Tips for using instagram?

[#1]

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!

[Former_Member]

I was of the same opinion. But I just share product pictures.
Ofcourse I m also still new at instagram, so far it seems okay.

Instagram: @oneclutch

[BluToonMoon]

I recently started my shop instagram as well.
I tend to post pictures of new products, shipments, or just general silliness :)
I don't believe I get too much traffic from it, but it is still quite fun!

https://instagram.com/gypsycricket/

[DreamyPatternsShop]

I try to post more regular now (every day or two) and hashtagging everything of course!! I also realized my account was set on private so changed that immediately :)

Elizabeth had a good question, anyone experience with give aways / contests? I also see some people selling through IG?! How does that work?

PS. here's my IG! https://instagram.com/lily_razz/ or @lily_razz

[JGjewellerycreations]

I use instagram and have started hash tagging more .I seem to be getting a few more views x

[JBDRusticOrganic]

I'm giving instagram a go. Very early days yet. I'm finding it hard to find people working in the same area as me but I am probably being too specific in what I'm looking for. I'll see how it goes for a while then see where I am ;-)

There are some great people to follow who are nothing to do with my etsy interests but I don't want to get sucked into another socail media distraction however wonderful ;-(

https://instagram.com/jonburgessdesign/

[SimaGamlielJewelry]

Hi Alle! & Friends !
Thanks for your help and ideas I learned a lot from you all !
I add you to the list of my treasures! And Come and join me also in Instagram!
https://instagram.com/simagamliel/
Have a wonderful week everyone
Thanks Sima

[RaquelManuela]

Hi Alle,

Here is a link to a blog post about how I use social media platforms. Instagram is one of my favorites. http://www.raquelmanuela.com/blog/2014/12/26/b-diary-social-media-platforms

Also, you may want to listen to this radio broad cast on the subject http://www.heritageradionetwork.com/episodes/5799-After-the-Jump-Episode-67-Expressing-Your-Voice-Th...

Let me know if this was helpful!

Raquel

[Former_Member]

I'm new and don't know anything about Instagram. How do I even start with hashtags? Can some show me a site where I can learn about instagrams? Tell me all that you know! Thanks in advance!!

[Former_Member]

Great tips here. I actually love IG and think the handmade community is awesome on there. I started following many of you, in the process now. I think sharing your shop items and a mix of personal keeps followers interested.

[Former_Member]

I just got into Instagram and can say it will be highly addicting. I am using it as a means to show people and customers the process involved in creating my artwork. You can try sharing pics of ideas you use for inspiration to create interest for your product. I'm still fairly new but come check me out :)

http://Instagram.com/artbyrociofernandez

[Former_Member]

I am another newbie in attempting to use IG to promote my shop. I follow a lot of people on IG that inspire me and have the sort of style I am going for but am still trying to get the hang of it. I love all of the ideas you guys have posted they are really helpful and giving me ideas for future posts :)

here is me: www.instagram.com/messengerfox

[LeMava]

Hello!
I love to work with Instagram. Well, I made for myself some rules how to use this social media for handmade:
1. Not to post only photos of items - it can look so bored. As an ideas for post: working process, inspirations (flowers, water, fabric in shop, other colors), materials, which you use in designing. This is VISUAL media, so more interesting photos you have, more people will follow you.
2. Don`t be shy to make photo of yourself - it`s social media, not official web-site.
3. If there some special color - don`t use filter and make it with good light (I made my photos in the day).
4. Don`t post oftener than 1 photo in an hour.
5. If you want to share more than 1 photo of one item - make collage.
6. Use hashtags (thematic and most popular). With tags, people can find your page. Use also your own hashtag: I use #lemava (name of my shop).
7. Don`t forget to fill all information "about".
8. Look with hashtags for your clients. If you have baby-store and baby-items, use search with hashtags like "baby", "mother" etc. Like and comment, be friends, but don`t spam.

Also I use this web-sources to find people with your hashtags, stats:
www.websta.me
www.iconosquare.com

Hope it was interesting and helpful for you.
And here is my Instagram: www.instagram.com/le_mava

[Former_Member]

There is a huge handmade community on IG and it is pretty great. I post pictures of products, things I am working on, my daughter modeling my items, word inspiration, etc. I try and comment and be friends with other buyers and sellers to create a more personal feel. my IG is @thewhimsicalbug

[MagpieQuilts]

Show photos of your products as they are meant to be used - a photo of your easter bunnies filled with goodies and a few sprinkled around, show a breakfast place setting with a bunny on the plate or just off to the side, Show them flat, being assembled, with a cute toddler opening one up - the possibilities are endless!

Show your inspiration - colors, places, products that fit with your look. Find a retro diner for a photo shoot.

Try to push just beyond the actual product and you'll find lots to post about - you don't need to post often - just regularly! Good luck!

@magpiequilts on Instagram

[Former_Member]

I've been using instagram as a marketing tool, too! I would love to connect with some other Etsians. instagram.com/sunfaejewelry ! I think instagram is great for getting coupon codes out there & doing giveaways!

[AnotherLAgrein]

HI!!!
I'm Alessandra, new in this team!
This is my IG, I'm looking all of yours

!https://instagram.com/anotherl.a.grein/

[LetterLuxe]

Glad to hear there are other Instagram newbies out there. In my experience so far, I agree with everyone who said that smart use of hashtags is key on Instagram.

IG: https://instagram.com/letterluxe/

I love to follow other Etsy folks!

[ArtOnAJourney]

I'm new to IG also! I've been having fun with it!! I used Etsy's Valentines IG promo with Fotor and had a flood of new followers. I agree with everyone about the use of hashtags.

IG: instagram.com/artonajourney/

[ByTheBayBeads]

I'm loving all the inspiration and ideas! I am kind of clueless about hashtags...how do you know what to use?

https://instagram.com/thepathlessraveled/

[Former_Member]

I love Instagram!!!

instagram.com/silversmack/

[LucyRoseDesigns]

Cute shop!!
I have an instagram account for my shop, I occasionally post new products, but it's mainly just everyday type photos. Don't know if it as resulted in any sales, but it all helps!!

[Former_Member]

Hi there! well I'm definitely still struggling on Instagram, as far as engagement getting people to like, repost, comment. Follow. Etc. I use inconsqaure but still not too much activity. How are guys maneuvering with that?any tips? I see quite a few etsy shops do pretty well with that..,. trade secrets please! Lol
www.instagram.com/LAIDIECLOTH

[Former_Member]

I get more traffic and likes on my Instagram than my Facebook page. Nothings translating to purchases that I can tell tho!

[Former_Member]

HELP! I am new to instagram and post all the time. However, I have no clue what a hashtag is. I've read it's important to use them. What is a hashtag and how do you use it in reference to promoting your items in your store?

[Former_Member]

Linda: hashtags are just tags, but with a hash (#) in front of them. They are essentially like Etsy tags, but you can't use spaces, CAN use as many letters as you want, and have as many as you like (but use general judgment as too when to stop - too many makes your posts look spammy). For example, you could use hashtags like #handmade; I would use hashtags like #plannerlove (two words joined together). Some hashtags are popular on IG, and you have to do a bit of research on to your market to find them, just like how you would find popular Etsy tags.