The first nine photos on your Instagram account page determine whether or not you gain a follower.
Eight out of 10 Instagram users are following at least one business account. 200 million Instagram users actively visit business profiles everyday.
So, your brand’s Instagram account is pretty dang important. With online traffic like this, Instagram has the power to make or break your brand. The success of your account all comes down to one simple question: why would someone decide to tap that “follow” button on your brand’s page?
That’s where the 9-Grid comes in. Just to be sure we’re on the same page, the 9-Grid is the first nine tiny photos Instagram users see when they click on your profile. I’d argue those nine posts hold more power than your profile picture, bio, or even story highlights. So, let’s get to making that 9-Grid shine in four simple steps.
1. Define Your Purpose
The first step to branding your Instagram 9-Grid is to decide the purpose of your brand’s account. What are you trying to achieve with each post? Who are you trying to engage? Once you answer these questions, you can move forward with your 9-Grid aesthetic.
2. Decide Your Vibe
Now it’s time to think about the kinds of posts your target audience will be interested in. Choose three words to describe the way you want your 9-Grid to feel and select the content and style the editing of your photos accordingly. This is where you can choose a color scheme (we’d recommend sticking with your brand colors) and decide if you’d like to play around with any 9-Grid patterns (checkerboard, puzzle, vertical lines, etc.)
3. Create & Schedule
Once you’ve declared your purpose and vibe, you’re almost to your perfect 9-Grid theme. Design a few cohesive posts using your brand photos and Canva graphics, and then make your life easier by scheduling them into an automatic posting platform. We love Later for its “preview” setting, which displays a view of your 9-Grid before you post. You can easily rearrange photos in your grid to complement one another and perfect your 9-Grid look. Don’t forget to schedule the posts for your optimal engagement times and use captions to relate the image back to your brand/service.
4. Sit Back, Relax, & Enjoy the Followers!
After your nine posts go out through your scheduling platform, behold your cohesive 9-Grid! Now, when prospective clients come across your profile, they’ll notice the time and effort you put into your carefully curated 9-Grid. Be sure to continue posting pictures that match your theme and represent your brand so that your 9-Grid will stay up to date.
We hope these tips give you some confidence to create a stunning 9-Grid for your brand’s Instagram account. Just a little preparation and planning can increase your Instagram following and engagement. And, if you’re still hesitant about social media curation and planning – let’s chat! We now offer social media services – take the pressure off as the followers roll in.
https://bbnagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/BBN_SocialMediaBranding.pdf
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