The combination of social media and mobile technology has influenced us all to take more photos and share them more frequently than ever before. Just last year it was revealed that Instagram had 300 million monthly active users, which just goes to show the power of the picture.
Although companies aim to make their service easy to use, there are instances where you need a bit of know-how to get it completely right.
We’ve got a few tips to share, which can assist you in making the most of Instagram…
- We could speak about getting the perfect content for a square photograph, but as of last month you can now upload landscape and portrait pictures to the app. This gives you a lot more scope and options. We recommend you take pictures outside of the app with your phone’s camera function to make the most of this – you could even experiment with panoramic shots, should your device allow it.
- Try a third party editing app, because sometimes its combination with Instagram makes for a match made in heaven. VSCO Cam for iOS is popular, as are Snapseed and Camera+. There are lots of free apps to choose from or, if you wish, you can pay for something more advanced.
- Not getting the look you want? Turn your phone another way. Holding it upside-down can create a better angle of things that are close to a surface or floor, while holding it horizontally can allow for more cropping options when you get to editing in Instagram.
- Don’t go filter crazy. Though the filters are lots of fun and are designed to improve the look, they don’t always work for your type of picture or at full pelt. Make sure your photograph still looks realistic. You can adjust the intensity of a filter easily on the app.
- And finally? Take a lot of pictures. Very rarely will the perfect Instagram shot have been a one-take sort of thing. Keep snapping away until you’re satisfied with the results.
Want to take your Instagram photos even further? You could get them transferred to a variety of products using specialists such as Photobox to make personalised items for you or gifts for family and friends. There are a number of different items you can get made up including mugs, photo books, phone cases, coasters, fridge magnets and canvasses. Another way to showcase your photos and gain more visibility for your brand is by running Instagram Story ads. you can reach a wider audience and promote your products or services in a more engaging and interactive way. In addition to creating personalized items, there are a number of different ways you can promote your brand on Instagram, such as creating content, collaborating with influencers, and running Instagram Story ads.
So don’t be one of ‘those people’ who hastily takes a picture and uploads it to Instagram when the image is fuzzy, off-kilter, heavily-edited or just plain awful. Make the most of the app and put a little bit of thought into what you’re doing to create the perfect picture. In fact, our biggest piece of advice is to practise, practise, practise. It’s the best way to get it right.