How To Batch Content for Instagram in 5 Steps

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Ever wondered how some of your favorite bloggers/influencers post content so frequently on Instagram? Most seasoned bloggers, influencers, content creators are not creating content every day, but they do post regularly. Well, I am here to tell you the secret. They batch their content. 

Batching content is necessary if you want to use your time wisely and be consistent on Instagram. My life motto is to work smarter, not harder. 

In today’s post, I’m sharing my blueprint for batching content for Instagram. 

1. Brainstorm and Research Ideas

Before you start creating, you need a plan. No matter what your niche is, you need to know what you’re going to post. My goal with my content is to help problem solve. To come up with content ideas, I always ask myself the following questions.

• What are some problems my audience may be experiencing right now?
• What are some trending topics that are within my niche?
• Is there a holiday/ national day coming up?
• What are some questions people are always asking me?

Answering these four questions always leaves me with a ton of content ideas. If you are still struggling with content ideas, ask your audience what type of content they would like to see from you and go from there. 

Always remember the first 12 squares (posts) on your IG feed will tell new visitors about your page. Make sure your content is diverse and reflects what you want your audience to see.

Use Pinterest

You can use Pinterest to look up content ideas and visual inspirations for your content. I keep several private Pinterest boards of different pins like “lifestyle content, beauty content, fashion content…”

Save inspo pictures on Instagram

Instagram is also a very resourceful place to look for inspiration. Create different folders and save posts that you’d like to use as inspiration for your content. Additionally, you can search for related hashtags to find inspiration. 

2. Find a Photographer or Bring a Tripod

Now that you have all your ideas together, it’s time to create the visuals. Instagram has always been a visual platform. Whether you are taking pictures from your phone or using a high-end DSLR camera, your visuals matter. 

You can pay a photographer or use a tripod. In my case, I use a tripod and my 15-year-old cousin. 

Search “content” or Portraits photographers in your area

If you choose to use a photographer, search for someone locally who specializes in the type of content you create. 

Create content for yourself

Not everyone can afford a photographer and I can relate. So here are some resources that’ll help you create content for yourself. 

• How to take quality pictures with your phone
• Learn the basic photography functions for a DSLR
• How to use a tripod to take pictures

Check out my latest Youtube video to see all the equipment I use to create content. 

3. Find Locations

This part can be a bit overwhelming but don’t worry. 

Search titles like “most instagrammable places near me”

Do a quick Google search and see where people recommend. Usually, these places are well decorated and aesthetically pleasing, which makes for great Instagram photos. Keep in mind these places are typically popular and can get super crowded. Figure out their slower times and plan accordingly. 

Search your city on IG

See where other locals are visiting and taking pictures. Do a quick location search on Instagram and save cool spots that you might want to use later. 

4. Shoot Multiple Looks

This is the most important part of this entire post. Make the absolute most of your shoot, especially if you’re paying a photographer. Bring 4-5 outfits to change into. 

Shoot full body looks with multiple expressions & movements

I shoot content for my blog and Instagram almost every week. I’ve narrowed down a strategy that has allowed me to shoot one look and up to 100 photos in a matter of 15 minutes. Yes, I said 15 minutes. 

Shoot a variety of images: standing up, sitting down, twirling, walking, dancing, smiling, looking serious, laughing. Spend 5 – 10 minutes shooting full body and up-close images. 

If you’re a beginner, it’s super easy to be stiff and not know what to do during a shoot. My advice is to move your body at all times. 

Posing ideas

• Twirl
• Fake laugh
• Slowly walk forward
• Play with your hair 
• Change facial expressions

Shoot detail shots

From head to toe, capture some detailed images. For example, focus on the jewelry you’re wearing. Capture your shoes. Get a close shot of your purse. 

Later on, you can use these detailed shots as filler posts for your feed. On the days you don’t know what to post, use that shot of your jewelry or shoes. 

Create flat lays

Bring some props and create a flat lay. Want to shoot at a coffee shop? Use your beautiful latte and your handbag and create a beautiful flat lay. It could be another type of content you can use to fill up your feed. 

Create short videos

Take advantage of time and create short-form videos of each look. You can utilize those videos in the future to make reels and IGTV videos. 

5. Use a scheduling app to schedule your posts

There are many apps you can use to schedule your posts. I highly suggest using Later to schedule your posts or UNUM to organize your feed. 

Research hashtags

Before you post, do your research and see what hashtags are best for the content. I won’t get too deep into hashtag strategies, but follow this mini hashtag guide to simplify your search. 

Photo Credits: Inconser Technologies

Research repost pages

One of the best ways to gain visibility on Instagram is to get your content shared and reposted on pages with a bigger following. Tag those pages that relate to your content and that are likely to repost it. For example, I tag pages like @haitianswhoblog @blackgirlswhoblog @ootdblack girls, and so on. 

Check best posting times

Check your insights on Instagram and see what time your audience is typically online. Post 30 minutes before that suggested time. 

Schedule and go

You did it! I know batching content is super overwhelming and requires a lot of work and patience. Designate two days out of your week to batch your content and use the rest to work on other ideas and engage with your community. 

 If you found this post helpful to you by any means, please share with someone and pin this post on Pinterest.

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Also, check out my blogging resources page for more information.