Ep. 5 Q&A: 3 Tips for optimal Instagram post prep

Optimal Instagram post prep…ever wish someone would tell you the best way for this?  That’s why I’m focusing on this message today – look no further!

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Resources

Listen to Ep. 63: Leveraging 2023 Instagram Trends

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories

Listen to Ep. 65: 7 Ways to Reach New Followers

Optimal Instagram Post Prep and other Instagram Insider Hacks Podcast Member Questions

What would you say is the ideal length for a Live video segment? 10 minutes?

Honestly it depends on how big your audience is. If you are just starting out and have less than a hundred followers you may not be super engaged with them yet. Start out with 5 minutes. and if you have my GO LIVE! Jumpstart Kit, you know that I advise priming your audience so they’re going to know you’re you’re going to go live and they’ll show up.

If you are delivering value and answering questions, your live may actually end up being longer than you planned. That’s okay because if your audience is interacting with you that means you’re doing something right! So my advice is if you are first starting out with live shoot for 5 or 10 minutes and modify from there. It’s a different time for everyone. My lives do well and usually last third anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes because my audience is very interactive and interested. Sarah@SarahRollandini

Should you use IG filters on your live videos?

I am not super impressed with Instagram filters. Most filters are sort of funny like they’ll have sparkles or flying arrows or you can have a scary flashlight under your face or you can even be in a television. I don’t advise any of these for your lives if you’re trying to get people to take you seriously. 

I say go raw and real let people learn about Michelle –  the real person – and unless you have a comedy spin to your Instagram platform and you’re really trying to get your humor out there, do not use a filter unless you find one that doesn’t detract from your message and really enhances your face. 

Michelle Bowman@more_life_now

I wonder about the intro and outro.  Is there a right way or a beneficial outline for lives?

This will help with optimal Instagram post prep because you can now save lives to IGTV and have a cover photo.  My suggestion is pin your title in the comments so that people know when they pop in what your subject is {NOTE:  LIVE format has changed since this recording.  When setting up lives, you no longer have to “pin” titles – you can now insert title in the left tool bar before going live.}

Be sure to have your face ready –  many times when people start Instagram lives they’re really concentrating hard on if their title is pinned or if they look right –  don’t primp!!!! It’s good to come on and be bubbly and talk about something right away that delivers value while you’re waiting for your audience.

The other thing is you may want to have a prop – hold something up – your favorite coffee mug or something that relates to your subject. As people enter, be sure to greet them and even use the wave emoji beside their name.

For the outro it’s good to sum up what you talked about and have your notes in front of you to sum up the main points. Be sure to say goodbye and thank them for coming.

Belinda@BelindaLetchford

3 Tips for Optimal Instagram Post Prep

What’s the best way to fit preparing my posts into my day without taking the whole day or several hours per day?
3 tips for Optimal Instagram post prep: 

 Take a day and look at your month at a glance on your calendar and mark the days that you’re going to post – say it’s Monday Wednesday Friday or Monday through Friday. Jot down what topics you’re going to post about each day of