New to Instagram?

I’ve been on Instagram (IG) for a few years now (you can find me here), and have learnt a few things. I thought there might be some IG newbies out there who would be interested in some tips and tricks. This is not an exhaustive list, but might help you get started!

PROFILE

When I recently asked on IG whether people block some followers, here is what a large number said: “If there is no photo or description in the profile, and especially if they’ve never posted a photo, I block them.”

So here are some ideas to make sure people don’t block you, and that others will be able to get to know a little more about you:

♥ A photo on your profile is always a good idea. It doesn’t have to be a photo of you – maybe your logo, if you have one, or something you’ve made, or love.

♥ It’s always nice to have a real name to put in comments (rather than just your user name), so try to include that in your profile.

♥ Just a few words in your profile makes all the difference as to whether others will let you follow them, or want to follow you. Tell about what you love, your hobbies, where you live (don’t get too specific here, and omit altogether if it worries you), etc. Don’t forget the link to your blog or Etsy store if you have one.

LIKES AND COMMENTS AND HASHTAGS

♥ Don’t feel like you have to like and comment on every photo in your feed.  You don’t want someone to feel like you’re stalking them! Double tap the photo if you especially like it, and leave a comment when you feel moved to.

♥ Every now and then use the person’s actual name when you comment – it’s more personal. You should be able to find their real name in their profile.

♥ Don’t feel like you can’t comment on a photo if you don’t know the person! It’s a great way to get to know someone – I’ve made some lovely IG friends simply by commenting back and forth on each other’s posts.

♥ If you are leaving a comment for the person who posted the photo, you don’t need to tag them. The comment will come up in their activity page. Only tag a person in the comment if it’s for someone else – not the original poster. Take a look at this comment from one of my recent posts – I’ve tagged @dogundermydesk. They will get a notification that I have tagged them in a post.

♥ When using hashtags, the photo only shows up in that hashtag’s feed if the original poster tags it. If another commenter puts a hashtag in their comment it will not show up in the photos for that hashtag.

♥ You won’t see photos on a hashtag’s feed if the person who posted the photo is private – only public photos are available to view by everyone.

♥ A great way to find new people to follow is to search for a particular hashtag, and scroll through the photos that come up. In the post above, I have used the hashtag #tinyfloralsanonymous. If you click on that hashtag, you will see all the public photos that have been tagged with #tinyfloralsanonymous. Visit some of these and you might find someone lovely to follow.

♥ IG is meant to be a happy place, so only make encouraging, helpful comments. If you need to say something else, like constructive criticism, send it as a direct message (DM) to that person.

REPOSTING

♥ You can use a Repost app if you need to repost a photo, or you can just take a screenshot and use that.

♥ Whichever way you do it, always make sure to give credit to the original poster, and make sure you tag them.

DIRECT MESSAGES

The little inbox in the top right corner of your screen will have a red dot on it if you have a message waiting for you. The “1” indicates you have one message.

There will also be a little red dot on the home icon on the bottom left of your screen to remind you.

 

You can send a DM to anyone, but if the person is private and you aren’t already following them, the other person will have to accept your DM.

♥♥♥

Remember, most people only post their happy, “life is good,” photos on IG. Don’t compare yourself with others – never a good idea. You’ll always find someone better off than you, and someone worse off than you, so best not to start.

Most everyone is struggling with something in their life, so let’s think good of each other. And remember, you reap what you sow – being kind and encouraging is always the way to go.

Instagram is a great community, and I’ve found that crafty/quilty people are some of the nicest, most generous people around. Be friendly and encouraging, and you’ll make some “instafriends” in no time!

Please share any tips and tricks for using IG in the comments.

Till next time