How to Create Content for Instagram: A Simplified Guide

To successfully grow your account, you need to know how to create content for Instagram that attracts people who can act on your calls-to-action.

You also want to create content that helps you stand out with fresh, timely, and relatable messaging.

But most importantly?

You want your brand to get a share of the revenue from the more than 1 billion users who actively engage with the platform monthly and achieve business goals.

And according to marketers, Instagram is among the social media platforms that help you achieve business goals.

Image via Hootsuite

However, achieving your business goals will not be possible if you don’t know how to create content for Instagram. It will be hard to attract the right audience, get them to interact with it, and encourage them to convert.

But don’t worry.

In this guide, we discuss a simple process that you can use when learning to create content for Instagram.

Check it out!

Disclaimer: This content contains some affiliate links for which we will earn a commission (at no additional cost to you). This is to ensure that we can keep creating free content for you.

How to Create Content for Instagram in 4 steps

According to research, people visit Instagram for different reasons, including discovering products, researching, and deciding whether to buy.

Image via Facebook

And as you learn how to create content for Instagram, your goals should gear towards inspiring and helping your audience discover things they love.

But how do you create this content?

Have a strategy you can replicate and improve as time goes by.

It’s one of the social media tips you can leverage to grow your business.

But why?

A content creation strategy can help you not only reach your target audience but also stand out.  Having it documented also means you can quickly identify areas that need improving as time goes by and optimize.

What should your content strategy entail?

Leverage these steps if you want to learn how to create content for Instagram:

1. Plan Your Content

Finding the right thing to post can be a struggle if you always wait for inspiration to create content for Instagram.

So what should you do?

Know your objectives, who you want to target, and what kind of content would catch and hold their attention.

And in this section, we look at the various crucial points you need to take care of when planning to create content for Instagram.

Let’s get started:

Identify Goals

With clearly defined content goals, you can stay focused on your content marketing objectives with each post.

However, for these goals to work, they must be specific, measurable, and realistic. They should align with business objectives and be time-bound.

For example, let’s say you want to create content for Instagram that helps you increase your average online orders by 5% by the end of May.

Other reasons you may want to create content for Instagram include building brand awareness, increasing reach, driving engagement, etc.

Find Audience Pain Points

A challenge most marketers face when trying to offer exceptional customer experiences involves understanding customers.

Image via Redpoint Global

And guess what?

If you don’t understand your customer, you won’t know how to create content for Instagram that drives engagement and conversions.

So, how do you solve this problem?

Dig beyond simple demographics and discover their interests and problems. Ask them to share issues they need help with or seek forums and Q&A sites for their problem areas.

Then create content that provides solutions and builds your connection to them.

Define Brand Look and Voice

Instagram content includes more than photos and videos you post on Instagram.

It also includes graphics and how your brand presents itself on the platform.

It’s, therefore, important to establish a distinct look and voice whenever you want to create content for Instagram.

But how?

Combine your words, language, aesthetics, stylistic choices, personality, etc., into a memorable experience.

And according to consumers, having memorable content and compelling storytelling makes brands stand out.

And guess what?

Brand voice has a distinctive role to play in all this!

Image via Sprout Social Index

So how do you take your Instagram content to the next level with brand voice?

Depending on your target audience, choose a distinct personality.

Take Oatly, an oat milk company, for example. They decided on a fun conversational brand voice, and their posts take on a randomness that makes the reader want to read on.

Image via Instagram

They also use images with the same blue and pink hues, thus giving their Instagram feed a distinctive look.

Image via Instagram

But how do you give your content a distinct look?

• Choose colors that communicate or evoke feelings. For example, choose calm colors if you want a calming look.
• Use specific filters.
• Include your logo.
• Choose fonts that speak as much as your content does. For example, if your brand wants to represent a friendly, amusing, or expressive look, you can use display fonts.

Disney uses these fonts perfectly.

Image via Instagram

Identify Posting Schedule

To stay relevant, your brand needs a regular posting schedule on times when your audience is likely online.

But how do you identify an ideal posting time?

Check your analytics from the Instagram app and identify top time zones when followers mostly interact with your content. Then, strive to create content for Instagram while experimenting with various posting times.

And according to a recent study, the best times to post depend on what day of the week you want to publish content.

Image via Later

However, while these are average times across brands, your account features a unique set of audiences, and you must find out when they are most active on the platform.

