Are you a beginner who wants to learn how to get more followers on Instagram? I’ve got you covered. In this week’s blog post I’m giving you a sneak peek of my signature program for Instagram beginners: Ready Set Grow. Keep reading to learn about one of my SBZ five pillars of posting on Instagram, SHAREABILITY.
Here’s another example from Little Movements Apparel. This tutorial, which shows how to properly knot your t-shirt, is top-notch shareable content. I mean, one of the SBZ team members sent this to 5 of her girlfriends.
Lastly, here’s an example from my PRO client, Liz. She’s an excellent copywriter who knows how to speak directly to her ideal client on some of their biggest pain points. Plus, Liz uses her graphics and captions to catch the attention of her niche audience of entrepreneurs, so it’s much more likely her content will be shared.
To maximize the shareability of your Instagram post, create graphics that include text but are not overly branded. People are more likely to share your content if they feel like it could also fit their brand aesthetic.
Sue B. Pro Tip: If you’re sharing content like a quote or something that isn’t original, make sure you give credit in the description or tag the original creator. It’s Instagram etiquette.
Now, my current followers will tag and comment. That’s a big win for the Instagram algorithm. Don’t feel like the tagging CTA is the only one you can share. You could also ask people to leave a comment or double tap to like it.
For example, take a look at this caption from Family Snack Nutritionist, who is a picky eater parent coach. Her post is 100% shareable and she has a CTA that asks her followers to read more in her caption. This is how you get people to stop in their scroll.
What is Shareability?
First, let’s dig into what shareability means. Essentially, shareable content is an extremely effective way to grow your Instagram account and business presence on the app. When someone shares your Instagram content, they’re giving you an organic endorsement that will help you get more exposure to other accounts. Even better? It’s totally free. But it’s not enough to post content and hope people share it. Instead, you need to strategically craft your content with your ideal followers in mind. Your Instagram posts, Reels, IGTVs, and Stories should connect with and relate to your followers. The content you create should resonate so deeply that your followers will feel compelled to share with their audience. To be clear, this doesn’t mean you should create content that doesn’t feel authentic to your brand. But, given the direction that the Instagram platform is moving and how the algorithm works, shareable content that feels authentic to your brand should feel top of mind.How to Create Shareable Content
Now, let’s focus on how to create shareable content so you can get more Instagram followers. Consider your own activity on Instagram. What do you share in your Instagram Stories? Or send to your friends via Instagram Direct Messenger? Normally, it’s content that’s thought provoking or makes you laugh. When you share something on Instagram you’re saying that you agree with it fully and you’re okay with “co-signing” on it. For example, take a look at this content from Create Cultivate. As a brand that supports women business owners with trainings and events, they’re content is 100% focused on shareability. I mean, who wouldn't send this to their business BFF?
Here’s another example from Little Movements Apparel. This tutorial, which shows how to properly knot your t-shirt, is top-notch shareable content. I mean, one of the SBZ team members sent this to 5 of her girlfriends.
Lastly, here’s an example from my PRO client, Liz. She’s an excellent copywriter who knows how to speak directly to her ideal client on some of their biggest pain points. Plus, Liz uses her graphics and captions to catch the attention of her niche audience of entrepreneurs, so it’s much more likely her content will be shared.
To maximize the shareability of your Instagram post, create graphics that include text but are not overly branded. People are more likely to share your content if they feel like it could also fit their brand aesthetic.
Sue B. Pro Tip: If you’re sharing content like a quote or something that isn’t original, make sure you give credit in the description or tag the original creator. It’s Instagram etiquette.
Call-to-Action with Shareable Content
Finally, remember that you should always make it clear if you want your followers to share your content. Whether it’s via Instagram Stories or by sending your content to a friend. A clear call-to-action, also known as a CTA, will lead to stronger engagement. Take a look at this graphic that I shared. Even though the graphic has my brand colors, I used a clear CTA so people know that this post is meant to be shared. I tell people exactly what I’d like for them to do. In this case, I encourage my followers to tag a female business owner that inspires you to be you!
Now, my current followers will tag and comment. That’s a big win for the Instagram algorithm. Don’t feel like the tagging CTA is the only one you can share. You could also ask people to leave a comment or double tap to like it.
For example, take a look at this caption from Family Snack Nutritionist, who is a picky eater parent coach. Her post is 100% shareable and she has a CTA that asks her followers to read more in her caption. This is how you get people to stop in their scroll.
