You just spent hours editing and creating the ultimate image to post on your Instagram but one thing is missing…the perfect caption to draw in your followers. It takes creativity, strategy and uniqueness to craft a captivating caption.
Creating the right caption for your photos can truly be a struggle, so we’ve crafted up these helpful tips that will not only guide you to write the ideal Instagram caption, but also help you pick the right style for your post!
The General Rule on Creating the Perfect Instagram Caption
Our number one rule? Create authentic content. Your followers are reading your caption because they were enticed by your photo - meaning it needs to convey emotion connected to your post. Being authentic will help you stand out in the glamourized reality of social media, as well as make you seem approachable.
Every Caption Should…
1. Grab the Reader's Attention.
Grabbing the reader's attention is one of the most important tips when creating an Instagram caption: This is especially the case because Instagram cuts off the caption after a few lines- you need to grab your reader’s attention so that they click “see more”. In other words, the first line should be an immediate hook to get them to click on see more.
2. Be Engaging Enough to Keep Them There.
Provide value to your reader. Consider telling a story, giving tips, or using humour to make them want to stay for more. Make sure you draft and reread your caption beforehand.
3. Include a Call to action.
Invite your reader to interact with your content with a call to action. A simple key to encouraging engagement is to have a part of your caption focused on audience participation . Examples of calls to action include encouraging followers to tag a friend (e.g. “tag someone you’d do this with!”) and answering questions in the comments (answering questions enables a dialogue between your readers).
By creating an open space for opinion and comments, you’ll also come across are more genuine. Keep in mind that a good call to action doesn’t have to stop at your Instagram- it can also entice your followers to interact with your website or other platforms.
4. Use Hashtags to Increase Reach
Hashtags are an important part of Instagram and have always been, but why should we use them in our captions? Hashtags allow users who would have otherwise not seen your post to engage with your content. Using hashtags directly related to your brand and post is a key element in engagement. Make sure to conduct a quick search on popular, relevant hashtags before posting. Don’t forget- hashtags are the SEO’s of Instagram!
Now that we’ve covered what each caption should include, let’s take a look at a couple of possible types of captions…
1. Storytelling and Micro-Blogging
Storytelling has become a very prominent and important part of our media-driven world. People want to relate and connect with the story that you are presenting to them. A longer, more detailed caption that tells a story allows followers to feel something through relatable and memorable content. As bloggers and influencers, we all want to form a meaningful connection with our audience, and storytelling creates just that.
2. Short and Funny
Short captions are a fast and efficient way to captivate your readers while remaining engaging. These kinds of captions are ideal when storytelling isn’t possible or needed.
Humour goes a long way and is a great way for your followers to see another side of your personality. If your audience has a good laugh all while looking at your image, will you’ll both be memorable and retain their attention. For example, showing a funny yet honest view of the behind the scenes of your post will make you look relatable and real.
Now that you’ve gained a little more knowledge for creating the perfect caption.… let the captioning begin!
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