3 Instagram Strategy Tips that actually work for Photographers

Jun 14

young female photographer holding kodak film camera in red overalls

Social Media Strategy Tips for Photographers

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms for photographers to showcase their work and grow their businesses. With millions of users across the world, it offers a great opportunity to reach a wider audience and get noticed in the photography community. However, with so much competition, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. After 13 years as a photographer i have seen the rise of Instagram and the power it can have on growing your photography business.

open laptop with hand scrolling instagram

Post Consistently

I know you’ve heard it before but it really does make a huge difference. I have been managing social media accounts for photographers over the last 3 years and have seen what consistent posting can do for both followers and most importantly BOOKINGS. Posting consistently and strategically means that you should post images regularly which can honestly mean different things for different people. Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong following on Instagram. Followers like to know what to expect from you, so make sure you post on a regular basis. This doesn't mean that you have to post every day, but you should aim to post at least a few times a week. By doing so, you'll stay top of mind with your followers and they'll be more likely to engage with your content.

2. Consider your Ideal Client Always

This can look like a lot of different ways. It can be as simple as posting images during peak hours when your followers are most active. This can be determined by using Instagram's Insights feature. As a photographer, it can also be strategic to stay cohesive and targeted with the images you share. This can be particularly hard if you photograph a lot of different genres. But my advice is to decide what your Instagram will be used for. If it’s not something you intend to focus your marketing on, then simply use it as a portfolio and sharing platform. If you want it to be a lead generator that puts ideal customer inquiries into your inbox then you need to talk specifically to them which may limit what images you share. Find what you photograph best and who will hire you to photograph it and start curating your images on Instagram just for them. Additionally, you want to add value to your captions so along with the image itself you are attracting those who want to learn, be inspired, or relate.

3. Engage with Your Followers and Other Photographers

Engagement is key to success on Instagram. As a photographer, it's important to engage with your followers and other photographers. This means responding to comments and direct messages and liking and commenting on other photographers' posts. By doing so, you can build relationships with your followers and others in the photography community. You should also take advantage of Instagram's Stories feature to engage with your followers. Share behind-the-scenes content, updates on your latest projects, and ask for feedback on your work. This will help you build a loyal following and create a community around your photography brand.

If you need the inspiration to activate the power of your Instagram try my method,

The 1:10:20 plan is something I created to help grow my own photography business on Instagram and I use it now to create flourishing social media profiles for my clients.

one coffee cup on saucer view from above — 1 hour a week

**set aside time to draft and schedule as many posts as you can.**
**Start some with the captions and others with the photo and see which comes more naturally to you…**

wooden hourglass on white table — 10 minutes per post

**Challenge yourself to only think about each post for MAX 5-10 minutes. If the idea isn't coming move on. This should give you 6-8 posts planned in 1 hour**

image of two hands almost touching — 20 minutes per day

**To engage with others on social media. This is almost more important than posting because it's building real connection. And creating Algorithm pathways for them to see your content more often.**

Remember that building a strong presence on Instagram takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. By implementing these tips and consistently posting high-quality content, you'll be on your way to success on Instagram as a photographer.