Happy March, friends! Can you believe we’ve already made it through the first two months of the year? Spring is right around the corner, and with it, I’ve been reflecting a lot on one topic that seems to come up in nearly every conversation these days: social media.
More specifically, Instagram.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by slow growth or discouraged when your carefully crafted post doesn’t get the traction you hoped for, you’re not alone. While plenty of people will tell you it’s “not about the numbers,” the truth is numbers still matter. And yes, that can feel exhausting. But here’s the thing: Instagram doesn’t have to drain you. If you shift your approach, it can actually be a space for creativity, storytelling, and real connection.
Instead of stressing over algorithms, try focusing on these five strategies to use Instagram with more intention.
1. Lead With Stories, Not Just Pretty Pictures
Instagram has over 25 million users—and most of them are savvy enough to see right through content that’s only about “likes.” A polished photo is great, but what really draws people in is the story behind it.
Ask yourself: What’s the takeaway here? What do I want people to feel or learn?
The best content has a purpose. Maybe that’s teaching something new, maybe it’s sparking a laugh, maybe it’s just sharing a moment of honesty. A good way to keep yourself on track is to pick three main themes that represent your brand or personality and create content that always circles back to those pillars. It’s consistency, but with heart.
2. Embrace New Features (Even If They Scare You)
Here’s a little secret about algorithms: platforms love to reward users who adopt new features early. That means things like IG Live, Reels, and Stories often get pushed higher in people’s feeds.
If going on camera feels awkward at first—good! That means you’re outside your comfort zone. And trust me, no one is expecting perfection. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Plus, the beauty of Stories is that they disappear after 24 hours, so you can practice without pressure. And if you love what you create? Save it to Highlights and make it part of your profile.
3. Treat Engagement Like a Two-Way Street
One of the fastest ways to grow a genuine following is by—surprise—actually engaging with people. Instead of focusing solely on who’s coming to your page, take time to interact with others.
Try this simple formula:
- Like 3–5 photos on someone’s feed
- Leave one thoughtful comment
- Follow if you truly enjoy their content
It’s authentic, it’s simple, and it works. And if you’re a brand or creator in a specific city, take it a step further: search for people posting at local cafés, gyms, or shops where your ideal audience hangs out. A focused 20 minutes a day of this kind of engagement can be a real game-changer.
4. Curate a Feed That Inspires You
Here’s the truth: who you follow impacts how you feel. If your feed constantly triggers comparison or FOMO, it’s time to refresh your list.
Follow accounts that make you laugh, motivate you, or simply bring joy. I personally balance my fashion-heavy feed with humor accounts and voices that keep me grounded. And yes, sometimes that means Ryan Reynolds-level sarcasm or Gary Vaynerchuk-style motivation. The point is: make sure your feed fills you up, not tears you down.
5. Get Creative and Show Your Personality
Here’s a trap I see so many people fall into: replicating what’s already out there. While inspiration is good, copying someone else’s aesthetic isn’t the way to stand out. The best accounts are the ones that reflect authenticity and originality.
Play with different editing styles, add text or graphics to your images, experiment with light, or test out collages. Creativity doesn’t stop at visuals either—your captions are another powerful tool. For me, leaning into my natural sarcasm completely shifted how people responded to my content. What I once worried would scare brands away actually made me more relatable—and engagement soared.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Instagram is just a tool. It can either drain your energy with comparison and numbers, or it can become a space for you to share stories, build community, and grow in ways that feel authentic.
So, next time you find yourself spiraling over likes and follows, take a breath and ask: Am I telling a story? Am I using the tools available? Am I engaging? Am I inspired? Am I showing up as myself?
If you can say yes to those, the numbers will take care of themselves.
✨ What about you? Do you feel like Instagram has been energizing or exhausting lately?
