How to Start Posting on Instagram

Thinking about posting on Instagram can feel like standing at the edge of a diving board - you know you want to jump in, but the first step feels like a big one. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get started, from setting up your profile for success to creating and publishing your very first post. We’ll cover the foundational strategy and the simple, step-by-step clicks you need to feel confident and hit “Share.”

Before You Post: Setting Up Your Profile for Success

Your Instagram profile is your digital storefront. Before you start stocking the shelves with content, you need to make sure the sign on the door is clear, welcoming, and tells people exactly what you’re about. Taking a few minutes to optimize your profile is one of the most important things you can do.

Choose the Right Type of Account

Instagram offers three types of profiles. Switching is free and easy, so don't stress too much about getting it perfect on day one.

• Personal Account: This is the default account type. It’s great for regular users who want to connect with friends and family, but it lacks the analytics and promotional tools needed for a brand or creator.
• Creator Account: Designed for influencers, public figures, and content producers. It gives you access to flexible profile controls, simplified messaging inboxes, and growth tools, including detailed analytics on your audience and content performance.
• Business Account: Best for companies, brands, and organizations. This account type provides access to analytics, a "contact" button on your profile, and the ability to run paid ads. If you’re selling products or services, this is the one for you.

To switch, just go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and navigate to Settings and privacy >, Account type and tools >, Switch to Professional Account.

Craft a Compelling Bio

You have 150 characters to grab someone’s attention and convince them to follow you. Make every character count. A great bio clearly states who you are, what you do, and who you do it for.

• Profile Photo: Use a clear, high-quality headshot if you're a personal brand, or a clean logo if you're a business. It should be easily recognizable even as a tiny circle.
• Name &, Username: Your username is your @handle, and your name is the separate, bolded text in your bio. Use your actual name or business name for the "Name" field, as this is searchable on Instagram.
• The Bio Itself: Don't just list what you do - state the value you provide. Instead of "Potter," try "Handmade ceramics to bring a little joy to your home." Use line breaks and emojis to make it easy to read.
• Link in Bio: This is the only place on your Instagram profile where you can put a clickable link. Use it wisely! Link to your website, shop, latest blog post, or a link hub service (like Linktree or Beacons) to direct traffic to multiple destinations.

Planning Out Your First Posts

Posting without a plan is like going on a road trip without a map - you’ll get somewhere, but probably not where you intended. A little forethought makes all the difference and helps you build a cohesive and attractive feed from the start.

Identify Your Core Content Pillars

You don't need to post about everything. Content pillars are 3–5 core themes or topics you will return to again and again. They give your content a clear focus and teach your audience what to expect from you. This makes it easier for you to brainstorm ideas and easier for your audience to decide if your content is for them.

Example for a fictional local coffee shop:

• Pillar 1: Product Showcase. Gorgeous photos of lattes, pastries, and new drinks.
• Pillar 2: Behind the Scenes. Baristas at work, restocking beans, the morning rush.
• Pillar 3: Educational Content. How to brew coffee at home, the difference between roasts, latte art secrets.
• Pillar 4: Community. Featuring loyal customers (with permission), local events, or highlighting other nearby businesses.

Think About Your Visual Aesthetic

Instagram is a visual platform. A consistent look and feel makes your profile instantly recognizable and professional. You don’t need to be a graphic designer to achieve this. Just decide on a few simple rules:

• Color Palette: Do you prefer warm, earthy tones, or bright and bold colors? Try to stick to a general color scheme.
• Editing Style: Will you use the same filter on all your photos (you can adjust the intensity) or edit them in a similar way using an app like VSCO or Lightroom Mobile? Consistency in brightness, contrast, and saturation goes a long way.
• Fonts and Graphics: If you're creating graphics (like quotes or announcements), choose one or two brand fonts and stick to them. Canva is a great tool for this.

A good starting exercise is to plan your first 9 posts. This allows you to visualize what your grid will look like and ensure it feels balanced and appealing from day one.

Creating Your First Instagram Post: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve done the prep work. Now it’s time to actually create and publish your post. Let’s walk through the process together.

