Tips for using instagram?

[Former_Member]

Hello,
I'm Alle, I'm interested in using social media for my shop but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. I am thinking about starting an instagram profile, but I'm stuck on what to share, I don't what to only share pics of my products. People say its good to show process photos of your work but most of my work is done digitally so not very exciting...

What kinds of things do you like to share on your networks? Any pointers?

Thanks!
Cheers!

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

For my instagram, its easier for me to do behind the scenes stuff since I knit. To get inspiration on what to post, look up other digital artists to see what they post. Also follow like minded people on social media. Its great for networking.

Also, hashtags are a great plus when working with any social media. I noticed I get noticed a lot more when I use them.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Nikki, I'll give that a try!

[CozyDawg]

I share mainly customer photos.

[Former_Member]

I share ic of my fabrics that i buy things in the making, finished products and some things from my personal life..to let people know a bit more about me. If your work is digital maybe show shots of sketches of ideas your workspaces screen shots of your work in progress...and again pics from your personal life. I do things like pics of cakes, my cat other things i have made...the other thing to remember is to use hash tags as this is what will bring up your pics in searches.
Hope this helps take a look at my instagram profile for inspiration www.instagram.com/freystitch

[Woodticks]

Thanks for the info everyone. I just started my instagram and always wonder if I should just post pics of my items. www.instagram.com/woodticksnh

[Former_Member]

I agree with all of the above. Hardest part is getting going. Hashtags are definitely a must to put your pictures out there! make sure your profile is not on private so the hashtags work in searches.
Find me and follow & ill follow back!
www.instagram.com/erinsglassworks

[PaperBoundLove]

Most of my work is done digitally too. (:

But I take flat lay photos of my cards as much as I can. Flat lay photos are kind of an in-thing right now.

Just take pretty photos, and be consistent with it. Post everyday. (:
Your listing photos are gorgeous, so take more like those for IG.
And use hashtags, but not too many of them.

And find out IG users with similar interests and be friendly with them. You'll get there in no time.

My IG is here - www.instagram.com/paperboundlove

I'm still working on posting consistently too :P

Good luck! (:

- Khin

[spinningstarstudio]

I'm on a team that got selected for the social media fellowship. I'm working on getting my IG going. I'm planning on taking photos of my pottery and raku beads in process. I'm really excited to figure out how to use the IG platform to drive customers to my Etsy store. I think hashtags are really important. My guess is that some people use hashtags as a search tool to buy stuff.
http://instagram.com/spinningstarstudio/

[Former_Member]

Wow thanks for the ideas everyone. I'm excited to get started!

[MarleyMylesArt]

I just started instagram and have been so inspired by the amazing art/artists I have found on there.
Maybe include photos of what inspires you? That help tell your visual story and a few to get to know you as an artist :)

http://instagram.com/missmarleyboutique

[Graciosa]

Hello everyone!

I have been mixing a bit of personal things with a bit of items from my shop. I have been wondering if this is OK to do? Maybe posting items only would become a bit boring after a while? What is everyone's opinion about mixing personal and business?

I was also wondering if I should change my profile name to match my shop's name, instead of using my personal name.

But Alle, all in all, IG does bring in some views. I've found it is fun and addictive! ;) Have fun setting yours up!

http://instagram.com/andrea_morenog

[GoldhawkPotteryEtc]

I just started too - sort of a new year's goal. I'm learning a lot and having fun, but staying focused on what I make and like someone else said, behind the scenes stuff. I'm not likely to do a lot of personal things there...but we'll see. I've gone ahead and following some of you...so here is mine:

http://instagram.com/goldhawkpottery

[Former_Member]

I love Instagram and it is one of my best platforms! It's easy to share my jewelry - the creative process, me shopping for beads, or posting short videos of my process. Sometimes I will also post inspirational quotes relating to success or be funny and post something about needing wine. For me, I like to show my followers how I am as a person (well, as much as I can via photos) as well as a shop owner.

Solely promotional content can get boring, so try to integrate your personal life (not too much though) when it comes to your shop. Even something as simple as a coffee cup in front of your computer will do, and ask questions such as "What are you doing today? I'm sipping coffee and creating "x" design for my shop!"

I understand that digital posting may be hard but try the suggestion above. And hashtags are super important. They are the equivalent to tag words on Etsy. Use iconosquare.com to help you get started. Do a quick search in the search bar in the app to see what is relative AND popular in your field. Follow others that you like AND who have the same interests. Comment and like often. It will get addicting over time.

Good luck!! :D

[Former_Member]

I agree with you, Julie, and everyone else who posted. I'm loving IG as well for marketing, increasing traffic and networking with like-minded people. I just participated in my first Giveaway and that was a beneficial way to increase followers and gain potential customers. IG offers a creative outlet and connection to people more so than FB does for me right now. IG allows your market to see the person behind the product, in my opinion. It's more personal and visually appealing. Hashtags are a must! Click on a picture in your market and check out potential hashtags. I enjoy browsing other stationery artists pictures to learn new and popular hashtags. Good luck to you! You can find me at instagram.com/nell_granolagreetings Cheers!

[DreamyPatternsShop]

This is a great thread. I've been posting on IG but my posts are not consistent and I get stuck on what pictures to post too..
But this thread has been a lot of help! Thanks you guys!

[Anthropologeek]

This thread is great! I started to follow everyone here, but how long did it take you to get that many followers??? I was looking at some of you and you guys have 600+!!! Please do tell...

[Anthropologeek]

Btw, this is mine: http://instagram.com/vintage_hoopla/

[SweetConfettiCo]

I just joined the instagram family this month. (instagram.com/life.on.the.water.shop) I have enjoyed reading this thread. It is amazing how many followers everyone has! I am interested in how people do giveaways/contests???

[Chockrosa]

I try to make a mix of product photos and behind the scenes photos. It's kind of hard to know what mix you should post and what people wanna see.

Here's my IG: www.instagram.com/chockrosa.se
I always follow Etsians back :) Spread the instalove!

[MyBeadedTreasures]

I have just followed all of you who linked your accounts on here!

I have had a personal account on IG for age now but have just started up a separate one for my Etsy Shop. I love Instagram it's addictive, just post regularly and hashtag the hell out of everything is my advice!

Here is my IG Account: www.instagram.com/mybeadedtreasures
I will follow all fellow Etsians back! <3 #instaaddict

[Former_Member]

Hi! Alle!!
You can show your process, your ideas, your feelings for your work!! Get close with people!! Nice pictures of your item... put your links to!!!

[Former_Member]

Thanks Everyone! It's my mission this weekend to get started, look forward to seeing you all on IG!

[KMalinkaVintage]

Here is mine: https://instagram.com/kmalinkavintage/

[SunnySideCouture]

I started using IG last week for my shop. Great! I notice some traffic imediately!
www.instagram.com/SunnySideCouture