I don’t know about you guys, but posting on Instagram looks so much easier than it is. You have to take the pictures (or create the graphics), brainstorm a killer caption, and remember to post it at your peak posting times.
Since starting my podcast and running 3 Instagram accounts, I started my search on how to optimize these tools without the stress. Over that time period, I found the tricks to the trade. Now I am able to brainstorm, create, schedule, and post without a sweat ~ and I am here to share it all with you.
Brainstorm what you’d like to post (+ batch work it)
Each month, sit down and brainstorm content ideas for the whole month. Are you wanting to focus on productivity, fitness, or goal-setting? For me, I have been sharing my tips to creating “side projects” while working a full-time job and topics revolved around my new podcast.
Set aside time on your calendar each month to ensure you build out your blog, video, and social media content to ensure your posting topics are all in sync.
If you’re in a funk, follow accounts you’re inspired by
Honestly, I think I follow more influencers than I do people I actually know. Not to mention, those that I do know, I will normally silence their stories and posts so they don’t flood my feed. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with those I follow and actually know, they just may not as inspiring as other content creators I currently follow.
Social media is my creative outlet ~ I love seeing what others are creating, focusing on, and having success with. Not only does it keep me motivated, it’s a perfect resource when I am looking for Instagram inspiration. I’d suggest following at least 10 inspirational Instagram accounts to keep your creativity flowing.
Start creating
Once you’ve brainstormed topics you’d like to cover with a side of inspiration, start creating by time batching. Time batching is setting aside a certain amount of time to complete the same tasks, but in bulk. For instance, if you have a blog, you’d batch work 4 blog outlines in the morning rather than creating one blog outline once a day followed by different administrative tasks.
Time batching allows you to stay in your flow state and do that one type of task extremely well. It saves me time, energy, and boosts my project creation. When creating your content, plan to do as many photoshoots in one day as you can. Or, plan to create your monthly Instagram graphics in one day for the whole month ahead.
Utilize my top-secret content scheduler
In this world of content creation and optimization, there are SO many tools just waiting for you to use. When researching tools to streamline my content schedule, I came across Planoly. It is an app/website that allows you to plan your Instagram posts and stories ahead of time.
I will sit down each month and upload each image, graphic, and story with a related caption. When it’s time to post, Planoly will send over a notification and you simply copy your description, Planoly directs you to Instagram, you hit paste, hit post, and boom ~ you’re ready to rock and roll.
Schedule everything else out
Even though Planoly’s only used for Instagram, research different scheduling tools for other content projects you have. For instance, my blog has a feature that allows me to post my blogs in advance ~ the same goes for YouTube.
You could utilize Google Calendar or Asana to send through reminders to post pieces that you may forget about.
Start over a week before the new month starts
Time can get away from us ~ especially when we’re spending more time at home. Set a calendar reminder to revisit this every month. List out all your favorite content ideas, start creating, and share your favorite creations.
Not only does it feel great to schedule posts and not have to think about it, it can also reduce anxiety. I am one of those people that will sit next to my blog or Instagram refreshing the page to see who’s seeing my post and overthinking as always.
When I schedule everything in advance, I don’t have time to think about it or sit there and check in on each posts performance every minute.
Start creating your best content, keep your head up, and act like the boss babe you are.
XXXX – Kayla
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