Do you feel like social media takes a backseat while your hustle takes precedence? Fair enough. But what if I told you, that you could focus on still being the driving force of your business, while maintaining an visually striking Instagram feed that's full of content relevant to your company without the struggle?
If you've never heard of scheduling posts or you were aware but just didn't know how then this is exactly for you. Let me show you how easy it is to curate a kickass feed in a matter of minutes. There is a lot of different apps, feel free to use whatever tickles ya fancy, as they're all relatively similar. Today I'll be going through the 'Later'app step-by-step on the desktop and mobile version and exactly how I schedule my posts. You can obviously alter this by your own preferences as you see fit.
DESKTOP TUTORIAL:
MOBILE TUTORIAL:
STEP ONE: Create an account / Log In to Later.com
So obviously first and foremost create yourself an account on the app via iOS or Google Play OR on your desktop at www.later.com - follow the prompts and link your social media - easy.
STEP TWO: Upload your media
Upload all the photos to your personal Later Media Library. This will create a gallery in which you can select and create posts from. My tip is to have a lot of variety, but don't feel like you need to post it all just because it's there. Remember if it looks or feels out of place it probably doesn't belong on your feed.
STEP THREE: Time to schedule your posts baby!
On desktop just drag your desired photo onto your calendar on the time and day you'd like to post. On mobile device tap the photo followed by "Create Post".
Okay from here you whip up your caption, input your desired hashtags and tag relevant accounts and location. For me personally I change from Auto Publish to Send Notification/Push Notification Publish, I do this so I can double check all posts before sending them into the cyber world. There's no harm in taking that extra precaution, but if you're confident and you don't want notifications just leave the Auto Publish on.
NOTE: Multiple photo's can't be Auto Posted but you can still set up a Notification and manually post - Later will copy your caption so you don't have to retype.
STEP FOUR: Push Notification
So if you're like me and want to take that extra step to proof read before posting you must have the mobile app. When the post is ready to go you'll receive an alert to launch 'Later'
SIDE NOTE: If you run multiple Instagram accounts you MUST be logged in to the account you wish to post to
Now you're on your post, you can paste the caption (Later automatically copies it for you) you can add Geo Location, Tags and additional hashtags here too, proceed to share it to Instagram and viola, you're all done!
So now you know how to, but here's my top 6 reasons why the power of scheduling social media post is second to none.
1: Time and resources that could be put to better use elsewhere within your business.
You know we've all been there trying to maintain an online presence so we sit there, smart phones in hand, starring Bambi eyed into our screens trying come up with a witty caption and relevant hashtags. That can take a hot minute or 30... then you get stuck scrolling through your news feed and before you know it an hours gone by, and you've got nothing to show for it. Once you get the hang of scheduling your posts, you can create content for a whole week within an hour. I personally set out a couple hours on a Sunday night that I put into scheduling my whole months worth of social media. Later is free up to 30 posts which is perfect for monthly scheduling and keeping your content fresh and up-to-date
2. Get an attractive grid!
So you may of heard of having a cohesive feed is absolute if you want to stand out? Well when you schedule your content you can preview your grid before it goes live! Not only that but you can rearrange and remove any posts that don't fit the flow of your feed and your business branding. As much as I think a pretty feed is all well and good, if you're not posting valuable or engaging content that your community actually wants you're wasting your time.
3. Consistency is key
When you have time set aside purely to focus on social media, you'll be more inclined to have a consistent voice and stay true to your brand. Rather than trying to think on the spot day after day, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of work and everyday life. When you prepare in advanced, you can set up a consistent social media plan in order to a chaotic feed.
4. Creating for value for your audience
When you don't have to post day-to-day and scramble ideas on the spot, it gives you the freedom to really put thought into every post in advanced. When you give your audience and community content that they can relate with or take value in, the more likely your following will be to engage - which is ultimately what this whole social media rat race is about in terms of business.
5. Save on overheads
If you become a social media wiz you'll be less inclined to hire someone to look after your Instagram. I strongly believe in delegating and hiring professionals for things outside your expertise but if you can teach yourself and see results then you go glen coco!
6. Know optimal times to post!
If you team a scheduling app with the "When to Post" app you'll be a social media force to be reckoned with. I'll touch on the "When to Post" app more in the future but the name basically says it all it's a nifty way of knowing when the top 3 best times to post in a day for the most exposure. When you know the best times to post you take the guess work out and scheduling can become even more powerful.