14K followers on Instagram can’t be wrong!

14K followers on Instagram can’t be wrong!

June 4, 2016 Uncategorized 0

I have to admit that for quite a while, I resisted using Instagram. I was already on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for my business, and I wasn’t particularly interested in taking on any further responsibility. But earlier this year, I was asked to give a workshop for artists on social media marketing,  and I knew that there would be tremendous interest in Instagram.  Clearly, the time to ripe.  So, I gave it a shot. I felt it would be disingenuous of me to talk about something that I wasn’t personally using. I gave it a shot..and, for better or for worse, I’m  enjoying it. 

But, when it came to writing this piece,  it immediately occurred to me that I should ask my friend, Adolfo Steve Vazquez, whose Queenscapes account has more than 14K followers, for his valuable advice. In the past year that I’ve known Steve, I personally have witnessed him use his Instagram account to get shows, and create publicity.  Besides which, he’s a genuinely nice guy. With all this in mind,  I asked and Steve replied, so now you,   Dear Reader, get the benefit of his insight:

While there is a bunch of things I do on a regular basis to keep Queenscapes current and connected within the Instagram community, those things take a back seat to simply taking very good pictures.

  You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take good photos, but you do need to have a good eye. Remember although Instagram is a popular culture tool, it is still primarily a photography application. Good photography rules.
   Tip#1: Create a niche
  Even though good photography trumps any other criteria to making a strong Instagram account, that doesn’t mean you can just post RANDOM photos. With over 500 millions users currently on Instagram, there is something for everyone. Find a theme that you are versed in and create your own niche. Unless you’re Kim Kardashian, stay away from selfies on your IG account.
   Tip#2 Invent a hashtag
  Start your very own hashtag, something that’s never been used has a catchy ring to it, and is not too long for everyone else to type. Remember: hashtags only work for you if everybody else uses them as well. Keep it memorable, keep it short.
   Tip#3 Use a lot of hashtags,
  Currently, Instagram allows users 30 hashtags per post. Use them all. Look at which hashtags are trending that particular day and use whichever best applies to your theme. Hashtags give your posts added visibility.
   Tip#4 Interact with your followers
  I know that in reality you don’t know any of these people, but they know you enough to choose to follow you. Your job is to keep them interested with your feed by interacting with them, by letting them know you are grateful that you care.
   Tip#5 Post, post, post
  Instagram is all about what is happening now, with an emphasis on “instant”. You don’t necessarily have to post 10 times a day, but you should post at least once a day. If you don’t stay current, you lose relevance. – Adolfo Steve Vazquez, queenscapes.nyc.
 Follow Steve’s IG account, Queenscapes. If you have questions for him, please leave them in the comments section of this blog post, and he’ll be in touch!

 

 

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