My 2024 Instagram Strategy

There’s absolutely nothing about me that screams Instagram influencer. I cannot tell anyone how to grow and thrive on that platform. However, I have recently been experimenting with the app and learning more about how successful users grow and thrive, and I’ve devised a plan that I hope will change the trajectory of my account.

It’s a three-step process that currently incorporates all the most essential aspects of Instagram tools. That said, Instagram is always a clever prankster. When we figure out a way that works, they will change their code to emphasize other places. I don’t expect this plan to work forever, but I believe it will work in the interim.

Step One

I’m creating and publishing a 10 to 30-second Reels video three to five times per week. Right now, I’m only posting Monday through Friday because weekend activity seems lower, but that could change.

I try to make at least one or two videos in advance. I always come up with something to share, and when I have new ideas, I jot them down in my Notes app to reference them later.

Ten seconds is not a lot of time to get the message out, so I need to be concise with what I share. I don’t craft Reels scripts, but I practice and hone what I want to share until I get a video that fits in the timeline.

I post a Reel around mid-morning, but I’m experimenting with times to see if there are better times to post. I don’t know how much time of day comes into play because most of my Reels don’t pick up traction right away, but from what I’ve read, this has more to do with how much of my initial audience see the video first. IG will push it out further throughout the day if I can get good interaction from those initial followers.

If Instagram is a restaurant and the audience is our customers, we can equate Reels as the appetizer and the menu. Reels aim to get people in the door, show them more of what we are all about, and hopefully turn them into followers.

Step Two

If Reels is the appetizer, then Stories is the meal.

Once someone is a follower, I work on adding value to my Stories instead of trying to push more feed content at them. I mix it up between thoughts, news, and insights and share fun and quirky things I’ve found on IG. This shows new people more of my personality.

If they appreciate what I share in Stories, they’ll return for more knowing that the content is fleeting. The goal is to post 10 to 15 times per day at different times, with a couple of those posts talking head videos of me.

Step Three

Spreading my Stories throughout the day ensures I pop up in the bubbles at the top of their feed more often. If I can get them to click those and watch my stories, there’s a strong chance they’ll see more of my regular posts in their feed.

The more often they see me in the feed, the more likely Instagram will show my posts to them, and that is where momentum is built up. If I can keep people within that content flywheel, at some point, they will want to find out more about me outside of the app and maybe turn them into subscribers.

Thoughts on Static Content

I’m not posting artwork much these days, but if I were, I would integrate static posts and carousels at least once or twice a week so people could see what I’m working on in detail. Nothing irritates me more than going to an artist’s feed to look at their work, and all I see is Reel after Reel of their process.

Don’t get me wrong—I love the process and behind-the-scenes videos as much as anyone, but I would love to see the detailed work.

This is the dessert portion, and not everyone will indulge in it. In Instagram's current environment, static posts and carousels will get fewer views and engagement.

We cannot be precious about this process. We must be okay with how things work there to succeed on the platform. We must consider all aspects of the app to get the full engagement process.

Working in this way creates an opportunity to gain momentum, and that cycle potentially leads people to move from followers to true fans that buy whatever we’re selling.