Do this one thing to up your Instagram game

Last week, the Department of Communication at YSU hosted the first of four “social media essentials” workshops for those interested in learning the basics of the big platforms.

This first session focused on Instagram, but most of what our 50 workshop attendees heard could easily be applied to any social media platform.

Workshop leaders included Jamie Jamison, an Instagram influencer and consultant, and Lori McGlone of McGlone Media LLC. Jamison and McGlone have directed some of the most iconic Mahoning Valley brands, including White House Fruit Farms and Handel’s Ice Cream.

Although it was clear people came to hear about Instagram, what they left with were tips on how to make meaningful, engaging and lasting connections with audiences.

“It’s important for people to understand how they can succeed on Instagram by being consistent, posting quality content and engaging with their followers with good communication,” Jamison said.

Some audience members wanted to know how to get followers. Jamison noted that when it comes to finding Instagram followers, quality is better than quantity.

“We want your brand to strive for good quality followers, who you interact with frequently, and who share your posts with their followers,” Jamison added. “That’s far more important than having a high quantity of followers with little engagement.”

Jamison also added that when posting good quality photos and videos, be sure to follow your brand’s social media mission statement.

“Instagram is about community and communication,” Jamison said. “Let your customers and fans and friends see your gallery of posts and engage you there.”

Whether your brand is a business or personal, Jamison and McGlone say that being consistent on Instagram is crucial, and while begin consistent sounds difficult, it’s really easy to do if you follow some basic tips.

McGlone noted that consistency with content is key to building any brand on Instagram, or any other social media platform, and it’s not important for you to be “everywhere.”

“It’s not necessary to put your business or brand on every social media outlet,” McGlone said. “Choosing one of three platforms, doing them really well, is more effective than being in every space.”

If you missed last week’s workshop and want to attend one or all of the next three dates, send an RSVP email to [email protected] and we’ll save you a seat. Each session is free, open to the public and begins at noon in the Kilcawley Student Center’s Ohio Room.

Upcoming events include:

March 5: Twitter. Kati Hartwig, coordinator of social media and digital marketing at YSU, is an expert on all-things Twitter.

March 26: Facebook Live. Dennis Schiraldi, founder of DOYO Live, has produced an endless stream of valuable FB Live videos on social media marketing.

April 30: Snapchat. Ryan McNicholas, assistant director of marketing for fitness and wellness in YSU’s campus recreation program, will teach branding basics using Snapchat

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