If I was starting Instagram from 0 in 2024, this is what I would do

Introduction

Starting an Instagram account from scratch can be daunting, especially in a fast-paced digital landscape. This guide outlines five actionable steps to establish a successful Instagram presence in 2024, based on insights from Elise Darma. Whether you're building a personal brand or a corporate identity, these steps will help you engage your audience and grow your following effectively.

Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity

• Decide if you want to create a personal brand or a corporate account.
• Personal Brand: Focus on your unique personality, experiences, and interests. Share relatable content to connect with your audience.
• Corporate Brand: Highlight your business values, products, and services. Keep a professional tone and emphasize brand consistency.

Practical Tips:

• Create a mood board to visualize your brand’s aesthetics.
• Choose a consistent color palette and font style for your posts.

Step 2: Create Compelling Content

• Plan your content strategy around themes that resonate with your audience.
• Utilize various content types: photos, videos, carousels, and stories.
• Content Ideas:
  • Behind-the-scenes looks at your process.
  • Tutorials and how-tos related to your niche.
  • User-generated content showcasing your products or services.

Practical Tips:

• Use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark for design assistance.
• Develop a content calendar to maintain a consistent posting schedule.

Step 3: Aim for Mini Viral Moments

• Create content that encourages sharing and engagement.
• Focus on trends and challenges that are relevant to your audience.
• Use engaging captions and include calls-to-action (CTAs) to prompt interaction.

Practical Tips:

• Experiment with trending audio and hashtags to increase visibility.
• Analyze which types of posts perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Step 4: Engage With Your Audience

• Respond to comments and direct messages to build relationships.
• Host Q&A sessions, polls, and contests to foster engagement.
• Use Instagram Stories to keep your audience updated and involved.

Practical Tips:

• Schedule specific times during the week to reply to comments and messages.
• Make it a habit to engage with followers’ content as well.

Step 5: Automate Your DMs

• Use DM automation tools to streamline communication with your audience.
• Set up templates for common inquiries to save time while maintaining a personal touch.

Practical Tips:

• Invest in tools that allow you to automate responses based on keywords.
• Regularly update your templates to keep them relevant and engaging.

Conclusion

By following these five steps, you can effectively establish and grow your Instagram account from zero in 2024. Remember to define your brand identity, create engaging content, aim for viral moments, connect with your audience, and streamline your communication through automation. With persistence and creativity, your Instagram can become a thriving platform for personal or business growth.