Today, we’re talking all about how to post consistently on Instagram. I’m sharing ideas about types of content to create, as well as how to actually go about creating and scheduling those posts. I also want to talk about the 5 main issues that hold us back from posting consistently on Instagram. Notice that I said “consistently” – not every day. It’s a myth that you have to post every day to grow. Instead, focus on posting consistently over time for more growth. I think that there’s a few reasons that we don’t post consistently – and we’re going to talk about those too, today! 

#1: Not Having Ideas

For many of us, posting consistently feels impossible because we don’t feel like we have enough ideas. We want to make sure what we’re posting is going to help grow our brand and niche. That can feel really hard some days! So, while I’m brainstorming content ideas, I think of a few questions. First: What are the pain points or problems that my ideal clients/followers have? When you think about what they’re struggling with, creating content around those pain points becomes way easier. The next thing I think about is what has worked well in the past on my account. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel every time I go to create content. So, I’ll look at my past content and see what performed well and use that in the future – whether it’s actually a specific topic or a visual layout. Whatever it is, I want to use it again. 

Understanding what works goes hand-in-hand with my next idea: experimenting with content. I think sometimes we can put ourselves in a box on Instagram, but that’s not the truth. We want to experiment and see what our followers like that might be outside our comfort zone. If we’re willing to push ourselves a little bit, we’ll see more growth. It also helps us get off the hamster wheel of trying to create “the type” of content that everyone is talking about. I can tell you all about a certain type of content, but if it doesn’t resonate with your audience, then it doesn’t matter. This is why understanding your analytics matters. Remember to look beyond views and likes – the engagement on your posts matter.

Finally, one more practical way to create content is to look at your DMs or questions you receive. Answer those questions in a post. It’s a great, quick way to make content that you KNOW your audience wants! 

#2: Not scheduling ahead of time

The next thing that I think holds us back from posting consistently on Instagram is not scheduling or planning ahead of time. I am even guilty of this! It can be really hard to plan ahead, but I know that from my own experience (and lots of others!) that the times that we show up consistently on Instagram is when we’re working ahead. Planning ahead has been a huge game changer for me – even if it’s just a few days ahead. My posts become more consistent and I’m more creative and feel good about my content, because I don’t feel frantic about trying to create content. We currently use PLANN to schedule our content ahead of time! I love the free features and it makes planning content easy, no matter where I am – which is super helpful as a new mom! 

PS. If you’re wondering HOW often to post (and what to post), check out our FREE Instagram Posting Schedule. 

#3: Not carving out time to actually create the content

The third thing that can hold us back from posting consistently is not carving out the time to create content. So many business owners tell me that they don’t have time to create content, but my response to that is if it’s a priority, you’ll become intentional about creating your content in advance. I do recognize that not every season of business and life is about growing our social media accounts, but during the seasons that it is, being intentional about creating content is super important. I highly recommend batching your content creation. It’s a GAME CHANGER to ensure you have content planned in advance and save your time. Make time on your calendar so you can make the time to create your content. If you don’t plan for it to happen, it won’t happen.  

#4: Spending too much time scrolling

The fourth reason we don’t post consistently is that we’re spending too much time scrolling and not creating. I’m asking you to do a reality check: Am I spending too much time consuming instead of creating? Consuming too much content can backfire on you. Instead of feeling motivated, you may begin to compare instead of staying inspired. It’s so easy to mindlessly scroll and then realize you don’t feel like you want to create because you’re comparing. Creating content becomes unfun and like you’re just trying to copy someone else. That’s not what it’s about! I just think it’s really hard to spend a lot of time consuming and then try to create something genuine for yourself and your brand.. Scrolling is not bad – just plan to be intentional and engage when you’re reviewing other accounts! 

#5: Not recognizing that Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint! 

The last thing that holds us back from posting consistently is not recognizing that Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint. So many of us show up for a few weeks and only gain a few followers, which feels discouraging. We start to wonder what’s going on and why we don’t have more to show for our hard work! But, it’s important to stop here – and remember – you have to post consistently OVER time. Not just a few times and hope it works. Consistently is truly the key. 

I don’t want that to discourage you! There are definitely ways to grow quickly or to get those fast wins, especially with Reels. But, in the long run, real growth is going to require you to show up consistently for your audience. Even if you grow quickly with Reels and gain 1K followers in a month, you have to still engage with them. Growing without a plan will leave your audience feeling like you aren’t engaging or showing up for them. Your engagement rates will tank and in the long run, the account won’t serve your brand or business well. 

I want to encourage you: Just SHOW UP. You’d be surprised how quickly the feedback from your audience pays off! Being consistent shows your audience that you’re serious about serving them and they’ll serve you back. The results that come from those relationships are truly amazing. Remember to grab our FREE Instagram Posting Schedule for more tips and ideas to help you grow your account!