Leverage Tools

Want to create content for Instagram without the platform taking too much of your time?

Leverage tools that help you take care of most Instagram problems without breaking your bank.

But what tools are the best for Instagram content?

Here is a selection of tools you can use to create content for Instagram:

Editing tools: Boomerang, VSCO, Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom

Automation tools: Buffer, Hootsuite, Agorapulse, SocialPilot

Stories tools: Canva, Adobe Spark, mojo, Unfold

Hashtag tools: Hashtagify, AutoHash, HashTagsForLikes, Hashtracking.com

Bio link tools: Linktree, Sked Link, Milkshake App, SHORBY

Analytic tools: Instagram Insights, Iconosquare, Keyhole, Sprout Social

Ad tools: Facebook Ads Manager, Branded Content Tools, AdEspresso, AdView

Influencer campaign tools: Fourstarzz, Brand Collabs Manager, Afluencer, Traackr

Feed planning tools: Later, Sked Social, HopperHq.com, Preview App

2. Create Instagram Content

At this point, on your quest to create content for Instagram, you have a plan detailing your goals, audience, tools you will use, and when to post.

It’s now time to learn how to create content for Instagram that people will interact with.

How do you go about it?

Use these tips:

Be Creative

The secret to writing social media content that drives engagement lies in aligning it to your brand, considering audience needs, and sticking to your niche.

To create content for Instagram, you have to ensure each post contributes to your overall business goals and understand audience preference. Additionally, focus your efforts on only posting information on your niche that’s engaging, authentic, and inspiring.

Image via Facebook

So, how do you get creative when creating content?

Consider your audience buyer journey and the kind of content they need to move them along. This includes content that attracts, nurtures, convinces them to convert, and grows their loyalty.

Then, decide on the type of posts.

Do they prefer more video or photos? Are they more into educational pieces or carousels?

Various forms of content you can include in your posts include:

• Testimonials
• Educative content
• Reviews
• User-generated content
• Statistics and facts

Now, once you know what the best content is, plan for it in advance.

But why?

Planning gives you a bird’s eye view of your scheduled posts. It prevents you from over-promoting products while also giving you time to curate an excellent Instagram feed.

Check out a brand like Recess, for example.

Image via Instagram

They have an aesthetically pleasing grid that leverages the same pink and blue hues.

Leverage Visual Content

According to research, 70% of marketers plan to increase their investment in video.

But why is this?

Video drives great returns on investment while also increasing user understanding of products. It’s the number one way for brands to attract attention, find new customers, and drive sales.

Image via Animoto

Additionally, an average image posted on Instagram gets 23% more engagement than when posted on Facebook.

But what’s the best way to create content for Instagram while featuring images and videos?

One, start by creating your visual content in batches.

Doing this gives you a library of content and saves you time in terms of the duration it takes to browse, select, edit, create captions, and post images.

Two, leverage tools like Canva and Venngage that give you Instagram templates you can share several times.

Image via Canva

And the benefits of doing this?

You don’t have to recreate designs or come up with original ideas each time you need to create content for Instagram.

Three, find stock images that relate to your brand and combine them with original photos to give you a varied Instagram feed. However, ensure you download these images in the correct Instagram sizes.

Alternatively, download the stock images and use online tools to shrink them to a width of 1080 pixels or a 1:91:1 ratio. You can also leverage compression tools like TinyImage that help you reduce the bulkiness of your stock images without compromising on quality.

Use Hashtags

Hashtags can expand your reach on Instagram and drive engagement. And when you use them to create content for Instagram, your posts appear on that hashtag page.

Why is this crucial?

People can see your posts if they follow a hashtag you use, even if they are not your followers. You can also use them to build a community motivated to engage with your brand.

What kind of hashtags can you use to create content for Instagram?

Community hashtags: They connect like-minded people to a topic. For example:

• Seasonal hashtags like #halloween
• Niche hashtags like #travelphotographer
• Product hashtags like., #handbag
• Location hashtags like #Texassweets
• Acronym hashtags like #TBT
• Daily hashtags like #InspirationalTuesday
• Phrase hashtags like #GirlsWhoTravel

And the trick to succeeding with community hashtags?

Include several in your content to reach different communities.

Image via Instagram

Branded hashtags: Are unique to your brand and can represent your tagline, company name, product, or brand identity.

For example, Allbirds uses the hashtag #weareallbirds to create content for Instagram, connect to their audience, and drive awareness for their brand.

