Month: September 2019

How to Build Your Instagram Account from Scratch

Let’s admit it, Instagram is a phenomenon among social media platforms. It’s very visual, easy to use and works best on mobile devices. Nowadays, almost everyone has an Instagram account, so what better place to try stepping into the spotlights?

However, if you need to build an account from scratch you might definitely find the task a bit daunting. But don’t worry! This social media paper is here to make things easier for you, so read on.

 

Signing Up to Instagram

The most difficult step of the initial Instagram setup is probably choosing your username. If you’re opening an account on behalf of your business, then it would be best to keep your usernames uniform on all social media platforms. Same goes for your e-mail address. This way, you’ll work towards brand consistency and people will be able to recognize you across all the different marketing channels.

 

Choosing the Right Profile Picture

When it comes to profile pictures, make sure your photo of choice is clear and clutter free. This is very important because Instagram is a platform used mostly on mobile devices. If your profile pic is kind of messy, it will be hard to recognize when it’s small.

Businesses usually use their company logo to promote their brand on Instagram. Other variants include the shortened logo, an acronym or a mascot, although neither of them is mandatory. Any photo works as long as it’s representative and high-quality.

 

Writing Your Bio

Creating a great profile description shouldn’t be taken lightly. Although keeping it brief is a golden rule of Instagram – as people are, most of the time, in a constant scrolling spree, it should also be used to tell your story. While the concepts of ‘storytelling’ and ‘keeping it brief’ might seem contrary and difficult to tackle, just keep in mind that you only have to give your audience an idea of who you are and why you are worth following.

 

Interlinking Profiles

Instagram allows you to add one hyperlink to your profile. This means that you are given one chance to redirect your audience to a website where people can learn more about you. Make sure not to overlook this option.

It’s best to add an URL to a landing page which is specially designed to engage with your Instagram followers. This way you will make them want to subscribe to your personal or business website as well.

The platform also offers you the possibility to connect your other social media accounts as well. Having a solid social media foundation will allow you to sketch your presence even better, especially when it comes to the Instagram – Facebook – Twitter trio.

 

Creating Great Content

Instagram is a very visual platform. That’s actually one of the aspects that makes it so agreeable to users.

There are several types of photos that will work best on Instagram. You can start by uploading selfies – especially if you thrive to be an influencer, square shots – awesome for scenery, design, architecture, and food or even perspective shots – which usually engage the audience best.

Also remember to add hashtags, as they’re an easy way to get your content to be noticed. They work by connecting your presence to the right niche, as they are increasingly popular and easy to follow.

 

Final Thoughts

 Whether you’re thinking about setting up a profile for yourself or your business, Instagram is definitely not a social media platform to overlook.

It’s colored, it’s fascinating, and we could even say that it’s where all the fun takes place nowadays, so make sure not to miss out on any of it.


Apps That Every Blogger Should Use

We all know that blogging means time, effort, and dedication. As a matter of fact, owning a blog might become even more time consuming than a usual nine-to-five job.

 

Whether you’re busy with your content calendar, deadlines or just writing your ideas down as they come, there are several apps that can help you focus better and stay on track. Check all those that are worth trying below.

 

  • WordPress

 

If WordPress is your blogging platform of choice, and there are high chances it is, then this app is definitely a must-have. Happy news: this tool is compatible both with self-hosted blogs, as well as with those which are hosted on WordPress.com.

 

The app allows you to create, edit and publish blog posts directly from your smartphone. Being able to do this on the go is definitely a great feature, especially since you can also receive push notifications, manage comments or track all the analytics.

 

  • Blogger

 

As Blogger is yet another popular blogging platform, it’s no surprise that Google prepared a mobile version of it. Although it’s rather limited compared to the WordPress app, it’s still great for when you can’t be in front of your computer.

 

  • Google Analytics

 

It’s a universal truth that behind the content of every blog is a blogger who’s constantly tracking all the analytics. But even the backstage tasks need a helping hand from time to time.

 

This is where Google Analytics shows up with all your conversions and real-time analytics, as well as all the other insights you need. After all, the behavior of your audience is needed to shape your blog.

 

  • Evernote

 

If most of your ideas come to you on the go, don’t worry. Evernote’s definitely got your back with this one.

 

You can either write text or take pictures, create lists or even record tracks. You can add attachments to your notes or use different templates for planning, tracking or just getting inspired.

 

The best part of this tool is the fact that it synchronizes all of your notes across your devices. This way, even if you’ll lose your phone, your notes will still be safe.

 

  • Ulysees

 

Ulysees is a smartphone app only available for iOS. If you own an iPhone, then you’ll definitely want to try this app out.

 

It offers you a great writing experience and also adds a boost of productivity to it. You can also share files across various platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, Notes and more.

 

  • Trello

 

If you’re looking to stay organized at all times, then Trello is a highly recommended tool. It’s available both as a desktop and mobile app so you can use it both ways.

 

Trello is great both for organizing simple tasks, such as to do lists, and more complex projects, which come with multiple subtasks and deadlines. You can use color codes and multiple task boards. You can even share your plans with teammates if needed.

 

  • Dragon Dictation

 

If you don’t have the time to write down your ideas as they come, there’s no more need to postpone them.

 

Dragon Dictation is an accurate speech to text converter which will fast type your audio notes in a format that’s easier to keep and work on. Isn’t that just amazing?

 

Final Thoughts

 

As a blogger, there’s a constant need to stay on track with your plans and be organized at all times. Writing and productivity apps can definitely help you overcome some of the challenges you might be facing on a daily basis, so make sure to check them out and see which ones work best for you.