What to Post on Instagram: 10 Post Ideas with Templates

We've all been there, staring at our phone screens like a deer in headlights, racking our brains for that perfect Instagram post. Well, folks, today is your lucky day because I’m here to spill the beans. But first, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. When Instagram first hit the scene in 2010, it was all about capturing moments and slapping a cool filter on them. Fast forward to 2023, and it's a whole different ball game! Instagram has morphed into a powerhouse for branding, marketing, and creating communities. With this change, it’s no surprise that you need to step up your content game. In this blog post, I'm handing over to you my secret sauce: 10 amazing Instagram post ideas with templates. Buckle up, folks, because we're diving headfirst into the world of Instagram wizardry!

Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Photos

Unveil the Curtain

Showing your audience what goes on behind the curtain not only tickles their curiosity but also builds a bond. It's like letting them in on a secret, and who doesn’t love secrets?

• The Template: Snap a candid photo of your workspace or team in action, maybe with a coffee cup in hand, because let's face it, caffeine is our lifeblood. Pair this up with a juicy caption giving the lowdown on what’s happening.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Harness the Power of Your Tribe

Your followers can be your biggest cheerleaders. Capitalize on this energy! UGC is a treasure trove that boosts authenticity.

• The Template: Repost an eye-catching photo or video from a follower. Be sure to give credit where it's due and sprinkle some gratitude in the caption.

Product Showcases

Your Products Deserve the Spotlight

If you're sitting on a goldmine of products, flaunt them. But, remember - showing off is an art.

• The Template: Post a stellar shot of your product with a caption that's the bees’ knees. Lay out the red carpet for the features and how it makes life as easy as pie.

Inspirational Quotes

Lift Spirits and Engage

If you're in need of instant engagement, then look no further than an inspirational quote.

• The Template: A snazzy image with an empowering quote and a caption that opens the door for followers to share their thoughts.

Tutorials or How-To Guides

Knowledge is Power

People are always on the hunt for learning something new, and this is where you swoop in like a superhero.

• The Template: A video or carousel post that spills the how-tos in an easy-to-digest manner. Step-by-step, baby!

Contests or Giveaways

Unleash the Power of Freebies

I mean, who doesn’t want to win stuff? Contests and giveaways are like magnets for engagement.

• The Template: An attention-grabbing post with the prize front and center. Be crystal clear with the rules, and don't forget the deadline!

Personal Stories or Experiences

Share and Connect

Sharing your highs and lows makes you human. And guess what? People love connecting with humans, not robots.

• The Template: An authentic picture, and a caption that's straight from the heart. Share your journey, the bumps, and how you emerged victorious.

Customer Testimonials or Reviews

Flaunt Your Gold Stars

Happy customers singing your praises? Now that's something to show off!

• The Template: An aesthetically pleasing shot of the review, with a caption showcasing your customer-first approach.

Polls or Questionnaires

Get Chatty

Interaction is the heart of social media, and nothing gets the conversation started like a good old poll or questionnaire.

• The Template: An Instagram Story with a fun poll or a fill-in-the-blank type question. Get to know your followers, or just have a good laugh.

Seasonal or Holiday Posts

Tap into the Festive Cheer

When it's time to deck the halls, why should your Instagram feed be left behind?

• The Template: A post themed around the holiday or season. Add in a festive caption and a special offer if you're feeling generous.

Conclusion

Whew! That was a fun ride, wasn't it? Now, you're armed with 10 different types of Instagram posts and ready to tackle that creative block head-on. Remember, the key to winning on Instagram is a cocktail of diverse content types that strike a chord with your audience. Don't be afraid to experiment and let your brand personality shine through. So, go ahead and give these post ideas a whirl and let me know how they work for you. Until next time, happy 'gramming!

FAQs

1. Why Should I Diversify My Instagram Content?

Diversifying your Instagram content keeps your audience engaged and interested. If you stick to the same kind of posts all the time, it can become monotonous and your followers might lose interest. By mixing things up, you can cater to different preferences in your audience and maintain high engagement levels.

2. What Kind of User-Generated Content Should I Share?

Anything that showcases your product or service in a positive light can be good user-generated content. This could be a photo of a customer using your product, a testimonial, or a creative piece that a follower has made related to your brand. Always remember to ask for permission and give credit when sharing UGC.

3. How Can I Encourage More User-Generated Content?

One of the best ways to encourage UGC is by running campaigns or contests where followers can submit their content related to your brand. You can also simply ask your followers to share their experiences with your products or services using a specific hashtag.

4. How Often Should I Post on Instagram?

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to post on Instagram 1-3 times per day. However, the quality of your posts is much more important than the quantity. It's better to post one great piece of content per day than multiple lower-quality posts.

5. Are Instagram Contests Really Effective for Engagement?

Absolutely! Instagram contests can significantly boost engagement, increase your reach, and even help grow your follower count. The key is to ensure that the contest rules encourage actions that increase engagement (like tagging friends, liking the post, etc.).

6. What Kind of Behind-the-Scenes Content Works Best?

Behind-the-scenes content that works best is content that tells a story or shows a part of your process that your followers wouldn't normally see. This could be your team hard at work, a sneak peek at an upcoming product, or even your office pet doing something cute!

7. How to Make a Good Tutorial or How-To Post?

The best tutorial or how-to posts are clear, easy to follow, and provide value to your audience. Break down the process into simple steps, and use photos or videos to illustrate each step. Don't forget to engage with any comments or questions about your tutorial.