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 think Instagram is so addictive.
I use a lot of hashtags that describing my shop and products. Just show your inspiration, ideas, and process about your work. Get close with people and don't forget to put your link!

Here's my Instagram : https://instagram.com/sphynxleatherworks/

[hopeandjoyhome]

GAK! I am a IG newb..been on a couple weeks. I wrote my username and password down and it tells me today no such user even though I have loaded pics and got likes and followed people. I had issues from the start getting on instagram online and it told me the same thing. I wanted to search IG online because to me it s bigger photos. I searched for answers on that and it seems others have the same issue with no answers. I have reset my password and everything and now today I can't even get on on my mobile. It tells me no such account, no such email (even though they have emailed me there) and wrong password. Grrr. Enough for me today..maybe I will try later.

[MuttsnBones]

not sure if anyone above mentioned...too many comments to read

Edit your photos to include your instagram name or etsy site. that way if your photo goes viral (pinterest, fb, etc)...they can always find you

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

That's a great point, MuttsnBones! Never thought of that one before.

[hopeandjoyhome]

Holy Spitballs... finally figured it out! lol..someplace I had reset my password and somehow misspelled my own user name..fixed now and rolling again! I am soooo techo challenged!

[SilverCedarJewelry]

I started posting to IG about 2 months ago: work in progress, finished pieces, views of the beautiful island where I live etc. I would love more followers and people to follow https://instagram.com/silvercedar/

[Anthropologeek]

I'm so ignorant...what do you guys mean MuttsnBones and Nikki??? How in the world do you do that??? How do you edit your photos to include your links??? I still cannot figure out how they do the S4S...Share 4 share, right??? How do you share??? Lol...

[Former_Member]

You can use the search function to see how many posts there are using specific hashtag. This can then be utilized by you when you post a picture that fits with that specific hash tag. We have used #tshirt #etsyseller #print #printmaking and #beefjerkyunderwear to attract new potential customers to our page. Have Fun!

-the Mixed Species guys-

[ArtBySunfire]

Still very new to instagram, so this thread has been very helpful!

me---> https://instagram.com/artbysunfire/

[SweetConfettiCo]

I started on IG last month and I think I like it more than Facebook. I want to do a contest soon on IG but not quite sure how to do it or the best way. Any advice?

Also, I'll follow you if you follow me!
instagram.com/life.on.the.water.shop

[Former_Member]

I don't have a clue how to instagram!!!! I am an old grandma and can use some help from you "younguns" How do I start and then what? I make and paint repurposed wood signs with heartwarming and whimsical sayings.

Would appreciate all the help I can get. I've been thinking about instagram for awhile but it seems too daunting a task to learn on my own!!!

[Anthropologeek]

@Rosemary: First you have to open an account on Instagram, then start following people that may like your items or have your similar interests AKA potential costumers. #'s (hashtags) are like keywords, you could do a search of #woodsigns or #whimsicalquotes. And you can take it from there. For your own account, you can show people the process of your items, how you start them and make them, etc. And make sure you use #'s to tag your own photos, that way people like or even start following you.

I am very new to IG and I just gave you the basics. People there do all kinds of things that I could not even start to tell you how to do. I hope someone else chimes in and gives us more info...

Cheers,
Aracely

[lynnslids]

I usually post stuff I'm working on or just finished. I post photos of shows I'm in, other handmade stuff I buy (or trade) from my local handmade artisan peers, and I throw a little personal stuff in. The other day I did a photo shoot and posted a mix of the outtakes, which was funny and well-received <https://instagram.com/p/zube9-jfOy/> I also post photos of the products of my needle felting classes. If clients allow it, I post photos of them in their custom hats. For me, they are mostly process photos (except recently they've mostly been winter photos).
I've done one short video (I think there's a 15 second limit) and would like to do more but I need a tripod or clamp first.
People who buy handmade are interested in the process and behind the scenes, I think. They are the most interesting to me for the artisans I follow.

[PaintingCreationsByD]

I'm with Rosemary!! I am from the "techno-challenged" generation! lol My son's girlfriend set up IG on my IPad for me, and handed it over, now I try to figure it out........let's just say I feel clueless at times!! BIG question is on the Hashtags (which I don't totally understand) I know you want to use descriptive words, question is, if you want people to find your Etsy shop, do you use that address with a (#)?? or how do you "connect" the two? I really like this team, and have found alot of "help", many thanks to all !

[Former_Member]

@Diane
I'm new to IG, too. But to answer your question:

You can "connect" your photos to your shop a few different ways:
1. Make a # for your shop in the description. So all of my posts on IG I put #lapetitefabricshop.
2. You can tag yourself. You'll see "Tag People" written under the description box. For that you will use your user name. For mine its @deanna.lapetitefabricshop
3. Add your Etsy website address to your IG Account. That way if people see something they like they just click on your profile and your shop link will be right there.

I think you can also use the "Add to Photo Map" and put your shop name in there, too. However if you work out of your home you may not want to do this if you don't want people to know where you live.


You can also put your username in your Etsy Shop Announcement and encourage people to follow you.

I hope that answers some of your questions. I'm still new myself so maybe someone else can chime in and offer more info :D

[SownwithGrace]

I've been reading team posts, Facebook groups etc about IG on how effective it is. I finally decided to open an account today. I'm going to follow a few of you on this post. Great tips !

[SownwithGrace]

If you would like to follow me it is www.instagram.com/mybebitoboutique

[PaintingCreationsByD]

Deanna, THANKS a million, your info really helped. i'm still blindly trying to learn the "symbol" language, but at least I have learned a bit more!

[Former_Member]

We just started our Instagram but have not completely figured it out as of now. How do you post to there from here?

[woolpleasure]

My IG
https://instagram.com/yuliyafia/

I would recommend to use all hashtags when you post
I noticed the more tags I add the more likes I get!

[TwistedKnickersInc]

Can someone tell me how to add the banner to your page that shows 6 photos of things you have posted? thanks

[Former_Member]

I don't even know how to start an instagram. I make wood signs and would love to do some instagram on this. Can somebody walk me through? Would appreciate it a lot. Thanks

[woolpleasure]

https://www.etsy.com/teams/13418/tenx/discuss/16094786/page/1?ref=team_page

here is the team with daily thread for IG, great to gain followers!

[Former_Member]

Use enough and relevant hashtags, and post regularly. Its the best way ;)

This is mine: https://instagram.com/ilemleathergoods

[MagpieQuilts]

Arlene, you will need a photo app to do the photo collage - I use LiPix, but there are lots of choices.