Calling all social media enthusiasts! Are you tired of posting the same old content on Instagram? Well, it’s time to shake up your posting schedule and get onto the Instagram grid bandwagon.
With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is a must for businesses looking to build their social media following and engage with their customers, but the caveat of that is fierce competition. For this reason, it’s important to create grid strategies that help your brand stand out amongst the masses.
It goes without saying that being visually appealing and keeping up with the trends is all the rage, so to succeed on Instagram, you can’t just post pictures anymore; they have to be ~aesthetically pleasing~ (as Gen Z would say).
If you’ve somehow missed the memo, Instagram grids are a particular design or pattern you can use to arrange posts in the layout of your Instagram profile. You know those profiles that look like a well-curated art exhibit? They’re using a grid strategy.
But why on earth is it such a big deal? For starters, your Instagram grid is the first thing potential followers will see when they visit your profile. And as they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
So, having cohesive and visually pleasing grid strategies allows you to showcase your products or services in a creative way while building a visual narrative that engages followers and keeps them coming back for more.
Here’s an example:
This is a noncurated profile:
Whilst this is a profile utilising a grid strategy:
See the difference?
Now for the all-important question: what grid style or pattern should you use? Well, that depends on your business goals, branding and content. Here are a few popular grid strategies to consider:
- The Checkerboard Grid: This grid alternates between two types of content, creating a checkerboard pattern. For example, you could alternate between product photos and behind-the-scenes shots.
- The Rainbow Grid: This grid uses a colour scheme to create a rainbow effect. Each row or column features a different colour, creating a cohesive and eye-catching grid.
- The Puzzle Grid: This grid is made up of multiple photos that, when viewed together, create a larger image. This is a great way to showcase a new product or campaign.
- The Minimalist Grid: This grid features a simple and clean design, often with white or negative space. This is a great option for brands with a minimalist aesthetic.
- The Diagonal Grid: This grid features diagonal lines that connect photos or create a pattern. This is a unique and visually interesting option for brands that want to stand out.
Of course, these are just a few examples. The possibilities are endless! The most important tip is to not overthink your grid strategy. Making your profile look coordinated can be as simple as incorporating brand colours, shapes and font for a more stylised look; you don’t need to have an elaborate puzzle for a grid strategy to work.
So, how can you get started on creating your own Instagram grid? Here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead: Before posting anything to your Instagram, plan out your grid. Use a tool like Planoly or UNUM to visualize how your photos will look together.
- Be consistent: Stick to your chosen grid style or pattern to create a cohesive and visually pleasing profile.
- Mix it up: While consistency is important, don’t be afraid to mix up your content. Share a variety of product photos, behind-the-scenes shots, and user-generated content.
- Use professionally designed templates: Perhaps the most valuable advice we can provide is to have a graphic designer style your post templates for your grid. This makes it easier to plan and stay consistent without having to reinvent the wheel; you can just change the content and images and pop them into the template.
- Use captions wisely: Use your captions to tell a story and connect with your followers. Don’t be afraid to get personal and share your brand’s values and mission.
So, there you have it, folks! Instagram grids are a fun and effective way for you to build your social media following, increase engagement and crush the competition. Need we say more?
Whether you’re a savvy social media user or just a beginner, our social media specialists can curate a grid that truly showcases your brand. Call 80/20 Digital today on 03 9042 0714.
80/20 Digital's Content & SEO Specialist, Abbey Faulkner is dedicated to staying on top of industry trends and putting her creativity to good use for her clients. She combines her expertise in media and writing to boost rankings, improve brand awareness, increase engagement and generate leads across clients' websites, email marketing and social media.
