I’ve got a couple of interesting tidbits to share with you this week because I’ve been diving into Instagram a bit more and checking out what lots of gurus are saying.
I actually like Instagram, except when I start comparing my profile and posts to others’, and then it starts to make me crazy.
I’m sure none of you do that, do you?
Well, as I’m getting closer to the 10,000 follower mark, I’m beginning to become obsessed with it. I feel like if I make it to that milestone, I’ll have “made it” on Instagram.
As you know, once you reach 10,000, you can then get the swipe up feature for helping direct traffic to your site better or for helping you monetize your posts.
I barely monetize my own blog, so I’m not really sure why I’m so freaking interested in monetizing posts on Instagram. I’m not really sure I would even use that feature since all the selling and the “wonderfulness” of Instagram kinda drives me a little crazy.
I’m still focused on that 10,000 follower number though. :-/
So, here are some things I’ve soaked up, observing a couple of those in the know or doing it well.
James Nord, Fohr
I’m becoming obsessed with his Youtube channel.
I saw James Nord speak at Design Influencer’s Conference. He owns Fohr, an Influencer marketing agency in NYC, representing mostly fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
He just looked so sophisticated with his tight suit and puffy hair, so slick and stylish, that I figured he knew way more about “influencer content” than anyone I had seen before, so I looked up his channel.
He does these chats on Youtube where he answers questions people send him or interviews some of the successful Influencers represented in his agency.
I’ve got to say, I feel like he has a pulse on the whole influencer marketing thing.
First of all, he deals with people that have mega-follower numbers, he mentions how his 30,000 follower count is nothing, just so you know about size relationship here. And this is his job, helping match brands and influencers. He wants to help Influencers get better at what they do, providing them with tips, best practices and some general advice on how to build relationships with brands.
He’s kind of no-nonsense and blunt.
One thing he has said more than once (and I’m not quoting him, but this is generally the way it comes out), is about how instead of Influencers whining about how Instagram isn’t showing their posts to their followers anymore, etc., maybe they should just work on producing more interesting content.
Ha ha… :-)
Okay, he’s nicer about it than that, but he is practical and doesn’t pussyfoot around.
I really liked this episode where he talks about wrapping a story into each post and how to go about stepping outside of your niche without destroying the trust you are trying to build with your audience.
I literally find nuggets in every episode.
Tyler McCall
Another guy I’m looking at a lot is Tyler McCall. I haven’t joined his private group yet, but I’ve gone through a free webinar and his drip email campaign and I’m watching from the sidelines. I like that he’s an average guy who is making it big on Instagram.
You know, he’s not the typical Instagram influencer type….not that it matters….but well, I find him likable.
He is a fan of not looking perfect on Instagram and letting your real self show through. And that doesn’t mean doing the selfie-a-day, but he does advocate not hiding behind all the perfect images you post.
Design Shop Interiors
As a designer, I’m becoming obsessed with this Instagram account.
To me, this design firm, Design Shop Interiors, just comes across as having the kind of business I would have loved to have owned (at one time). I look at their projects, their team, their clever Instagram stories, all the STUFF they SELL and INSTALL and yeah…..I’m a little jealous.
I mean, how did they learn to do all this, including the creative marketing on Instagram, so well?
Then I remember that doing all that work means lots of overhead and staff and stress and hardly ever getting a real break from work, etc., and I’m like……nah. :-)
It is nice to watch them though, and live a little vicariously through them. ;-) I think they are doing a great job with their stories on Instagram.
Back to me :-)
I think my random approach to Instagram has held me back. I haven’t really had a plan or call to action or even a distinct goal I want to achieve over there.
Really, I’m not sure Instagram is the platform I should be putting time into at all.
These days I’m after quick consulting clients and traffic to my blog/site so that it can maintain momentum and grow.
I’m not really after acquiring lots of big client projects like many of you are.
I’m keeping as busy as I want to be with current projects and return clients. Because of all the in depth work I’ve done with my blog and Pinterest, they just keep rolling in and I don’t have to do much more to keep up the pace.
However, I think that these days, without bigger follower numbers on Instagram, it is hard to be taken seriously as an Influencer and harder to get opportunities.
So, for right now, that’s my goal, just up the follower count and engagement.
And keep producing what I know still works, creating quality blog content that my readers enjoy.
Obviously, I can’t help you with Instagram, but I can help with this……
Do you need a little help with your blog?
Do you need some specific direction, just have a few questions or want an overview from someone who has been at this awhile and has a good understanding of what a designer should be producing?
Do you want a quick critique?
Then you can hire me for a consultation.
Just like with my design blog readers who have questions or want a second pair of eyes to get a look at their projects at hand, I am happy to take a look at your blog and give you some advice, in the same format.
It’s a 30 minute consultation, and it’s done via email. Check out the offering right here.
Because you could just read this whole blog and learn an awful lot, but it’s a lot faster and more targeted to just ask me what you want to know, straight up.
I hope we all get to 10,000 followers and beyond on Instagram, SOON!!!
Learn more about how to get your blog ready for good pinning results on Pinterest.
And if you need help with Pinterest, I’ve done a pretty thorough presentation to industry pros recently and I’ve got it all here, just for you!
It’s complete with added links and extra info.
This is less expensive than any other webinar or course out there and full of good practices to employ on your website for success on Pinterest.
(I didn’t get to 160,000 Pinterest followers with over 50% of my site traffic coming from Pinterest, by not being intentional.)
INSTAGRAM EBOOK GUIDE
My friend, Deborah Von Donop, has a new ebook out for Instagram. I’m going through it now and it is really good, solid advice on how to grow your followers there. She’s moderated several panels with Instagram biggies in our industry and has gotten the scoop on how to grow. Check it out here…..