The golden rule of Instagram is: You must use quality photos and videos. People flock to Instagram for its aesthetic appeal and use of stellar visuals to tell a story. In fact, you can't even share a post if it doesn't include an image or video. But not all visuals are created equal. Sharing pixelated, low-resolution images will make you seem out of touch and could even cause people to unfollow you.
Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. They’re scrolling through endless amounts of content every day. What would prompt them to stop and engage with your content? Using high-impact visuals is the first and most important step to capture attention and boost engagement.
How to Create a Winning Look on Instagram
The good news? You don’t need to be an experienced photographer to make your posts pop. With your smartphone and a few helpful tricks, you can ensure your visual content is high-quality and attention-grabbing.
Use natural light. Never use the flash. And try to keep the source of light (ideally, the sun) behind you when snapping a photo.
Don’t zoom in. If you need a closer shot, move closer to the subject.
Avoid overexposure. Overexposure happens when there’s too much light in your photo, making it appear washed out. To prevent this, tap your finger on the lightest part of the image. If you need to, you can go back and brighten it up with editing tools.
Follow the rule of thirds. Keep the subject slightly off-center to create balance.
Use editing tools. While you can use Instagram filters in a pinch, try apps like VSCO or Snapseed to take your photos and videos to the next level.
Create a consistent look and feel. As tempting as it may be to try all the different filters, your posts will perform better if you choose a specific aesthetic (warm tones vs. cool tones, a signature color palette) and stick with it.
Get creative. Use different mediums such as photos, videos, GIFs, and illustrations to capture interest. Leverage apps like Canva to create graphics and add text and other design elements to your visuals. To create intrigue, try using carousels, which feature multiple photos or videos in one post.
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