5 Ways You Can Use Instagram to Take Better Travel Photos

Instagram has risen in popularity in the past few years, and many travellers use this platform to share their work, experience, and even tips for things related to travel and photography. It’s a good place to get travel inspiration, and also to share your travel photos.

Documenting your travel is an important part of the journey, so you can look back and remember all the adventures you’ve had. Instagram has been the place we often use to share our travel documentation, and it’s easy to print Instagram photos as travel keepsakes.

Of course, we want to make sure we take good travel photos for these purposes, and Instagram can actually help us improve our travel photography. Here’s how.

  1. Research and scout the locations

So many people these days post their travel photos and videos on Instagram, using geotags and hashtags to make them more discoverable. Thanks to these, you can get ideas for your next getaway. Moreover, Instagram can give you specific information that isn’t usually available on official tourism websites, and you get to ‘see’ the place through other people’s eyes to see whether it’s worth visiting.

What sort of information can you get from this? Plenty! For example, you can see whether there’s a good spot you can use to get a unique angle for your shot, or if there is any architecture or buildings you can use to frame your subject. If you’re want to check whether a place is crowded with tourists, you can use geotags to get a glimpse of the place.

  1. Find the ideas, and tweak them

Not only it’s a good place to research and scout the locations, Instagram (along with Pinterest) can also give you something else: an abundance of photo ideas. While in the old days we might have had to subscribe to travel magazines to learn the tricks of beautifully composed images, we can now learn from fellow Instagrammers.

See any images taken in your destination? Learn which composition works best, and try to come up with a unique angle and perspective that hasn’t been covered by other people. Having this in your plan before you travel can help you save the time when you’re there, and also prepare you to get creative with your photography.

  1. Use humans as your point of interest

It’s not always easy to take photos of a famous landmark without a few people in the frame. When it’s impossible to do that, use them to your advantage! Including them in the frame can add interest to your photo, as long as you know how to compose it. Many Instagram photos show us how we can incorporate human elements to add a sense of scale.

And while we’re on this topic, stay away from selfie shots if you want to create incredible travel photos. Ask your friend to take photos of you, or if you travel alone, ask a fellow traveller (tip: show them a shot as an example of how you want the photo to be composed, so all they have to do is replicate it. You’ll get much better results this way).

  1. Edit consistently

If there’s one thing that Instagram teaches us, it’s to have consistency, especially when it comes to editing. Not only does this make your photos and feed to look more cohesive, but it also helps you find and develop your own style in photography.

Editing plays an important role in creating a cohesive and consistent imagery. It’s where you transform your shots into images that are distinctively yours. How do you want your photos to look? Do you want them to have a warm tone with vibrant colours? Or do you favour muted colours with a darker tone? Explore your style and develop your own presets to make sure that your photos stand out.

  1. Learn how you can improve

Instagram photos can give us clues on what to improve. Pay attention to travel photos that grab your attention. Maybe it’s the negative space in the frame, or maybe it’s the human element, or the intricate details. Use Instagram feature ‘save to collection’ to build your own album of inspiration.

Another way you can learn from Instagram is by following accounts that share their tips on travel and photography. Many people use Instagram stories to share editing tutorials, travel hacks, and photography techniques, so make the most of it!

Your Instagram feed might look amazing with your holiday photos, but you need more than a display on a tiny screen for your precious travel memories. It’s really easy to print your travel photos online with Photojaanic and transform them into personalised travel keepsakes, like photobooks, wall art, postcards, or calendars.

Happy travelling!

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6 Efficient Ways To Market Your Business On Instagram

There are more than 800 million active users on Instagram worldwide. This massive figure is generated per month. Imagine how many billion likes are collected per day? It is no wonder that Instagram’s international market can enable your brand to reach new heights.

For business purposes, carefully crafting your Instagram profile can lead to viral marketing success. On the other hand, your efforts may go to waste when you use the platform for the wrong reasons.

CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY

Let us start with the basics! As you market your budding business, it is important to maintain consistency through your profile handle as well as your featured photo. Potential followers or clients can easily find you online if you use the same moniker across all platforms. Choose a name that best suits your brand. You may select a name as straightforward as @airbnb, @playdoh, or @adobe.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

All your interactions on Instagram are accompanied by a little round thumbnail of your account. Choose a featured photo that is both recognizable and professional. It is easier to display your brand if all these pieces fit coherently well.

MAKE THINGS ACCESSIBLE

One of my main goals when I set up a professional Instagram account is to sell convenience. You can turn Instagram users to your potential clients by providing significant company information such as your contact number and location. You can display these information through the Instagram Business Profile. This specialized profile allows you to gain access to the extensive analytics data as well. Use said data to tailor your posts among your targeted audience.

Another strategy that enables you to sell convenience is to post a picture of your product launch or your current promotion. Just take some notes from the trending Kylie Cosmetics.

BOOST TRAFFIC TO YOUR SITE

There is an element of truth to the age-old saying that “first impression lasts”. Send a potent message to your followers by creating an enticing Bio. Aside from your cheesy thumbnail, Instagram users focus on the contents of your Bio.

Directly under your name is a description box that can either make or break your brand. This is why you must carefully contemplate on its contents. Remember to include a link to your online shop or website to increase traffic.

INTEGRATE TESTIMONIALS

A surefire way to be as relatable as possible is to show your loyal clients’ great experiences. People are more likely to be patronizing a product if they heard about it from an existing satisfied client.

Integrate honest testimonials by using the Instagram stories and its multiple slides. There are many ways to showcase said testimonials. Firstly, you can stream the clients’ reviews on Instagram live. Secondly, you can post a 60-second testimonial video on your feed. Lastly, you can feature your clients’ tagged photos by posting multiple slides.

 

PICK A PROPER HASHTAG

Whenever I am given the opportunity to spearhead an event, I would suggest to designate a specific hashtag. Having an Instagram hashtag enables you to have a gold mine of photos – especially because you can follow #’s now. Apply the same tactic for your business.

Run an exciting campaign that includes a unique hashtag (e.g., #annagiveway2k18 or #ezrasugarcane). Doing this not only promotes your contest, but also allows the participants to connect with each other.

FOCUS ON THE SOLUTION

Put a spotlight on the solutions that your company can bring instead of solely showcasing items. Show the process behind your famous products and services by uploading behind-the-scenes videos. It is possible to do this by uploading short videos or creating interesting Boomerangs. People have always been fascinated by the “how-to videos” (as seen in the millions of Youtube views that this theme receives).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

On Instagram, you are expected to add value to your clients while looking aesthetically pleasing. Tailoring your visual content is vital to your social media presence.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

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How To Land A Job In The Modern Times

What is the best way to gain the attention of the esteemed recruiters? Consistently dropping your CV in the company’s e-mail? Or perhaps, you can dive into the fresh trend of using social media. The latter is your best bet yet!

Through smart networking and creative strategies, you can get your dream job. Here are just some strategies to keep you busy:

1. ACE YOUR PROFILE

Treat your social media profiles as your striking headlines because potential employers will see these first. Highlight your key skills and prior experiences by adding sufficient information in the “Biography (Bio)” or “About Me” section. For instance, Facebook allows you to include your previous titles by editing the “Work and Education” tab.

Complete your profile by attaching a high-quality and professional photo.

2. USE THE PROFILE’S DIRECTORY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

If you follow the coveted company’s page on Twitter or Facebook, chances are, they are linked to the current employees and employers. Follow or send a friend request to these people and treat them as your inside source. They may post job vacancies to their feeds or walls before these vacancies are widely advertised.

During the job interview, you will have a rough insight about the company and will be able to find a common ground with the interviewer.

3. BE PROACTIVE IN THE CONVERSATIONS

Take part in the healthy discussions related to the industry or the company that you have been eyeing on. You may share an article that interests you, comment on interesting threads, or open a discussion on your profile. Engage your followers by asking stimulating questions.

Respond to these comments to get a holistic perspective about a company or an issue.

4. STAY PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES

Facebook is usually the first platform that hiring managers visit to get an idea of the “real” you. So unless you want them to know about your addiction to Laksa and Adidas sneakers, you must keep your profile professional at all times.

