HOW TO STEP UP YOUR GAME ON INSTAGRAM

For all you designers out there, here are a few simple tips that I use to try to step up my Instagram game. We can’t all be professional social media-ers, but I’ve figured out that really great photos, consistent content, and meaningful captions are the best way to go. Here are few ideas for you!

1. Start by designing your own quote graphics.

You don’t need to use the generic ones from Pinterest--you know how to create it yourself!

Find a quote that speaks to you, design it in illustrator, and share it with the world!

It’s a great way to fill up your feed on the days you don’t have anything to post, plus it adds a nice amount of white space to break up your usual posts.

2. Find some good mockups, and use ‘em!

Showcasing our work as designers is what brings in the clients, but to really grab their attention we always want to make sure that it is well-displayed.

I always search Creative Market first for any mockups I want to use. This site provides a variety of mockups that will truly make your work look professional and allow the clients to get an idea of how your design will look in real life!

3. Get yourself some professional photos. We all know someone who is or wants to be a photographer, see if they are willing to trade you for your services!

I will do a photoshoot about once a year to get myself all of the photo content I need for the coming months. This is a great strategy to make sure you always have new photos of your print work throughout the year. You can also get some basic shots of you working at your desk, with a coffee in hand, or anything else you want!

4. Create some buzz with a giveaway.

Giveaways are the BEST way to engage with your current followers and attract new ones. It doesn't have to be anything insanely expensive, it could be a print you designed, some new markers you're loving and want to share, or anything else you can dream up!

First, post a photo of your giveaway items and then make the caption with giveaway "rules" super clear and simple.

One idea is to have them "tag two friends", which is a great and easy way to create momentum with your giveaway and to attract more views to the image in general.

Go forth and Instagram!! And don't forget to like and comment on everyone's photo--it will build your engagement and boost your friend's posts, too!

Let me know in the comments if you have any more ideas or want a more in-depth social media guide!