Do you want to gain more exposure as a model and attract business? Instagram is a great place to start!
It is not only a social media platform but a business tool and many photographers and agencies use it to scout for talent and companies to cooperate and promote their products. But to use it effectively you have to have a strategy… read the below tips to find out how to use Instagram to your advantage.
1. Consistency is a key – upload your photos regularly
As with everything consistency is the key, so you should make sure that you upload photos on a regular basis. It is up to you if you do it daily or weekly, but it is best to stick to a schedule to ensure that your followers and fan see your updates regularly.
The more content you have, the more you can post. If you have fewer photos, post the images separately and plan for the days or weeks that you don’t have new content.
2. Use relevant hashtags
The key here is “relevant’. You should think about 3 groups of hashtags:
– generic hashtags like #model #photomodel #modelling #photosession #photoshoot – so people looking for models or photo shoot will find it easily
– Product and brand specific hashtags – this depends on the brand or product you shoot for – bikini session for a brand? Then use the tags like #bikini #bikinimodel #bikiniphoto and brand name
– Location specific hashtag – these hashtags should relate to a place you shoot e.g. #beach #miambeach #beachphotoshoot etc.
3. Tag brands
This is a way to get noticed! If you model in an outfit from a specific brand tag that brand – if they like it, they may reach out to you to use your photo.
And if you already cooperate with brands or fashion labels – think of meaningful content that will serve well your audience as well as the promoted brand.
4. Tag places
Visiting a shop, hotel or a restaurant or shooting at a specific location? Tag the place and stand a chance to get noticed. @MiamiBeach is great, but @XYZBarMiami is better!
5. Professional content only
Tempted to upload a toilet selfie!? No way! Always think how this photo represent you and what value it adds to your portfolio. You wouldn’t use this kind of photo in your professional portfolio, so why use it at all. Professional content doesn’t mean you can not add personal photos – by all means upload images showing your lifestyle, but do so as long as it supports your image as a professional model.
6. Upload creative content
As mentioned not only the final images could be on your Instagram. You can also upload other content that gives your fans a sneak peak into your life of a model – like the behind the scene photos, makeup shots, getting ready shots. These images simply tell the story, show the preparation and give the audience an idea what it means to be a model.
7. Mind the language
Keep in mind at all times the language you use. The tone of your voice represents yourself, but also reflects on the brands and products you promote.
8. Be authentic and genuine
Do not create a fantasy of yourself online. Do not overdo filters either – photographers and agencies want to see your real features. If you have freckles – they may be a great unique feature of you, so don’t be afraid of showing them.
9. Automate and schedule
Creating and maintaining an Instagram profile may be a full time job. While Instagram does not offer a scheduling, you can use other apps to do that and become a bit more efficient. You can create posts in advance and schedule all the posting for a few weeks ahead.
By all means you can do the manual posting as well, especially the stories that gain a lot of interest and help you promote the channel.
10. Make your profile public and add contact information
Make it easy for photographers and agencies to find you. Use bio to add any relevant information about you like location or email.
