business writers, I spent a decade working as an in-house writer, marketing manager, and audio producer at an international non-profit. Aside from working in a variety of roles, and with a range of personalities, this experience taught me how creating authentic marketing messages can build meaningful relationships and make emotional links with constituents.

I recommend thinking this through before asking a social media marketing strategist to help you create an Instagram strategy.

You know your brand and goals best and by getting clear on your goals and who you serve ahead of time, your chances of creating a laser-focused strategy are that much more likely.

If you want to learn more about this process check out my article on positioning.

Create an Instagram strategy

Once you have your paragraph, think about what your Instagram posts should feature to showcase who you are and what you do.

In my example, I aim to promote things I’m working on (freelance or personal), things I love (new discoveries, funny stories, interesting ideas, books I’m reading) and exclusive tips (for the freelance writer).

When thinking about what types of photos you’ll post keep in mind every post should drive people to your business. Also remember that your Instagram content is a reflection of your brand and core beliefs. Your feed tells a larger story of who you are and what you stand for.

Jot down a few photo ideas before moving on. Don’t worry, these are still brainstorms for now.

Still stuck? Here are a few questions to help you

  • What drives your business?
  • What are your biggest takeaways?
  • How will what you share enrich your followers’ lives?

HOW should your posts look, sound, and feel?

At all times your Instagram posts should speak to your audience, appealing to their interests. Your posts should engage them using thoughtful language intended to interest, inspire, or motivate them to take the next step with you.

If you are promoting an event or contest take care to craft your caption in a way your audience will respond best—focus on the benefits instead of the promotion.

WHERE should you focus?

Your Instagram posts should focus on what your users will find interesting, inspiring, and motivational.

  • What makes you or your business/services special and unique?
  • What is there to discover?
  • And what would your audience be interested in seeing?

WHEN should you post?

Posting consistency is more important than how often you post.

However, Monday and Thursday are higher use days for Instagram in general so these are good days to aim for.

Once you have your strategy in place use a free tool like Iconosquare or Websta to analyze your followers and learn what days and times they’re more likely to use Instagram and adjust your posting schedule as necessary.

Extra reading: Schedule Social Media with These Free Apps and Services

WHAT should your posts consist of?

All posts should contain a photo, a caption, and hashtags.

  • Your photos must be high quality, with good framing, and interesting content. Photos should be planned and edited with third-party apps
  • Captions should tell your audience a story. At every step, take the opportunity to draw your audience in and point back to your strategy.
  • A good practice is to create a list of 10-20 hashtag relating to your business, brand and products and reference several from the list each time you post

Using hashtags is a critical part of your posting strategy.

By finding and using the most relevant hashtags for your updates, your posts will be exposed to users in your target audience who don’t yet follow you.

You should mix brand-specific hashtags with more general hashtags. Instagram uses hashtags to organize and categorize content so by not using or misusing hashtags your posts could go unnoticed.

Would you like free writing tips? Sign up for my weekly tips & tricks, from one writer to another at robynroste.com/writing-tips.
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Follower strategy

The best way to gain followers on Instagram is by having a great profile. Here are the elements.

  1. Description. Your profile description should reflect your niche and give the user enough information to be motivated to follow you
  2. Portfolio. When a new user visits your Instagram account s/he will often view your photo portfolio before choosing to follow you. You want to make sure your portfolio is not only filled with beautiful images but reflect your niche. If the user visits your portfolio and your portfolio is off topic or contains weak/poor images, it could prevent new followers
  3. Photos. Your photos should reflect your brand’s online voice and emotion related to it

Before taking a photo ask the question, “what do I do better than anyone else?” Find or take photos supporting your answer.

Before posting a photo ask the following questions:

  • Does this photo showcase my talent?
  • Is this photo interesting?
  • Is this photo on-brand?
  • And is this photo beautiful?

If the answer is yes, post away! If you’re not sure, don’t post the photo.

Posting quality images is more important than posting often. Beautiful images increase your brand value in the user’s eye while weak/poor images decrease your brand’s value in the user’s eye.

Follower tactics | How to build an Instagram strategy

Once you’re clear on your target audience, and have your profile description, portfolio, and photos in line then you can begin following other users.

Follow

Search Instagram and find as many people in your target audience using keywords. Aim to follow 100 or 200 people to begin. Many will follow back out of courtesy but even if users don’t follow back you have gathered a pool of users to draw photo ideas from. Try to find new people to follow every time you log on to Instagram.

Like and Comment

Another way to gain followers is by liking and commenting on photos. A good strategy is to like and/or comment on three to five photos every time you log on to Instagram. Try to be encouraging, positive, and upbeat.

Also remember to respond to your followers comments on your photos. A quick “thanks” goes a long way. Remember to @ tag the follower you’re posting to.

Repost

Reposting other users’ images is a great way to showcase your brand without having to come up with all your own content (or your own social media manager!).

Not only do you highlight and support Instagrammers but you add beautiful images to your portfolio extending your brand.

You can use repost apps, take screenshots and repost yourself, or save the image on your computer and manually add it to your mobile device before posting. Just be sure to give credit to the user you’re reposting (@ tagging) and add relevant hashtags.

Hashtags As part of an instagram strategy

Adding popular hashtags to every post will expand your reach. Also? It will expose your images and profile to new users.

Adding brand-specific hashtags to every post and encouraging followers to use it in their posts. It also helps you create community and cultivate loyalty.

