@thejanabishop (US)
When you first started on Instagram, you had a very different business model to what you have now, can you talk us through the transition?
Sure! I first started out by providing stock photos for Instagram. They were styled scenes like flowers and iPhone mockups. Back then (feels like ages ago) businesses were posting several times a day in order to keep their hashtags at the top (before the algorithm really kicked in) so, if you had a LOT of photos… your hashtags ruled the roost.
That’s where stock photos came in handy. It gave small businesses and influencers more photos to post, which meant more opportunities to get noticed.
Over time, IG changed things up a bit and stock images were not needed as much… however, photos were still a necessity! And that’s when I began offering Lightroom Presets. As a way to help people easily and beautifully edit their own photos for social media from the convenience of their mobile phone.
What is your favorite thing about Instagram?
Hashtags and the community! I love being able to find anything in my local community, or the world, simply by using hashtags. I love how I can find other people decorating their houses or doing a DIY project and I can gain ideas or inspiration from their posts and captions.
What did life on Instagram look like before scheduling?
Messy and chaotic. I would get an idea for a post and tell myself that I would remember to draft the caption later or find the perfect photo later. Hahah. It was stressful and time-consuming.
What concerns/doubts did you have about scheduling your Instagram?
My number one concern was doing it the right way. Especially in the beginning when people were getting their accounts banned because they used a scheduling software that did not abide by Instagram’s rules.
“Plann was so easy to use and it followed the rules, which provided me with an enormous amount of peace and convenience.”
What was the first thing you noticed when you started using Plann?
It was so easy to use! I was able to move my photos around and create a gorgeous feed that I was proud to have represented my business. The hashtag feature was the biggest lifesaver and planning out my feed in advance made me stick to my posting schedule.
“Plann gives me everything I need to easily stay active on Instagram!”
How has Plann helped you?
It’s helped by allowing me to stay consistent. So many businesses give up too soon because creating content is time-consuming or at times, boring.
“Plann allows me to create consistency and dependability in my brand by planning out my feed in advance.”
On a practical note… as my engagement grew, my income did too! People love finding a product and then doing some research about it online. One of the FIRST stops for most people is Instagram.
Having an active, dependable feed gives me a chance to interact with potential customers each and every day. I have been able to build trust and get instant feedback on ideas or products. Plann gave me the strategy and ability to keep posting and the tools needed to stick with it. I am forever grateful!
What is your top tip for brands on Instagram building out a beautiful aesthetic?
Use consistent colors/hues and backgrounds. Find your favorite accounts, you know the ones that you think are GORGEOUS and ask yourself these questions when you look at them:
- What 3 colors are the most noticeable?
- What kind of background is in their photos? Outdoor or Indoor. Dark or Light.
- What can I do that is similar by using my favorite colors and photo settings?
There’s your roadmap to creating a feed you will love!
What’s next for you?
A podcast! Wohoooo. I’ve learned so much about business over the last few years. Especially about being a Christian female with big income goals. That’s basically taboo in those circles. I’m excited to give back and help other entrepreneurs, moms, and business owners unlock their full earning potential!
