Instagram is like the high school of social media: it’s all about looks, drama, and trying to fit in while standing out. But hey, if you want to ace the game, you can’t just wing it. You need to plan your feed like it’s a carefully crafted art installation — because it is! An Instagram feed planner is where creativity meets strategy and every post is a brushstroke on your online canvas.
So, what the heck is an Instagram planner? Imagine it as your personal stylist for your Instagram — allowing you to arrange and tweak your content until it’s just right. Whether you’re a control freak, a casual user, or somewhere in between, feed planners can help you create a cohesive, aesthetic look that makes followers stop scrolling and start staring.
Flying by the Seat of Your Pants Doesn’t Work
The days of throwing a random picture of your lunch on Instagram and hoping for the best are long gone. Today’s Instagram is all about planning, aesthetics, and giving your audience what they want before they even know they want it. Instagram feed planning helps you:
- Keep your aesthetic on point: Think of it as the bouncer for your Instagram club. Only the best posts get in.
- Save time: Life’s too short to stress about what goes where. Schedule your Instagram posts in advance and kick back.
- Track performance: You want to know what’s hitting the mark, right? Most planners come equipped with analytics to help you figure that out.
What to Look for in a Feed Planner
Here’s a quick checklist to avoid falling for just any tool or feature out there:
Drag-and-drop functionality: You want to move things around without feeling like you need a degree in engineering.
Scheduling tools: Set it and forget it — until you realize you forgot to post about Taco Tuesday, that is.
Photo editing features: Because sometimes your pictures need a little glow-up before they hit the grid.
Hashtag suggestions: The right hashtags can turn a decent Instagram post into a viral sensation. You need a planner that knows the hottest tags of the moment.
The Top Feed Planners You Should Check Out
Preview: With unlimited post planning and hashtag research capabilities, it’s like having a mini social media manager in your pocket. Plus, auto-posting means you can enjoy brunch without worrying about your next post.
Plann: This one’s for the multi-platform mavens. Plan not just your Instagram but also your Facebook and TikTok feeds. With team planning features, it’s perfect for businesses and influencers who want to keep everyone on the same page (and post).
Later: User-friendly and packed with features, Later lets you preview your feed and track sales. It’s the planner that not only schedules but also strategizes for you. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan Your Instagram Feed like a Boss
Step 1: Define your goals (Yes, it’s time to get serious)
Before you dive into the planning phase, you need to ask yourself some tough questions. What’s the point of your feed? How does it align with your social media strategy?
Growing your audience: Focus on eye-catching content that invites new followers in like moths to a flame.
Building community: Foster trust by posting content that resonates with your audience. Think relatable, funny, and downright human.
Increasing engagement: Get your followers talking. Ask questions, encourage comments, and respond like your social media life depends on it.
Step 2: Prep your content (Get your creative juices flowing)
Once you know what you’re shooting for, it’s time to prep. Think of this as your brainstorming session where no idea is too wild:
Choose a color scheme: Consistency is key. Pick colors and filters that align with your Instagram presence.
Establish your editing style: Are you all about bright and airy, or moody and mysterious? Make sure your edits align with your brand vibe.
Create a content calendar: Mapping out when and what to post can help maintain your feed’s aesthetic and make sure you’re never caught without a post. Consider themes for different days, like #MotivationMonday or #ThrowbackThursday.
UGC: Another brilliant tactic in your Instagram planning arsenal is harnessing user-generated content. Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand, and then share that on your Instagram feed. Not only does this foster community engagement, but it also adds authenticity to your Instagram account. Plus, you’ll build loyalty among your audience by showcasing their contributions.
Step 3: Plan your feed (The fun part)
Use your feed planner to visualize how your posts will look together.
Upload future posts: Start uploading photos and videos you plan to use.
Drag and drop: Experiment with different arrangements until your feed flows like a well-crafted playlist.
Write powerful Instagram captions: Nothing is more important than the first sentences of your Instagram caption. Make it count.
Hit save and schedule: You’ve done the hard work; now schedule those posts and let the planner do its thing.
Getting More out of Your Feed Planner
Remember, a feed planner is a tool, not a magic wand. It won’t magically create engagement or followers. Your posts should resonate with your audience — after all, they’re the reason you’re doing this.
While you’re busy curating the perfect aesthetic, why not automate responses to common questions? With Manychat, you can streamline your DMs, respond to FAQs, and keep your followers engaged without lifting a finger.
Analyze and Adapt
Don’t forget to analyze your Instagram insights regularly. Understanding what types of posts your audience interacts with the most can help you refine your content strategy. Look at metrics like engagement rates, reach, and saves. This data allows you to adjust your Instagram planning and ensures you’re always aligning with your followers’ interests. Adjusting your Instagram content strategy based on data will also help you become a more effective content creator.
Your Feed, Your Rules
Feed planners are for anyone who wants to step up their Instagram game and create a feed that’s as captivating as it is strategic.
