What time should I post? | If I don’t get enough likes, I’m deleting it. | Take a pic! | Is this ok to post on my main feed, or should it go to my spam account?

Our generations these days are camera-obsessed. While it’s fun to constantly be exposed to new content, it can be hard to stay on top of the trends. Here are 5 ways to boost your Instagram traffic, followers, and likes!

Make sure your image is clear and in focus

Tap your phone screen before taking the picture to make sure it is sharp and focused. This will also adjust the lighting and bring out your subject’s natural features.

Still not able to find good lighting? I suggest standing in front of a window or purchasing a mini portable ring light that clips onto your phone, computer, or tablet! I have one and it makes a world of difference in my photos and videos, plus it just fits in my purse – score!

Adjust brightness, contrast, and warmth before adding a filter

Natural light is everything. To enhance your photos, use apps such as Canva, Instagram, or your phone’s built in photo editing features to create attractive and appealing images. (Best part is, these apps are free, aye 🎉)

Captions

Do your research! If you think a good song lyric best fits your picture, use it and tweak it a bit to make it your own! {Ex. Drake, Beyoncé, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and Rihanna are very popular} Your caption should add value or relevance to your image but shouldn’t be so long that your followers scroll past without even looking. Along with this, limit the amount of hashtags you use, 1-2 is plenty, but hey, #DoYaThing

If you feel you need more, write out the hashtags you want to use in your phone’s notes app, then copy and paste them as a comment on your post! Save that caption prime real estate space!

Keep your captions short, sweet, and don’t be afraid to use humor, emojis, or other elements on your keyboard. If captions still overwhelm you…go without! Pull that diva influence from Beyoncé and let your picture speak for itself!

There are prime “like” timeframes

Think strategically. Before you post, keep in mind two things: your audience’s time zone and what time they are checking Instagram the most. Typically during the day, people are on their phones more at lunch time (11 am – 1 pm) and evenings (7 – 9 pm), this means more likes! Sundays at 8 pm and Wednesday from 5 – 6 pm are ideal. Since weekends can be hit or miss, consider saving the important posts for the weekdays. Beware of 3 pm, that seems to receive the lowest engagement, so if you want those likes, post earlier or later than the afternoon lull.

Take photos without posting them right away

Schedule your posts with various apps like VSCO, Hopper HQ, Later, or simply use the built in Instagram draft feature! This allows you to edit your photos and keep in on hand for when you decide to post.

There we go, 5 tips on how to maintain a trendy ‘gram aesthetic. Always keep discovering new people and brands to follow that you admire. You are building a personal brand, so your online presence should truly reflect what you’re all about!

Wanting to try out these tips and tricks for yourself?

Comment down below what tips you can’t wait to try out! I’d love to hear suggestions on the best ways to elevate your page!

Pics or it didn’t happen,
✌ Ericka

Follow me on Instagram @lifelogliving to see these tips in action!