Instagram Spring Cleaning Guide

If you’re anything like us, you have been so into Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show that your jumpers are all rolled and your partner will be nervously hiding their socks in case you decide to KonMari them too.

But seriously, the idea of letting go of things that don’t spark joy is such a simple but effective one (as all our favorite ideas are!) that somewhere between the TV and the recycling center we decided it was time to apply the same principle to our Instagram account.  After spring cleaning our Instagram, we’ve seen an increase in engagement and reach – could it be that freshly implemented policy?

We think so, so we’re here to spread the message with this Instagram Spring Cleaning Guide. With these simple steps, you’ll quickly boost engagement and improve your community presence on this platform.

Step 1: Set a goal

Is there any good guide that doesn’t start with this step? Nope, because that’s how important it is to set a goal before you manage to achieve anything. So before you start deleting things in a frenzy, take the time to think about the WHY behind your use of Instagram for business.

For example, we use Insta for building a community and brand awareness – what about you? Your Instagram marketing strategy will vary from business to business. It could be to gain customers, to convert people to email subscribers or to foster relationships. Whatever it is, use this fresh, spring moment to remind yourself of your targets.

Reminding yourself of your goal gives you a clear context for the rest of your clear-up; it also helps you ensure your Instagram account has a consistent aesthetic that fits with your brand. With these things in mind, you can move on with some vigorous spring cleaning.

Step 2: Brush up your bio

Begin with the basics. Sure, your bio might not be the first thing people see, but if they stumble across one of your posts and want to find out more, that’s where they’ll head. So you want a bio that’s catchy, free of typos (!) and reflects your brand accurately. Aim for that magic combination of short but informative; try and make it authentically ‘you’ as well.

You get a link in your bio, so think about how you want to use it. Send people to your website if that’s what makes sense for you. Alternatively, use a link-in-bio feature to drive traffic wherever you want each time you post.

The final polish to your Instagram profile? The photo, of course! It’s a tiny space so make sure the image isn’t too cramped in there. It should be clear, compelling and fit in well with your content. A logo is a good idea – make sure it’s the most up-to-date one!

Step 3: Put a shine on your aesthetic  

Here is where we have to start getting Marie Kondo on our Instagram accounts. We love that Instagram is such visual platform – it’s why Instagram marketing is a brand’s dream – but it makes it so much more important that your images are sparking joy, both for you and your community. After all, the first thing your followers (or potential followers) will notice is the appearance.

Looking at your top-9 (i.e., the nine most recent posts on your Instagram grid and the ones people see first) pushes you to think about what you want your brand’s message to be and how Instagram is supporting that. As we’ve said before, consistency of content is how to gain trust from your online community.

Take inspiration from some of your favorite Instagram for business accounts. How do their images work together to create a theme? What color palettes do they use? What would work for you? Once you’ve got a clear picture of what you want your grid to look like, start that spring cleaning! Get rid of any images that don’t fit your brand – be brave; you can do it! Be strict about the quality of images as well; grainy, blurred pictures look like sloppy housekeeping.

Extra tip #1:

Don’t get carried away! Once you start deleting, it can be difficult to stop (remember your partner desperately defending their socks!) so take the time to assess the image to see if it sparks joy before purging everything.

Extra tip #2:

If you’re worried about your grid becoming too uniform, remember you can have fun on Stories. That’s where you have the opportunity to show off the humor and personality behind the brand.

Step 4: Clean up your copy and content

We know we’ve just said that Instagram is a visual platform, but there are still captions. Once followers are hooked in by your aesthetic, they’ll read your captions for more information, so make sure there are no typos hiding in there!

The consistency of voice is every bit as important as consistency of image, so read through your captions to ensure they harmonize with each other and engage the reader. This is a good time to tidy away any out-of-date content. Do you need the post about your New Year offer still up? We don’t think so, either.

Step 5: Dust away followers

Increasingly, people realize that it’s not only about the numbers. You want your community to be real accounts who can actively engage with you and your brand. Go through your followers with a fine-tooth comb and dust away those spammers and bots. It’s time-consuming, sure; but incredibly cleansing!

It’s not only about who’s following you, but it’s also about who you follow. This says as much about your brand as your Instagram marketing does, so make sure the content you’re receiving is inspiring and relevant.

Follow these five steps and enter spring with socials that spark joy! If you choose to implement the steps of the Instagram Spring Cleaning Guide, let us know. Send us a direct message on Instagram.