Image via Instagram

Campaign hashtags: You tie these hashtags to specific campaigns. For example, an event, product launch, promotion, etc.

For example, this marketing campaign hashtag by Planters:

Image via Instagram

But how do you discover the best hashtags to create content for Instagram?

First, realize that using popular hashtags or many of them does not necessarily mean you get lots of engagement. In fact, according to a study, using too many can reduce engagement.

Image via HubSpot

The trick?

Find fewer hashtags related to your niche or relevant to your industry.

But how do you discover hashtags you can use to create content for Instagram?

Check out competitor posts, leverage trending topics in your niche, or use hashtag-generating tools to find them.

Write Attractive Captions

To create content for Instagram with strong captions, you need to re-examine your goals and your audience.

A brand that does this perfectly is Tushy, which showcases a great understanding of its target audience.

Image via Instagram

But how can your brand make captions captivating?

Leverage these tips to create content for Instagram with great captions:

• Include a call to action
• Use questions
• Have important details at the beginning
• Be authentic
• Add value
• Use storytelling
• Include emojis
• Be careful about caption length. If you must use lengthy captions, make sure they drive value
• Include hashtags

Run UGC Campaigns

93% of marketers believe consumers trust content created by people more than what brands create.

So, why doesn’t your brand leverage user-generated content to amplify its content strategy?

Using it can help you build brand trust, inspire purchase decisions, increase engagement, and boost reach.

But how can you use UGC to create content for Instagram?

Use these steps:

• Identify a goal.
• Create a unique hashtag. Make it short, easily recognizable, and connect it to your product, brand, or business.
• Give participants a valuable price. E.g., a gift card.
• Chose a timeframe
• Promote your contest. Ask followers to participate and include prerequisites that make one eligible. For example, tagging their friends, sharing their email, etc.
• Announce the winner.

Alternatively, use a social listening tool to find posts mentioning your brand or products. Then, and with permission from the fan, re-share the post to your Instagram account.

Image via Instagram

Partner with Influencers

Brands that create effective influencer strategies build trust with their audiences while also increasing reach.

Influencer-generated content also outperforms branded content.

Image via Linqia

But how can you work with influencers to create content for Instagram?

Follow these steps:

• Identify influencer campaign goals.
• Set a budget.
• Decide on the type of influencers. E.g., micro-influencers, macro-influencers, nano-influencers, etc.
• Find influencers. They should have an engaged following, high reach, similar values as your brand, and followers interested in what you offer.
• Reach out to influencers and agree on the type of content, number of posts, budget, etc.
• Manage influencers and track performance.

If you build relationships with influencers who deliver, they can boost your content strategy and make your brand a household name.

Maximize Instagram Features

If you want to create content for Instagram that engages and boosts your reach, you need to leverage Instagram features including:

Instagram Live: Use it to create content for Instagram that builds your online community and showcases your brand’s authentic or human side.

For example, Revolve regularly live sessions that they then re-share to their feed and IGTV.

Image via Instagram

IGTV: Use it to create content for Instagram that helps you build long-term relationships. These can include product launches, tutorials, interviews, etc.

For example, check out how Golde uses IGTV to educate their audience.

Image via Instagram

Instagram Stories: Keep your audience engaged with stickers, polls, and quizzes on Stories. For example, Travel Alberta keeps their audience engaged with quizzes on must-see locations.

Image via Instagram

Use Instagram Ads

A survey on people using Instagram found that those who see a product or service either seek out more information, visit the brand’s website, purchase, or follow the brand.

Image via Facebook

And guess what?

By running Instagram ads, you can introduce more people to your products.

But how can you create content for Instagram ads:

• Target people based on their demographics, behavior, and interests.
• Retarget those who’ve interacted with your website or accounts on other social media platforms.
• Target those whose contact details you possess.
• Create audiences based on existing customers.
• Leverage automated targeting.

Most importantly, don’t forget to optimize landing pages you direct people to when they click on your ad. This way, you can offer visitors exceptional experiences that lead to a conversion.

3. Optimize Content on Your Instagram Account

You now know how to create content for Instagram.

But is there a way to ensure it delivers maximum results?

Yes.

Here is how to create content for Instagram optimized to deliver better results:

Use different content formats: There are various formats you can use to create content for Instagram. These include short videos, IGTV, Live Streams, Reels, GIFs, memes, etc.

