A Comprehensive Guide for Photographers: Boosting Organic Views on Instagram
1. Effective Use of Hashtags
Research Relevant Hashtags: Use tools like Display Purposes or Hashtagify to find trending and relevant hashtags in the photography niche.
Create a Mix: Use a combination of popular hashtags (e.g., #photography, #instagood) and niche-specific ones (e.g., #portraitphotography, #landscape_captures).
Avoid Overstuffing: Limit yourself to 20-30 hashtags per post. Overloading can appear spammy and may reduce engagement.
Example: @chrisburkard, a renowned travel photographer, effectively uses a mix of general and specific hashtags, allowing him to reach a broader audience while still targeting his niche.
2. Maximizing the Potential of Reels
Show Behind-the-Scenes: Share the process of setting up a shot, selecting locations, or editing photos.
Tutorials: Offer quick tips on photography techniques or editing.
Engage with Trends: Participate in trending challenges or use popular music to make your Reels more discoverable.
Case Study: @jessicakobeissi, a portrait photographer, often shares editing tutorials on Reels, providing value to her followers and attracting new ones.
3. Determining the Optimal Frequency of Posts
Quality Over Quantity: It's better to post three high-quality images a week than daily mediocre ones.
Consistency is Key: Find a rhythm that works for you—whether it's every day, every other day, or thrice a week—and stick to it.
Monitor Insights: Use Instagram Insights to determine when your audience is most active and schedule posts accordingly.
4. Crafting Engaging Captions
Tell a Story: Share the inspiration behind a photo, the challenges faced, or a memorable anecdote.
Ask Questions: Encourage engagement by asking your followers for their opinions or experiences.
Use CTAs: Direct your followers to check out your latest blog, YouTube video, or portfolio update.
Example: @mattcrump, known for his candy-colored minimalist photos, often shares the story behind his images, making his posts more relatable and engaging.
5. The Importance of Keywords
Profile Optimization: Ensure your bio clearly states that you're a photographer and includes keywords related to your niche (e.g., "Portrait Photographer" or "Adventure Travel Shooter").
Alt Text: Use the alt text feature to describe your photos, making them more accessible and potentially boosting their discoverability.
Story Highlights: Use keyword-rich titles for your story highlights, such as "Weddings," "Landscapes," or "Studio Shoots."
Potential Pitfalls & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overediting: While it's tempting to use heavy filters, overedited photos can appear unnatural. Aim for a balance.
Ignoring Engagement: Respond to comments and engage with other photographers. Building a community is crucial.
Inconsistency in Style: While experimentation is good, having a consistent style or theme can make your feed more appealing.
In Conclusion Instagram is a powerful tool for photographers, but it requires strategy and consistency. By effectively using hashtags, leveraging the power of Reels, posting at optimal frequencies, crafting engaging captions, and understanding the importance of keywords, you can organically boost your views and engagement. Remember to learn from successful photographers, avoid common pitfalls, and most importantly, stay authentic to your craft.
Happy shooting and posting! 📸🌟