Thanks to Instagram we are all becoming experts in photography, with filters and apps to enhance our photos we are becoming more avid users on Instagram. But with so many professional photographers in Kenya, how do you make sure your work stands out and also get your name out there. Everyone has purpose as to why they are on instagram, but it takes time to gain followers. These 5 tips have helped me increase my followers and as well brand a name with Kenyans on Instagram community:
1. Find a theme
Identify a theme for your photographs, for example if you love architect you can do architectural photos of building in your town. Find a unique theme or a cause that will stand out from the rest, you will find followers in that theme and also other people will be fascinated by your work.
2. Use Hashtags
There are different Hashtags used by Kenya Instagramers , use all the Hashtags that you know. Most followers click on a hashtag and view all the pictures posted through that hashtag, if your picture stands out people tend to follow you to see more of your work. Hashtags to follow are: #IGKENYA #IGERSNAIROBI #IGERSMOMBASA #SEEKENYA #LOVES_KENYA #HAIAAFRIKA #VSCOKENYA #VISITKENYA #TEMBEAKENYA
3. Follow community Pages
Most Hashtags are generated from community pages, which once in a while also host competitions, instameets and other social media engagement. Some pages feature weekly photos of outstanding work, this is a great exposure for work and gain followers.
4. Editing apps
Capturing a perfect shot takes time and patience, but with editing apps a picture can be edited to add the wow effect. There is nothing wrong with that, with sometimes poor lighting at location capturing all elements is hard the apps just enhances those elements.
5. Engage yourself
There are two ways to engage yourself on Instagram, first reply to every mention on your Instagram page. Followers will feel important that you took your time to reply to them that will keep them loyal and talk about your work outside Instagram. Second, go to every Instagram event, knowing the user personally keeps people following you and also gaining new followers at the events.
Whatever your purpose is for using Instagram be it photography, blog or business, your page has to stand out and be known. It takes patience to gain followers but at the end it will be fruitful. Think outside the box to gain followers, the traditional way no longer apply with the talented instagramers. Be creative, and be consistent.