If you’re searching for tips and strategies to grow your Instagram following, you’ve likely come across advice that you must “have an Instagram aesthetic” or “your Instagram page needs to be cohesive.” Creating an Instagram aesthetic is one of the top recommendations for growing your following. Before we dive into how to create an aesthetic, let’s talk a bit about the emphasis people place on having one. Just how important is it to have a cohesive looking feed?
aes-thet-ic: concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
When a potential follower comes upon your page, they have an opportunity to get to know you in one snapshot. By having an Instagram aesthetic – a visual style that your Instagram page conveys – you are able to communicate what you want a potential follower to know about you (and why they should follow you). Now, your Instagram page does not need to be perfectly neat, organized, and color coordinated to entice someone to follow you. However, giving others a basic overall feel when they arrive to your page can help them get to know you more quickly and discern whether your content resonates with them or not.
It’s also important to note that the quality of each individual image you post outweighs the importance of a cohesive feed. Why? Each individual photo you post is going to appear in your followers’ feeds. This is where the engagement and interaction happens. This where you have an opportunity to establish a meaningful relationship with your audience. All of that to say, if you’re choosing to post a photo solely based on how it will look on your Instagram page but know it will probably not perform well, it isn’t worth foregoing the chance to strengthen your relationship with your audience. Ideally, it’s strategic to post photos that are compelling as they stand alone in your followers’ feeds but also contribute to the overall feel of your Instagram page. Let’s discuss how to achieve that balance.
Pin Me:
How to Create an Instagram Aesthetic
1.Collect Visual Inspiration
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to create an Instagram aesthetic is collect imagery that inspires you. Make a Pinterest board and fill it with photos that evoke the same feeling you would like your content to evoke. Take note of similarities amongst the photos you add to this collection. Is there a certain subject (e.g. a type of flower) that is featured in these photos? Is there a common color scheme? Pay attention to the components each of these photos share. If you are having difficulty with this process, try breaking the collection down into smaller collections organized by theme.
2. Color Scheme
When it comes to honing in on a color scheme to guide your Instagram aesthetic, try choosing one main color to build from. This color doesn’t necessarily have to be present in every single one of your photos. Rather, it’s a starting point for you to begin experimenting with intentional direction. Below are two examples of choosing a color to anchor your Instagram page.
3. Consistency
A simple way to maintain a cohesive Instagram page is by consistently using the same lighting when taking photos. If the lighting in your photos is typically the same, there will already be a base level of consistency amongst your photos. Paired with a color scheme, you’ll be able to add another level of cohesiveness.
When in doubt, always refer back to your collection of visual inspiration. Hone on the components that speak to your heart and use them as inspiration!
How would you describe your dream Instagram aesthetic? Share with us in the comments below!