1. Choose Your Content Format

When you tap the "+" button in the Instagram app, you’ll have a few choices for a standard feed post. For your first one, keep it simple.

• Single Image Post: The classic. A powerful, high-quality photograph can tell a whole story.
• Carousel Post: A post with up to 10 images or videos that users can swipe through. This is fantastic for telling a step-by-step story, showing different angles of a product, or sharing a collection of tips.
• Reels: Short-form vertical videos (up to 90 seconds) set to music or audio. Reels are the best format for reach right now, but they can feel intimidating for a first post. Consider starting with a photo or carousel to get comfortable first.

2. Write an Engaging Caption

A good photo stops the scroll, but a good caption creates a connection. Instead of staring at a blank screen, try this simple formula to get started:

• The Hook: Start with a question, a bold statement, or something relatable to grab attention in the first one or two lines. This is all people see before they have to tap "...more."
• The Body: This is where you provide value. Tell a story, share a tip, explain what’s happening in the photo. Keep paragraphs short and use emojis to add personality and break up the text.
• The Call-to-Action (CTA): Tell your audience what you want them to do next. This sparks engagement and starts conversations. Simple CTAs include: "What do you think? Let me know in the comments!", "Tag a friend who needs to see this.", or "Save this post for later!"

3. Find the Right Hashtags

Hashtags are how new people find your content. Think of them as sorting labels that help Instagram show your post to users who are interested in your topic. A good strategy is to use a mix:

• Broad Hashtags (#coffee, #design): These have huge followings but are very competitive. Your post might get buried quickly.
• Niche Hashtags (#coffeeloversofinstagram, #handmadepottery): These are more specific, reaching a more dedicated audience that is likely to engage.
• Location-Specific Hashtags (#nyccoffee, #discoverla): If you have a local business or component, these are essential for connecting with your community.

You can use up to 30 hashtags. A good starting point is to use between 10–20. You can place them at the very end of your caption or, as many people do, post them in the first comment immediately after publishing to keep your caption looking clean.

4. Put It All Together and Hit "Share"

You're ready. Let's walk through the final taps in the app:

1. Tap the "+" icon at the bottom of your screen and select "Post."
2. Choose the image or images from your camera roll. Tap "Next."
3. This is the editing screen. You can apply Instagram’s filters or make minor adjustments. Generally, it's better to edit your photos in a separate app beforehand for more control and consistency. Tap "Next."
4. You’re on the final screen! Here you will:
   • Write your caption (or paste it from your notes app).
   • Tag People if your photo features other accounts.
   • Add Location if your post is tied to a specific place. This boosts local discovery.
   • Add Music. You can now add trending audio to your static photo posts, which can help increase reach.
5. Take a deep breath and tap the blue "Share" button. That's it! You've officially posted on Instagram.

You've Posted! Now What?

The work doesn't stop once your post is live. The first hour after posting is a great time to be active on the app to encourage engagement.

• Reply to every comment. When someone takes the time to comment on your first post, reply to them! This shows you’re a real person who values your community, and it encourages others to join the conversation.
• Share Your Post to Your Story. Tap the paper airplane icon under your post and select "Add to story." This gives your post another chance to be seen by your followers.
• Take a Peek at Your Insights. After a day or two, (if you're on a Creator or Business account), tap "View Insights" on your post. Pay attention to the four main actions: Likes, Comments, Shares, and Saves. Saves are a powerful indicator that your content was valuable enough for someone to want to come back to. This is the first step in learning what your audience loves to see.

Final Thoughts

Getting started on Instagram is all about building momentum. By setting up a strong profile, creating a simple content plan, and following the practical steps to publish, you can build the confidence to post consistently and connect with your audience.

As you get more comfortable, planning out your content ahead of time is a game-changer for staying consistent without feeling overwhelmed. We actually built Postbase to solve this exact problem. Our visual calendar lets you plan and schedule all your content - from Reels to carousels - in one simple, clean interface, so you can stop scrambling for what to post and focus on building your brand.