Finally, my most anticipated blog post is here! I really wanted to write it sooner but decided to take my time and figure out how I was going to write it and how I was going to share this most valuable info, lol. Originally, I was thinking of doing a video discussing how I grew mine but didn’t want to condense my tips. I really want to be thorough and share everything I did so you can do it too! I’m going to break this series up into 4 parts so I can explain what apps you need, why you need them, how to use them, and of course a few Instagram tips! So let’s get started with part 1:
Part 1 – What Camera and Apps to use:
This is THE most important parts when it comes to creating your brand on Instagram. Using the right apps and camera are so important when being able to convey your brand and create your story. Remember, Instagram is visual so consistent quality and editing is key. Even if you’re starting with 0 followers!
Step 1: Choose your camera
When you first start blogging or even if you just want to live on the ‘gram, you need a decent camera to start. Now you don’t need to go drop a couple hundred or a thousand on a DSLR camera just yet. But, you do want a camera that can take clear and crisp photos. When I first started my Instagram I shot with my iPhone 6 and my Nikon D5300 with the kit lens.
I would recommend shooting with at least an iPhone 6 or any of the newer iPhones. The reason I am personally recommending iPhone is the plethora of apps I have personally used getting my Instagram off the ground. But, obviously, any newer phone with a sharp camera will be just fine!
Step 2: Find Inspo
When you first start shooting your outfits, don’t be put off with how they may turn out! They may not look like how other blogger’s outfit shots look on Instagram. When I first started, I would show my husband my favourite #ootd shots. We would then discuss the angles and I would practice certain ways to pose to achieve the shot! It honestly took a while to learn “my angles” and I was SO embarrassed when people would watch. But, you need to start somewhere and your favourite bloggers Instagram’s and blogs for inspo are the best place to start!
Step 3: Plan your Instagram
Since I started on Instagram, I have never just posted aimlessly. You should always have some sort of a plan for your posts. Now, every so often I do post something I really want to share right then or there, like an item on sale that doesn’t go with my feed, but I share it to let my followers know about it. Overall, you want to stay within your theme and on your brand. There are SO many visual planning apps for Instagram you can use to help keep a consistent feed! Always use a planning app to layout your images and to be better prepared for what content you want to share on a daily or weekly basis.
Step 4: Use the Right Editing Apps
Okay, this is probably one of the most important steps and one of my favourite steps! When I first started blogging and using Instagram I was really confused with how to edit my pictures. I didn’t know what app to use or how to use it. There were an endless amount of apps and filters, which I was so overwhelmed with! But after many editing attempts with different apps and filters, I have chosen the best editing apps to use! These apps are tried and tested by the bigger bloggers, and will definitely give you the visual effect you want on your Instagram!
To make it really easy, I decided to create a FREE cheat sheet of my favourite apps (the same apps I used to grow my following) to create a beautiful and consistent Instagram! If you want to receive this FREE cheat sheet of all my must-have apps, subscribe to the mailing list below. All my subscribers are always the first to get my cheat sheet and blogging/Instagram tips!
xo Lauren
Don”t forget Part 2:
How I Gained 20,000 REAL Instagram Followers in 6 Months – Part 2
How I Gained 20,000 REAL Instagram Followers in 6 Months – Part 3
Related Posts:
10 Blogging Mistakes I Made My First Year + How To Avoid Them!
Well done you – that’s an amazing amount of followers in such a short space of time! I’m keen to get better at taking photographs for my blog but I haven’t got the money to splash out on a fancy camera yet – my iPhone will have to do for now.
I started with my iPhone first and it really is a great place to start and great image quality!!
Thanks for the tips! Look forward to seeing Part 2 🙂
Thanks so much for reading!
Cant read to read part 2-4!!
Ashlee
@tusksandtails
tusksandtails.com
Thanks for reading Ashlee 🙂
Thanks for the tips!!
Great tips! I have found that my images and branding have made the biggest difference.
Liz
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
I agree! Branding is key 🙂
Great blog post!! Looking forward to your next parts of this series!!
Loved this post! Subscribed and can’t wait to take a look at the sheet, and for the rest of the series! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us babe! xo, Brittany | http://www.theblistblog.com
Right now I don’t use any editing apps to edit my photos. Definitely going to look into them.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Love your tips. My main goal over the next couple of months is to grow my Instagram followers and your tips are very helpful. I also just downloaded your cheat sheet.
Bryant
http://www.thepreppyguyguide.blogspot.com
Congratulations on your success love! I have so impressed with what you have created and inspired by your journey!
Thank you for all the tips! You really have a great style and this is seen in both the photos and throughout your website. I think this captures the attention as each and one of your Instagram post seems to be 100% eye pleasing. Wow!
Nice job! I look forward to reading part two!
These are great tips! I also find that interacting with your audience is a huge point too.
All of these tips are amazing. I have utilized some of these in the past including the camera upgrade and it has made a tremendous difference!
These are fabulous tips! Now, I’ve never gotten that many followers that quick but I DO follow these steps.
Congrats on all the readers, that is so amazing! I think I have definitely been doing the part about posting things that are unplanned way too much. lol
I already subscribe to your blog so I will be looking forward to the next post. This one was full of great tips!
That’s awesome that you were able to gain so many followers! Keep up the good work. Your blog is beautiful.
Super helpful! For the planning apps, I love Planoly! I’ve been working hard on my Insta for 2017!
Great post. Lots of great information. I need to try some of your apps
This is great advice – as a new blogger, I’m finding it difficult to figure it all out. Sometimes I think I have GREAT ideas, but I’m not sure how to get them out on the gram for many people to see. Thanks for sharing!
These tips are perfect! Thanks so much for sharing. I can’t wait to apply them!
Taryn
http://www.peplumsandpushups.com
Having Insta-worthy photos is so important! I love your style–it certainly helps to have great style if you want followers!