Your username’s style should reflect your content theme; if you’re an artist, for example, you’ll probably want to stick to some derivative of your real name (or your artist alias).

A rich but concise description of your content, motives, and/or intent. A link to your website if you have one. Your work email address. It’s worth setting up a dedicated email address for your Instagram account. Usernames for any pertinent social media accounts (e. g. , Twitter and Facebook). Usernames for any IM services you’d like to share. Your PayPal or Venmo ID for donations. A resume. Posting this on a static blog page and then linking the blog page in your bio is the best way to display your resume.

In a pinch, find something you believe society doesn’t have (or something it would benefit from having more of) that correlates with your talents. Make sure your content adheres to the Instagram Terms of Use.

If you’re advertising, for example, a short sentence describing the product or service you’re promoting in relation to how it betters your life followed by appropriate links should go in the photo’s description. Posts tend to be best-received at around 2:00 AM and at 5:00 PM. Make sure you’re around these times for your target demographic’s specific timezone. [1] X Research source

Try to vary your content within its thematic scope; you don’t want to deviate too much from the kind of stuff you normally post, but you shouldn’t be posting the same thing every day.

You won’t be able to incorporate every user’s suggestions; instead, focus on common themes from the bulk of your Instagram followers.

Respond to comments often. Once you reach a certain follower amount, you’ll no longer be able to respond to all comments; still, try to respond to a couple of users per post. Favorite posts from brands, users, or accounts with which you’d like to work. This is a way to practice Instagram altruism while simultaneously promoting your account name.

Facebook - Create and maintain a dedicated Facebook page for your Instagram content. You can then promote this page on Facebook. Twitter - Create a specific Twitter account for your Instagram content. You can cross-post Instagram content to Twitter, though you should endeavor to post unique content here too. Other sites that will depend on your intended demographic include Tumblr, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Only use hashtags relevant to your post, since using clickbait or wayward keywords will both frustrate potential followers and get your account flagged as spam.

You can do this on many random accounts to attract followers. While this process may be time-consuming, it’s a good way to earn a few followers here and there.

Even just posting a link to your Instagram account on your Facebook or Twitter page is a good way to promote your content.

Even just posting a link to your Instagram account on your Facebook or Twitter page is a good way to promote your content.

Hosting give-aways for products or services. Make sure you require your users to “Like” and/or share your post to qualify. Asking questions. Doing this will encourage users to respond, which curates interest in your content. Taking requests. Especially if you’re using Instagram to showcase photos, taking requests from users will get them personally invested in your future content.

A lot of affiliate marketing will involve you taking photos of yourself or others displaying or using products or services.

Don’t just spam brands with empty comments or questions; instead, post insights, feedback, or rich questions that have the potential to further the brands’ marketing.

Shareasale - Create an account, then sign up to work for a specific merchant. Any users you direct to these merchants via link on your Instagram profile will earn you a commission. Stylinity - Intended for fashion use; if users shop via your link to their site, you get paid via commission.

This is another reason to have your work email in your bio; when brands are ready to contact you, they can do so right from your Instagram page.

Foap is a great app for iPhone and Android platforms. You start by creating an account with Foap, then you upload photos to their database. Users can browse and purchase your photos, and you take 50 percent of the photo price. [6] X Research source

Note that stock content shouldn’t actually be low-quality; rather, it should be generic or otherwise applicable to a wide variety of situations. Premium content should be more geared toward individual consumption.

When a follower wants to purchase your photo, you can send them an invoice and the unwatermarked version of your photo.

Desired price Desired payment client (e. g. , PayPal or Venmo) Photo size Photo resolution Brief photo description

You can also take photo content requests from individual followers; you’ll be able to charge a premium price for these.

You can also contact a platform or agency working with brands waiting to connect with influential Instagrammers. [7] X Research source

It’s important that you label sponsored posts to have a level of transparency with your audience.

Trackable links can be long, so it’s recommended you use a link-shortening service like bitly. com to make your link more pleasing to the eye.

It’s better to use authentic photos rather than staged photos, since these go over better with a broader audience. Also, make sure your photos are vertical or rectangular, since square photos don’t have as high of a resale value.

You’ll need to set up an account with the website to ensure you can sell your work and receive payments. Some sites that offer options for selling photos include Foap, 500px, and Twenty20.

Make sure to keep promotional posts to a minimum on your account, such as 1 promotional post for every 4 non-promotional posts.