No matter how much you calibrate your privacy settings, your so-called friends can still screen grab your posts. Be careful what you put online! Remember that many of your future employers will be using social media to spy on you.

5. CREATE AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Hiring managers know that Instagram is one of the main tools that younger generations use today. To look for young talents, they post ads on Instagram. Just search through the keyword “#singaporejobs” to find lots of entries!

You may create an Instagram account that focuses on your brand. Say that you want to work in Singapore’s fashion industry. Stay ahead of the crowd by showing off your unique style through regular snaps of your #OOTD. Do not forget to tag the company’s products in the picture. This is one way for them to notice your talent and to appreciate your free publicity.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Friendly reminder: Use the power of technology with caution. You do not want to get scammed or mistreated because you let your guards down. 🙂

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How To Generate Cash Using An Instagram Account

Social media has infiltrated our lives in ways that our ancestors cannot imagine. Let us focus on one platform – the trendy Instagram (IG). Instagram offers you the opportunity to widen your income or to receive free products by posting photographs. Contrary to popular belief, earning money thru this venue is not limited to becoming an influencer.

There are many methods to capitalize on your IG presence. Here are just of them:

METHOD #1: POST REGULARLY ON INSTAGRAM

To make decent amount of money on the side while feeding your Instagram addiction, you can consider becoming an influencer. Start by treating your feed as a C.V. (Curriculum Vitae). Strategically curate your account to invite as many brands as possible. The wider your feed or portfolio is, the better.

Maintain your Instagram presence by using consistent posting schedules, pristine images, and witty captions. Andrea Chong’s account is an example of a strong local influencer. Remember that you attract the brands that match the content of your feed. For instance, you may be hired as a brand influencer for a detox tea if you exude enthusiasm toward fitness.

METHOD #2: SELL YOUR WORK

You have a knack for photography. If you have numerous quality images that companies and individuals may want to pay for, you can display it on renowned websites such as Shutterstock. Another (relatively uncommon) option is to upload your portfolio on Instagram.

Make sure to add a watermark and a detailed caption to each of your image. This will not only protect your rights, but it will also clearly direct your potential clients.

METHOD #3: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SLIDESHOWS

Do you own a budding small business? Well, you better listen up! This method allows you to establish the diverse angles of your brand using a single post. You do not have to pay for an upgrade.

Instagram has solidified its status as an efficient platform for sharing singular square-shaped photographs. Instagram did its best to sway with the dance of modern technology. It has since expanded to adding videos and time lapses. Furthermore, the Facebook-owned company introduced the slideshow feature. Users can post up to 10 pictures that will appear in one post. This move seeks to help advertisers (like you) to tell sequenced stories. Ensure that your photos follow a unified theme or filter.

METHOD #4: EMPLOY AFFILIATE MARKETING

Various websites display their partners with sidebar banners. This type of publicity is called affiliate marketing. The same principle applies when you are rolling out your affiliates over to Instagram. Affiliate marketing will enable you to receive commission for the products or services that you will promote. Use catchy hashtags and high-resolution images to drive more traffic to the affiliate code or URL.

Step up your game by mentioning the brand on your Instagram stories. Simply edit the text and type “@” followed by the brand’s username. A notification will be automatically sent to the brand’s inbox right away.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS TIP: You can promote “flash sales” by posting on your 24-hour Instagram stories!

Sources: 1,  2, & 3

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Starbucks: 1-for-1 Venti-sized Christmas Drink (2 – 5 Nov 2015)

Christmas is coming and Starbucks has brought back their popular Christmas drinks.

Besides their all-time favourites Peppermint Mocha, Toffee Nut Latte and Gingerbread Latte, they have also introduced a new flavour – the Christmas Panettone Latte.

To celebrate, fans can enjoy 1-for-1 Venti-sized Christmas Drink from 2 – 5 November 2015, from 3pm – 7pm.

Follow Starbucks on Instagram here.

Starbucks 11 Christmas Drinks

SB IG

Who’d your share the Starbucks Christmas Drinks with? Share this 1-for-1 deal with your friends and family members to find out!

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