When your followers use your hashtag it exposes your brand to their audience, with the added bonus of the user’s advocacy.

Cross Posting

Cross promoting your Instagram posts on your other social media profiles like Facebook or Twitter exposes your followers there to your Instagram feed.

You can also use your Instagram feed to encourage users to find you on your other profiles. This is provided you are using beautiful images with an interesting caption to relay the message.

Conclusion for how to build an Instagram strategy

There is a learning curve to Instagram, but by following a posting and follower strategy will get you a long way.

As well, learning a few basics about photography, utilizing third-party apps and filters and reposting will help you create an engaging portfolio as long as you stick to your niche and showcase the best of your brand.

How to Build an Instagram Strategy ebook. Everyone's saying you need one but no one's saying how, right?

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Today I'll show you the basic outline for building an Instagram strategy. At least enough to get you started. And yes, this is a how-to!
Today I'll show you the basic outline for building an Instagram strategy. At least enough to get you started. And yes, this is a how-to!

Five Tips for Optimizing your Social Media Profiles

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Optimizing your social media profiles is important! You want to ensure potential clients know who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.

Optimizing Your Social Media Profiles

These tips are available as a free download in my resource library. plug in your email address below and I’ll send you the password.

Once you’re in the library, navigate to the social media section and download the ebook called “Social Media Optimization.”

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Optimizing Your Social Media Profiles

When you’re a hungry freelance writer or getting started in the industry it’s difficult to know where to look for work.

Things like job boards, Craigslist, and cold emailing queries are what people trend towards but these are (in general) low paying, competitive and an exhausting hustle. Your chances of landing solid clients are low so your pitch rate has to be high.

If you’re wondering how established freelance writers generate leads they’ll tell you most of their work comes through warm leads (existing relationships) and referrals.

Even if you’re just starting out these options are available to you too, the trick is letting people know you’re available so they think of you when an opportunity comes up.

The best way to let people know you’re available is by saying you’re available.

It’s easy to look at your social media profiles as places where friends and family connect with you, so there’s no reason to talk about your business (don’t they already know what you do?) but what better place to find referrals than your friends and family list?

One More THing…

And don’t assume they’re aware of what you do or even understand it.

Do you know the details of your entire network? I don’t. Take assumption out of the picture and optimize your social profiles for your freelance writing business.

Lay it out for them so it’s easy for them to think of you when they hear about someone looking for a writer.

Another reason to optimize your social media profiles is because your reach is wide on social.

A potential client is more likely to run across you on Twitter or LinkedIn before ever seeing your website. You want to ensure you tell any potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.

Optimizing your Social Media Profiles ebook

These tips are available as a free download in my resource library. Plug in your email address below and I’ll send you the password.

Once you’re in the library, navigate to the social media section and download the ebook called “Social Media Optimization.”

Get Access to My Free Resource Library

* indicates required

Five tips for optimizing your social media profiles

1. Choose a professional/standout profile picture and cover photo

Your profile photo should be high quality, square, reflect your brand, stand out in news feeds, and be a picture of you.

Your cover photo (on applicable platforms) should be high quality and represent the core values of your brand.

The more consistent your images are across platforms, the better.

2. Make it easy for people to know who you are/what you do

If you want to capture leads from your social profiles then use your full name or business name.

Nothing cute here.

A great social media bio explains who you are and what you do, shares your personality, and targets your niche audience with keywords. Think of it as an amped-up elevator pitch.

Five Tips for Optimizing your Social Media Profiles

3. Link to your website

Some gurus teach linking to your professional Facebook page and if that’s where you prefer doing business I won’t stop you. But don’t leave the URL section blank.

Think about it this way, where do you want your prospective clients to go? Send them there.

I want them to go to my website so I can showcase the best of my work on a property I own and control.

4. Include keywords about your services

If someone is searching on Twitter for someone like you, what will they search for?

Make sure those words show up in your profile in a non-spammy way. Avoid buzz words, use terms your ideal client would use, be concise, and mention the benefits of what you do.

And my favourite tip for Optimizing your Social Media Profiles

5. Be clear on your location/contact info

If you work from home you may not want your address listed for the world to see, but how about your city or region? Adding your location helps potential clients discover you. And what about your contact details?

Make it easy for people to get in touch, but only share what you’re comfortable with. Adding a phone number may be too much, but what about your work email address? If you want people to contact you with work, tell them how to reach you.

Conclusion

When you’re a freelance writer, figuring out how to be present and active on socail media can seem like a waste of precious resources. However, social media can be a wonderful discovery tool. And if you optimize your profiles well, they will stand out and attract your ideal clients.

So give it some thought and see if you can’t optimize your social media profiles a bit.

Get out there and be social!

By the way, these tips are available as a free download in my resource library. Plug in your email address below and I’ll send you the access code.

Once you’re in the library, navigate to the social media section and download the ebook called “Social Media Optimization.”

Get Access to My Free Resource Library

* indicates required

Other Marketing Posts

Optimizing your social media profiles is important! You want to ensure potential clients know who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you. The best way to let people know you’re available is by saying you’re available. It’s easy to look at your social media profiles as places where friends and family connect with you, so there’s no reason to talk about your business (don’t they already know what you do?) but what better place to find referrals than your friends and family list?
Optimizing your social media profiles is important! You want to ensure potential clients know who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.
Optimizing your social media profiles is important! You want to ensure potential clients know who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you.