You Have Not Been “Shadow Banned” + 5 Instagram Tips Straight From Eva Chen & Her Gladiator Team
Last week I was invited by P&G to visit Facebook headquarters in Manhattan. Our goal: gain insights on how brands can increase Instagram followers, drive engagement and master Instagram Stories and Instagram Live (read: how to really use Instagram!). So I cleared my schedule because, duh Facebook. The event, “A Conversation with Eva Chen and Instagram Experts”, was hosted by the CEW. If you’re unfamiliar with the organization take a peek at their website to catch up. I’m pretty sure you know Eva Chen, Head of Fashion Partnerships, Instagram. She’s pictured above doing her infamous OOTD picture on the steps of Facebook’s 14th floor. And there I am trying to copy it. How’d I do? If you don’t know Eva I promise you that Google is your friend. Anywhos! The panel also featured Kristie Dash, Beauty and Lifestyle Partnerships Manager, Instagram, and Virginia Nam, Fashion Partnerships Manager, Instagram. I left the day with lots of knowledge. Basically, we are all doing this thing really wrong. I’ve got 5 really insightful tricks/tips that I’ll be incorporating in my quest to grow my Instagram following. So I figured I’d share them with you because ya girl is the real G…OK!
1. People are Shifting to Stories
It’s estimated that Instagram Stories has over 300 million daily active users. Because the content is limited to a 24-hour timeframe, users have a sense of urgency to watch them so the consumption pattern is shifting away from the feed. One out of three of the most watched Stories on Instagram are from businesses, which can utilize the ads feature to drive awareness and lift sales.
2. Flatlays are Out
The popular photo trend of flatlays and overly edited, polished content has begun to feel inauthentic. Placing products in real environments will give it more dimension, and make it more compelling and relatable to the user. Use innovative ways to show consumers how they can use the products for an engagement boost. Anyone else cheering loudly on the inside. I was secretly over these as pretty as they are.
3. Don’t Curate Your Feed
Even though I love MomCrushMonday’s perfectly curated feed.
Brands/Influencers shouldn’t focus too much attention on the aesthetic layout of their grid. Here’s why! No one is looking. The typically Instagram user (not bloggers or people trying to be bloggers) interacts with the content as they see it in their feed, and rarely evaluate the creative in a holistic manner. You can put this to test by looking at your Insights. Compare the Home visits vs Profile visits. This opened my eyes!
4. Post Smart
PC: Forbes.com
Instagram’s Insights tool offers data businesses can use to learn more about their audience. Post during the peak hours that are recommended through insights – doing this will increase the likelihood of engagement because these are the times when followers are engaging with the platform the most. Additionally, it is recommended to post more frequently throughout the day to ensure posts are being seen by followers, even if that means posting at least one more time a day. No one once a day!
5. Engage with Your Community
You guys know I comment to every single person. Even if my comment comes 567 weeks later. I still commented. Your followers like when they are being recognized by one of their favorite brands or influencers, and it will genuinely make their day. Brands should always engage with their community by replying or at least liking their comments to build consumer loyalty.
While I was there I captured a lot on my IG Stories and saved them to my highlights. Make sure you’re following me and go catch up.
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