In 2019 Instagram reached 1 billion monthly active users. That's a massive number! And since so many people use it, the content posted on the platform is also on the rise.
This is also due to content strategists, including the social media icon, Gary V. advising companies to post multiple times per day on the platform.
So much content, but so little differentiation.
Think of 2020 Instagram like a red ocean (yes, the marketing term): a marketing platform filled up with influencers, marketers and brands alike all trying to get their message across to the consumer. Setting yourself apart is getting more difficult.
So how does one stand out in this massive ocean of daily Instagram content? And how do you stop your target audience from scrolling down the feed and say "Wow? This guy Tom is so amazing. I will follow him."
We've compiled a list of Instagram tools to help you stand out on the platform and be seen as a content leader.
1. Content Idea Tools
The first thing you need is a clever content generation tool, bcause content is KING on Instagram.
You should always post content that is strategic, relevant, relatable and helps your ideal customer save a problem.
Get your customers to say: "Hey, this is exactly how I feel" when they read your next Insta post.
Here are 4 free tools you can use to research issues your ideal customer is facing and create content that solves their issues.
- Quora : find out the popular questions people ask around your product/ niche
- Facebook groups : you can create polls and ask people in your niche to share some issues they are facing
- Buzzsumo : a search tool that shows the most popular articles written around a keyword
- Pinterest : plenty of resources and infographics to inspire your Instagram content
Or, if you have the budget you could hire a freelance content writer to assist you in the process.
2. Custom Link / URL Tools
Why keep your link in bio basic when you can use a FREE service like Linktree (website) or Milkshake app (mobile) to make your brand stand out.
These apps allow you to create a mini-website or landing page right here on Instagram. Not to mention they are super easy to use and you don't need any website or coding skills.
3. Video Editing Tools for Instagram
In 2020, most brands have started posting more video content. That's because social media consumers (aka. millennials, or your customers) don't like reading and prefer watching videos.
Make your Instagram Stories stand out with:
- Mojo app: allows you to create animated slide shows, text animation & more.
- TikTok app: Instagram music features not available in your country? Try recording a 15-sec video on TikTok and share it on your Insta stories. This is 100% proven to disrupt your audience's feed.
For Eye-popping Feed videos:
- InShot app: This app allows you to choose from a variety of video sizes (including Insta feed + Stories). Comes with a wide range of free stickers and a basic music library.
- Magisto app: Choose from a variety of video editing styles for promo and branded videos. Easy to use and it comes with free templates.
4. Image Editing Tools for Instagram
Instagram is a visual platform. And the first thing your audiences sees (before reading your headline and your caption) is your image. There are a few ways to make your images stand out on Instagram. These include:
Light filters apps
Use a consistent light filter over all your photos to create a well-thought feed look that is in line with your branding.
Two of the best Instagram filters apps you can use are Lightroom and VSCO cam. In Lightroom, you can create your own branded filters or purchase and install one from your favourite Instagram influencer.
Face tuning apps
Maintain a profesh look by removing unwanted things in the background of your photos. Or perhaps, you had a bad day and your skin looks dull or you've had a blemish outbreak that you aren't proud of.
It's so easy to perfect images in Facetune (paid) or Beauty Plus (free). You need to try them.
Apps for branded content
Nothing pulls a branded feed together than having a set of branded images and graphics. Create your own graphics and quotes that your audience will instantly recognise and say "oh, it's a new post from BrandA, let's click and see what it is about".
Two of the easiest and best all over apps for creating social media content are Canva and Spark Post. You won't go wrong with either. Even professional graphic designers use them all the time - they're THAT good.
5. Scheduling tools
If you post daily content on Instagram, then chances are you have heard of automated apps - content scheduling apps.
These apps allow you to pre-load your Instagram feed posts (up to 30 posts per month for the free versions) in advance.
This is a great way to plan your feed and preview how your posts will look on the screen before actually posting it. Amazing, isn't it?
Here's our 3 favourite Instagram scheduling tools
Do you prefer to post on the go? Don't worry, Preview app has one of the best mobile features and it even allows you to schedule carousel posts in advance. Talk about convenience!
6. Analytics tools
The list could not be completed without some amazing analytics apps.
You need to monitor analytics for a few reasons. First, you can use them to get a true picture of your current Instagram content strategy. What's working and what isn't. Obviously, you can get a basic insight from the Instagram app itself, but I wouldn't rely solely on that.
You can use a tool like SharemyInsights for an overview of your top-performing posts, hashtags and detailed audience insights.
Second, you can use analytics to study your top competitors. If something is working for them, it might work for you as well - share my insights also offers competitors tracking!
Wrapping it all up
Instagram has become a gold mine for businesses. You should create a toolkit of your must-have apps and websites that will help you bring your Instagram strategy from "meh" to "ah-meh-zing!" Yes, there are tons of great Instagram tools out there, but choosing the right ones for you will depend on your social media goals.
Have you tried any of the tools listed above? Let us know your thoughts!