When you open your Instagram app, take a moment, are you in “Creation” mode…or are you just in “Consumption” mode? Let’s think before the Doomsday Scroll takes over.

Here are some tips on how to make your Instagram app time more effective for accomplishing your goals-

1) Open the app and commit to what mode you are in. If this is work mode and goal getting, let’s do this!

The first 5 images in your feed you will comment on. 4+ words (emojis don’t count) and be meaningful and real.

2) Post! Before and after posting you want to commit to 20 mins (40 mins total) engagement time.

During the first 20 minutes of your post being up make sure to return all comments on your post and return the favor on their profile.

3) Spy on the Competition-

Check on similar profiles for recent comments. Look for potential ICAs.

Check out recent posts under your ICA’s hashtag hangouts.

4) Respond to Stories! Super easy, send an emoji reaction to those stories, send a meaningful dm response.

5) Show Up! Always have face/voice in IG. Feed or Story. Do a rotation where your face can be found, you are your brand.

6) Call to Actions! In all your posts remember to add where to find stuff. Ask questions. Or add “DM for More.” Encourage interaction and engage!

7) Never Let Your Circle Die. Always have a Story up!

Great quick ideas for fillers, Shoutouts to other Accounts, Inspirational Quotes, or a Drop a Meme if you are out of ideas.

8) Remember effort and engagement time are rewarded! The more time doing these steps the better your profile will do.

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I know we can all be guilty of just opening the app and forgetting our goals, but hopefully, this helps cuts down that time and leads to more success.

Do you struggle with thinking out your content? Have you had a hard time finding your right audience? Well, this could be your answer to those struggles!

But, first, WHAT do I mean by “Content Pillars”? Well, think of it like the “Pillars” of a building, but they are holding up your content. These will be your topics to cover on your blog or social media.

WHY? You want to make sure to be a niched down expert topic areas.

Niche down to 4-5 topics. It will make it easier to concentrate your energy. Focusing your attention will help you realize where you are the expert. It will also help your audience recognize you as the go-to/expert in these areas. Not only that, but it will help you plan out your content. Your 4-5 topics just set on rotation. Cuts down the “What do I write about today?” struggles.

If you are worried this will lead you to sound like you are repeating yourself, just remember it takes a person 20x before they get it. 7x before they even click or start trusting.

But HOW? Not sure what subjects your audience sticks around for? What are you known for? ASK THEM! Seriously, do your Market Research! Instagram Polls or reach out to your followers.

Think about what do you typically share about? Just review your media and jot down what topics seem to be repeated and narrow it down from there.

I also suggest a “Brain Drain.” (Brainstorm/Brain Dump….freewrite.) This will help you even after you know your pillars, it’s actually a good habit to get in. I personally do it monthly or sooner if needed. Some relaxing music, creative uninterrupted setting, for a 20-minute scratch writing session. Jot down all of your thoughts and ideas, related or not. When that 20 mins are up highlight or circle those winning ones. Pull the best ones that fit your content pillar topics.

Your goal with all your content is to always do at least one of these, Educate, Entertain, or Inspire. Don’t forget to end every post with a “call to action.” Create Engagement!

Remember all this can be repurposed over and over once you have your 4 Pillars you are ready for consistent shares and less overthinking.

Do you still need help? Reach out to me and let’s see where to go.

Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links. Your clicks or use come to no extra expense for you. Though, I may receive a commission if you purchase from them.

Getting the most out of the Dollar.Eighty method, get that engagement!

Okay, let me back up a little, you probably are asking what is “$1.80”???

Fair enough. “Dollar.Eighty” is a method created by Gary V. to help create engagement and growing followers on Instagram, by “putting your 2 cents in.” Aka, your comment = 2 cents, get it? Lol! So put in your $1.80; 10 comments on the top 9 posts under 10 different hashtags: 90 comments a day to see growth. What makes this easier and work, is now there is a Chrome Plugin for the Dollar.Eighty method to help you find and connect with other profiles.

The plugin even helps you monitor your commenting goals. It tracks the amount you have done through the plugin. It cuts down on your time by saving comments, in case you want to reuse them.

The Dollar.Eighty site also allows you to do up to 10 comments a day for free but ideally, you want to do 90 (if you have time and are really committed to the growth).

You are also able to save your top 10 hashtags through the free version, but with the paid or free month trial, it also lets you save location tags as well as more comments, etc.

Now, what does all this mean for you and how do you make this work to help you?

Know your ICA (Ideal Client Avatar). The more specific the better! You aren’t searching based on your hashtags, but their’s. Like I may use “#BossBabe” but it’s big and broad, and my ICA may use a niched down like “#etsysmallbusinessseller.” Or like I would be “#WeddingPhotographer” but my ICA would be “#ISaidYES” or “#Engaged.” See the difference? So think of your client, who you are trying to help. Who you want to sell to. What kind of person are they? Their demographics or psychographics.

Are you a location-specific business? Then you want to look at where, physically what locations your client would be, what park, what stores. *This is where the paid version helps a little more than the free one.

So think about your ICA, the more specific, the more you know about your ICA the better in helping you to spot them. (Plus, it’s easier to speak to 1 person than it is to address the masses.)

Another big thing that will help you get the most out of the Dollar.Eighty challenge is to make sure your Bio is Optimized! When you are commenting, and your ICA goes to your profile, they want to see clearly what you do. What problem do you address? What do you solve? Make your value clear. They want to see themselves reflected in your bio.

Last but not least, as always, have good content! (I know we’ve addressed this one, but it’s worth repeating.)

So truly, try to take on the challenge, and best of luck with your growth! Have questions? Want me to help you find the right hashtags or help guide you towards your ICA? Feel free to reach out. I would love to help you!