Instagram™ posts mistakes as a beginner are inevitable. But over the past several years in business, I’ve seen business owners on Instagram make the same mistakes. That’s why in this blog post I’m breaking down the most common Instagram™ post mistakes, and how you can avoid them.
- Instagram™ Posts as a Beginner Tip #1: Be Hyper Strategic
- Instagram™ Posts as a Beginner Tip #2: Add a Call-to-Action
- Instagram™ Posts as a Beginner Tip #3: Craft Content With Your Audience in Mind
Instagram™ Posts as a Beginner Tip #1: Be Hyper Strategic
First, let’s talk about the most common mistake when beginners draft posts for Instagram™. So often businesses struggle because they are not hyper strategic with the first 75-85 characters on their Instagram™ post.
The first line of your Instagram™ post is your hook. Just like an email subject line, you want it to jump out and grab your followers’ attention. That means you should put the most captivating part of your caption right at the beginning.
Ultimately, people need a reason to click “read more” on your caption. People are scrolling through Instagram™ at rapid-fire speed, so you only have a few seconds to get their attention.
Take a look at how my PRO client, Maggie Landes, hooks her followers with her Instagram™ caption.
By using the eye emoji and asking a question, Maggie gives her followers a reason to stop in their scroll. By asking a question at the beginning of the Instagram™ post caption she is also sparking a conversation to drum up more engagement.
When you’re drafting your Instagram™ posts think about an emoji that ties in with your brand aesthetic. Also, if you’re getting the same questions in the Instagram™ Direct Message, go ahead and put that in your caption.
Instagram™ Posts as a Beginner Tip #2: Add a Call-to-Action
Next, let’s talk about a call-to-action. Essentially, a call-to-action, also known as a CTA, tells your followers exactly what you’d like them to do. Even better, CTAs can be used in every Instagram™ neighborhood.
From your post description to mentioning it on IGTV, CTAs are one of the best ways to encourage more engagement. It can be as simple as asking people to comment, sending a Direct Message, or clicking the link in your Instagram™ bio to sign up for your email list.
Every post does not have to include an overly aggressive CTA. In fact, saying something like “Buy from me” is the opposite of what you need to do. Instead, focus on engagement. A gentle nudge like asking people to like your post or send it to a friend is actually more effective.
Asking your audience questions keeps them engaged, which is a smart way to work with (not against) the Instagram™ algorithm.
Instagram™ Posts as a Beginner Tip #3: Craft Content With Your Audience in Mind
Finally, let’s talk about a huge mistake that I see all the time. Businesses share beautiful content, but they forget to keep their key audience in mind. When you create content you should always consider “What’s in it for them.”
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to stop sharing personal content. But it is important that you keep in mind how your content will land with your followers. People buy from brands they trust. What you share on your account establishes you as the authority in your industry niche.
For example, if you were sharing a recipe you might write an Instagram™ post that says, “This recipe is so good and fast my family loved it.”
Instead, you could share an Instagram™ post that offers value to your followers. You could write, “If you are rushing around every night unsure of what to make for your family, I have you covered. In 15 minutes you can make a nutritious one-pot meal. Less time cooking and fewer pots to clean, I think this is a win for every family! Tag your fellow time-pressed parents that need this recipe below.”
The first Instagram™ post is about you. Whereas, the second post shares how it will help your ideal followers and includes a strong CTA.
Struggling with What to Post? I’ve Got You’ve Covered
Are you staring at your phone struggling with what to post on Instagram™? Some days it can feel impossible to draft a strong, creative Instagram™ post. That’s why I created this FREE downloadable resource. With this download, you’ll save time and turn followers into action takers.
