If you've been searching around for tips on how to get more followers for your Instagram account, look no further than this post!
What if I told you that there's one thing that all Instagram accounts with 500,000 or more followers have in common? That would be pretty exciting, right? Well it's true!
There is one thing all of the big Instagram brands do that smaller accounts tend to not think about.
The not-so-secret thing that all these accounts have in common is that every Instagram post they publish tells a story.
I'm not talking about the kind of in-your-face story that says "take 25% off with promo code InstagramFam." I'm talking about subtle stories about a company's culture, products and customers that make others want to be a part of the journey. It's what earns them a follow, helps them maintain really high engagement levels on each post and also drive sales!
If you want to up your Instagram marketing game keep reading for three type of pictures you can take to tell a really fun story with your Instagram pictures.
1. Get Creative with a Flat Lay
A flat lay is a type of photo that includes several products that are all related to each other in same way - usually by category and color scheme.
It's called a Flat Lay because all of the products are laid out flat next to each other on a tabletop or even the floor. Here's an example of a flat lay from the beauty subscription box, Birchbox:
You can find more examples of flat lays here if you're interested.
Flat lays are particularly popular in the beauty and fashion world, but they can be adopted for any company that makes small(ish) products. Stationary, phone/tablet/laptop accessories, coffee mugs, etc. are all examples of products that work well for a flat lay.
A flat lay is an exceptional storytelling tool because it shows how a particular product fits in with other products or brands that the viewer already likes and uses.
This is especially useful for new companies wanting entering the market for the first time. It immediately allows you to put yourself in the same picture (hah, get it) with other quality brands that you admire.
2. Show Your Product in Use Out in the Wild
One of the very best ways to tell a story on Instagram is by featuring your products being used out in the wild. This allows the consumer to imagine themselves in a scenario they very much would like to be in right now using your products!
Yeti is a brand that is great about featuring user generated content as well as professional photos shot of their products IN ACTION like the example above.
Showing your product in-use tells the incredibly important customer story. It's a visual that stimulates your target audience and causes them to think, "I identify with that person and want to use that product like him/her."
This type of lifestyle shot should be incorporated not just in your Instagram marketing efforts but all throughout your website and other touch points as well. It's a powerful way to get a customer excited about your products and how they can use them without being super in-your-face.
3. Feature Complimentary Products Together to Sell More
One excellent way to use a single Instagram post to increase your average cart value for the day is to showcase several complementary products from your own range(s) together!
Unlike a flat lay, not all of the products need to be carefully arranged on their backs - and you definitely don't have to feature any other brands. Simply create a nice arrangement of your own products that all go together like makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury is doing in the example above.
This type of photo tells the story of how a customer can use multiple products together for their benefit. Think of it as Instagram's version of the typical 'if you like this you may also be interested in..." section!
This type of photo is suggestive and persuasive making it an excellent Instagram selling tool!
Getting Started:
Now that you have a few creative ideas for the type of Instagram photos you need to shoot it's time to get started!
Try to take each photo from a few different angles so that you have options to choose from when you're ready to pick one to post. A subtle angle shift can sometimes make the world of a difference in storytelling!
By the way, if you're the over achieving type and you want even more ideas for growing your Instagram account check out this free guide on How to Get Your First 10,000 Instagram Followers!
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I will try my best to respond!