10 tips and tricks for creating a successful Instagram account

By ZUZANNA BIALAS

Global Business Journalism reporter

Social media has become a dominant force in the world of journalism, capturing a large share of people’s attention as the industry rapidly evolves in the digital era.

According to the consulting company Deloitte, nearly half of Americans report spending more time on social media than watching television. The easy access to social media through our smartphones gives it a clear advantage over traditional media outlets such as TV, radio or even newspapers.

It is no surprise, then, that in recent years, Instagram has become one of the most powerful platforms for building a personal brand, sharing news, and connecting with an audience. Created for storytelling and sharing visual content, Instagram is perfect for engaging users with short content that increases visibility and reaches targeted audiences.

Aspiring journalists in this evolving media landscape must embrace — or at least adapt to — these changes. Mastering the art of Instagram is certainly a good way to gain more influence in your field. However, building a successful presence on this platform requires more than simply posting pretty pictures.

Here are 10 tips to help you create a successful Instagram account, with specific tips for engaging a loyal group of followers.

1. Define your niche

Focus on a specific area that aligns with your passion or expertise. Whether it’s fashion, travel, tech, or even a niche like sustainable living or food photography, having a clear niche will make your content more attractive to followers who are interested in that subject. This will also help you stand out among the number of general lifestyle accounts.

Tip: Research trending hashtags and popular accounts within your niche to identify what’s hot.

2. Create a consistent aesthetic

The overall look of your feed matters. Develop a style, color palette, and tone of voice that remains consistent across all your posts. A visually cohesive feed not only attracts followers but also communicates professionalism and attention to detail.

Tip: Use tools like Lightroom or VSCO to apply consistent filters and adjust your photo style. Click here to access a list of tools to elevate your Instagram account to the next evel.

3. Craft captions that spark engagement

Your captions should do more than just describe your photos. Use them to tell stories, ask questions, or encourage interaction. This prompts your audience to engage, boosting your visibility through the Instagram algorithm.

Tip: End your captions with a call-to-action (CTA), such as “Tag a friend,” “What do you think?” or “Double-tap if you agree.”

4. Leverage Instagram Stories for daily engagement

Instagram Stories allow you to post in a more casual, real-time way. Use Stories to share behind-the-scenes content, quick updates, polls, Q&As, or exclusive offers. Stories are a great way to stay visible on your followers’ feeds without overwhelming them with daily posts.

Tip: Use interactive features like polls, quizzes, countdowns, and stickers to boost engagement.

5. Post regularly, but don’t overwhelm

While consistency is key, posting too frequently can lead to burnout. Aim for quality over quantity. A good rule of thumb is three to five times per week. If you’re posting daily, ensure each post adds value to your followers’ experience.

Tip: Use Instagram Insights to determine when your audience is most active and schedule your posts accordingly.

6. Use Hashtags strategically

Hashtags are essential for discoverability, but don’t overdo it. Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags relevant to your content. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but five to 15 focused hashtags tend to be the sweet spot.

Tip: Research trending hashtags within your niche and consider creating your own branded hashtag to track community engagement.

7. Collaborate with other creators

Collaborations are a great way to expand your reach. Whether through shout-outs, joint campaigns, or co-hosted events, collaborating with other creators or influencers in your niche can expose you to a wider audience and help grow your following.

Tip: Engage with potential collaborators by commenting on their posts, DM-ing them, or tagging them in your stories to build a relationship before pitching a collaboration idea.

8. Utilize Instagram Reels and IGTV

Instagram is prioritizing video content, especially through Reels and IGTV. These features offer high visibility and a chance to get discovered by a broader audience. Reels are perfect for short, engaging videos, while IGTV is great for long-form content.

Tip: Create eye-catching thumbnails for your IGTV videos and keep your Reels short, snappy, and visually interesting to hold viewers’ attention.

9. Engage with your audience

Engagement is a two-way street. Respond to comments, like and comment on your followers’ posts, and initiate conversations in your DMs. Building a community and fostering a sense of connection will increase follower loyalty and help drive organic growth.

Tip: Set aside time each day to interact with your followers, especially right after posting, to maximize engagement early on.

10. Monitor your analytics and adjust

Instagram Insights provides valuable data on how your posts are performing. Keep track of which posts gain the most engagement, which stories get the most views, and what times work best for posting. Use this information to adjust your strategy and improve over time.

Tip: Test different post styles, hashtags, and times of posting to see what resonates best with your audience.

Bonus Tip: Stay authentic and be patient

Building a successful Instagram account doesn’t happen overnight. The most important factor in long-term success is authenticity. Don’t try to be someone you’re not and avoid copying other accounts. Be yourself, stay patient, and the followers (and opportunities) will come.