Carousels, for example, can help you drive more engagement.

Image via Socialinsider

Run contests: Contests draw attention to your brand and can help you boost engagement and conversions. Examples include comment to win, photo caption contests, trivia, tag-a-friend, etc.

Image via Instagram

Post content from others in your niche: Ensure it relates to your audience’s interest, get permission to post it, and give credit to the owner.

Image via Instagram

Partner with complementary brands: One of the best ways to build links is to partner with complementary brands on Instagram.

Image via Instagram

Repurpose content: The easiest way to drive social media traffic back to your site is to repurpose your blog posts, emails, podcasts, videos, etc. into condensed posts.

For example, you can create a carousel from your blog post.

Image via Instagram

Include calls-to-action: Use them to further encourage interaction with your brand.

Image via Instagram

Post consistently and engage audiences: Post on a regular schedule and ensure you reply to comments or questions on your posts.

Appeal to emotions: Share visuals that appeal to emotions.

Image via Instagram

Use storytelling: Include narratives that people can relate to.

Image via Instagram

Share experiences: One way to increase conversion rates is to create content for Instagram showcasing your products in action.

Image via Instagram

4. Track and Improve

The easiest way to create content for Instagram is by tracking what tactics resonate with your audience and which ones don’t.

But how do you track?

Leverage Instagram analytics from the platform or use other analytic tools to measure metrics like follower growth, engagement, conversions, etc.

You can then use the insights to create content for Instagram that drives engagement and revenue.

FAQs

Q1. How do you create content on Instagram?

A. Follow these steps if you want to know how to create content for Instagram:

• Identify Goals
• Research Audience
• Define brand look and voice
• Identify posting schedule
• Leverage tools
• Be creative
• Optimize content
• Track performance

For an in-depth look at what each of these steps entails, check out the post above.

Q2. How do I make my Instagram posts attractive?

A. Use these tactics to create attractive Instagram posts:

• Take professional photos
• Have a consistent color scheme
• Plan your feed
• Don’t over-promote
• Offer value with each post
• Provide solutions to audience problems

Q3. What type of content is best for Instagram?

A. The best types include:

• Testimonials
• User-generated content
• Influencer generated content
• Quizzes and questions
• Live streams
• Stories

Q4. What are some content ideas for Instagram?

A. Leverage these ideas to create content for Instagram:

• Run flash sales
• Hold promotions
• Tell stories
• Share tutorials
• Share follower-generated content
• Use hashtags

Q5. How do I increase my follower count?

A. Use these tips to increase follower count:

• Leverage great hashtags
• Post relevant content
• Provide value
• Be consistent
• Promote content
• Use Stories and Reels

Q6. What content attracts followers on Instagram?

A. Here is how to create content for Instagram that attracts followers:

• Jump on trending hashtags
• Run contests
• Work with influencers
• Cross-promote content
• Use polls and quizzes
• Offer lead magnets

Q7. How to Plan Instagram Content?

A. Use these planning tips to create content for Instagram:

• Identify Goals
• Research Audience
• Define brand look and voice
• Identify posting schedule
• Leverage tools

For more details on each step, check out the post above.

Q8. How to create the best Instagram content for your business?

A. Here is how to create content for Instagram:

• Be creative
• Write attractive captions
• Leverage visuals
• Mix up content
• Run UGC campaigns
• Partner with influencers
• Maximize Instagram features
• Run contests

For details on each tip, check out the post above.

Q9. How to create content for Instagram stories?

A. Here’s how to create content for Instagram Stories:

• Establish a content theme
• Define goals
• Plan your content
• Determine posting frequency
• Find the best posting time
• Create Stories content. Can include photos, videos, quizzes, polls, etc.
• Leverage tools
• Track performance

Q10. How do you get UGC on Instagram?

A. Use these steps to get UGC:

• Identify a goal and theme
• Create a unique hashtag
• Give a relevant price
• Chose a timeframe
• Promote your contest.
• Announce the winner
• Share this content on your feed and Stories

Implement The Guide on How to Create Content for Instagram

This how-to create content for Instagram guide will help you plan, leverage tactics that drive results, and track performance.

Need further explanation on either of the tactics mentioned above? Comment below, and we can ensure you know how to create content for Instagram that drives profits.

Disclaimer: This content contains some affiliate links for which we will earn a commission (at no additional cost to you). This is to ensure that we can keep creating free content for you.