The "Just Do This" is a series I started after a client said to me, "I don't want to figure out what works for me, or come up with some custom strategy. Just tell me what to do. Don't make me think." So, these posts are for anyone who just a basic formula to get going. A starting place. Something to do. Right. Now. Once you get some momentum, you can move on to more customized strategies.
Instagram is one of my favorite platforms for makers, but I often hear people say, "I started an Instagram account but I have no idea what to post." Here's my kickstart formula for what to post for makers (artists, potters, bakers, jewelers, etc.). Get going!
Ground Rules
- Commit to consistency. I don't care if it's once a day or once a week, but choose how often your going to post, and stick to it. If you're just getting started and this feels daunting, post once a week (no less). Choose a date and time and put a reminder on your calendar.
- Go down the waterslide already. Don't be the kid at the top paralyzed at the edge for ages. Just go, you'll get the hang of it, and you might even have fun! The idea is just to get started, and once you try a few things, you'll find your groove.
What to Post
Without getting into the details too much as to why I'm suggesting these categories, essentially Instagram is all about the visuals. So, while on other platforms we might focus more effort on posting different types of helpful content, makers can essentially use Instagram as an online gallery of their work and creative process. In order to keep this gallery interesting and engaging, variety is key.
For makers, I suggest rotating through four basic image categories to get started:
From @westernrangeclothing
Details
Getting up close to the details is a great way to show off your work. Whether it's the delicate clasp of a necklace, fingers holding a coffee mug, or paint coming out of the tube, details make great posts.
- Tip: Think about the little things your customers would notice once they have it in their hands, the things that make your work special. Maybe it's the rusted nails in your wooden frame, or the surprise material on the inside cuff. Maybe it's the bow on top of your gift box. Also think about the little things they'd see if they were in your work space--threading a wire through a single bead, for example.
Behind-the-Scenes
Show your customers what goes into your making process. Take photos of your baking counter, or show a photo of you at your potter's wheel. Maybe it's an image of all of your paint brushes, ready to go. Just give your followers a peek into your world!
Inspiration
Show them the things that inspire your work! Did you choose your glaze based on the color of a flower in your garden? Did you want to paint the scene from a recent vacation? Maybe you want to create a gorgeous bag for the busy mom in your life. Post a photo of whatever ignites your creativity.
From @padgettehokejewelry
Joy/In Action
Post images of your thing in "the real world" where it brings joy to your customers! Whether it's a customer wearing their new ring, or a painting hanging proudly on a wall, sharing photos of your work in action is a no-brainer. Plus, people are often excited to share their new purchase, so just ask them to post on their own (you can share their post), or document them when you can!
Final thoughts:
Themes: I love working with themes as it's easier for me to come up with things that way in advance, and certainly helps with consistency. For example, a potter may choose to post photos every week for a "New Mug Monday"series. If you're selling jewelry perhaps you post a "Date Night" flat lay once a week, showing what jewelry pairs well with an outfit.
Batching: I find it's much easier to crank out a number of photos at the same time, and then just pull from them over the next few weeks. When you have a theme, this is SO much easier, as you know that you can shoot 6 mugs at once for your "New Mug Monday" posts, and be set for the next 6 weeks.
Hashtags: Not sure what hashtags to use, or even why you should? Think of it as just a way to reference similar images. If someone loves oil paintings, they can search the hashtag #oilpainting and all images with that hashtag appear. My recommendation for beginners is to just stick with a few that make sense about what you want to be known for. So, in this example, you may also add #artist #painting #stilllife.
Filters & Editing: There are great tools on Instagram to make your photo look better, but these can easily make them look unprofessional, also. Go easy on the edits to start. If there is just one thing to keep in mind, stick with just one or two filters throughout your feed...it will bring consistency to your brand.
Experiment and Learn: You're not going to find out what resonates with your audience until you start. Maybe you discover that your photos of just details aren't really doing much, but the photos with people in them really gain traction. But you won't figure it out unless you put it out there.
Lastly, give yourself some credit for getting started! Just getting going is half the battle. Tell me how it goes in the comments below. Questions? Feel free to reach out.
Still need help? Grab my 4 Ways to Stop Overthinking and Just Get Started on Social Media: A Pep Talk for Perfectionists to get you out of your head and into action!