The five best *FREE* resources to master your Instagram
Starting a business from scratch is an amazing feeling. If you are in this boat, CONGRATULATIONS!
Being a new business owner is so exciting, and then instantly terrifying when you learn how much every little thing costs. I know how you feel, I have been in your shoes. I want to save you the time I wasted scrolling through search pages trying to save money.
Keep reading to get my picks for the best resources to create a drool-worthy Instagram feed. Best of all… they are all FREE!
Google Calendar
This is where I start every time I plan content for myself or my clients. If you have a gmail address you automatically get a calendar. I have seen several tools available online for paid content calendar tools, however; I’ve been using my free Google Calendar for months now and I LOVE it! Test out scheduling your post prompts a month in advance, and see how much easier it is to fill your content calendar.
Canva
Creating a professional looking Instagram feed might seem like something that takes a team of people but, it’s actually easier than you think. The free subscription to Canva is awesome; I have created hundreds of branded Instagram posts without ever paying for a Pro account. Just think of all the money you will save learning how to use Canva (training videos on YouTube is actually time well spent). Be warned, you might get addicted to design and find yourself seeing the value of the Pro account in no time.
Later.com
If you want to level up your Instagram posts I suggest finding a subscription service that lets you auto-post. Later.com is the app I like to use because the free version includes lots of great features. Using the free version of Later.com lets you schedule up to 30 posts a month on up to 4 different platforms and auto-post so you can just set it and forget it. Once your business starts bringing in business you can upgrade to a paid plan and get all the great benefits that come along with it.
Unsplash
Most businesses need photos to post on Instagram, but very few new businesses have the money to hire a photographer; enter a stock photo library! There are actually many great resources for free stock photos out there, but the one I like is Unsplash. The best part is your free Later.com membership comes with full access to Unsplash, making it easy to upload great professional photos straight to your Instagram.
Snapseed
Stock photos are great, but it’s important to include photos of you and/or your products in your Instagram feed from time to time. In order to help your photos stay consistent, I suggest photo editing. Now you can go out and buy photo editing presets (basically every Instagram Influencer is selling them nowadays), but I have found using Snapseed, a free app for your phone, is a simple way to edit your own photos and keep your brand looking professional. The app is easy to use and you will love what it can do for your photos.
Link Tree
Ok, I know I said I was going to talk about five resources, but I just couldn’t stop without telling you about Link Tree. Having a kick-ass Instagram feed is amazing, but in order for you to make sales you need to get people off Instagram and onto your website. Link Tree is your answer. It’s a simple way to direct your audience to several different websites through a single link. Check it out and watch how it changes your online game.
