While the visuals are the focus of Instagram, the caption is how you put those visuals to work for you. Because you're not just posting things for the heck of it, are you? You're on Instagram for a reason.
If you want to make Instagram a useful tool in your marketing toolbox, you're going to need to know how to write an effective caption.
First, know your reason for posting. If it's just to share something cool, that's fine. That tells you your caption is going to be friendly, with a call for them to “share a story” or “tag a friend.” On the other hand, if you're looking to promote a product, service, or contest, you're going to need a stronger call to action. (See below)
I've put together a list of four things to keep in mind while crafting your caption.
If you want to make Instagram a useful tool in your marketing toolbox, you're going to need to know how to write an effective caption.
First, know your reason for posting. If it's just to share something cool, that's fine. That tells you your caption is going to be friendly, with a call for them to “share a story” or “tag a friend.” On the other hand, if you're looking to promote a product, service, or contest, you're going to need a stronger call to action. (See below)
I've put together a list of four things to keep in mind while crafting your caption.
1.Be aware of the 'cut off'
Only the first 3 or 4 lines are going to show in the users' feeds. You don't need to make your caption short. Just make sure to put the important stuff first so it doesn't get cut.
This is called 'front-loading'.
2.Include a call to action
What do you want people to do with your post? Tell them.
Maybe you want to get people talking: “Share your story in the comments!”
Ask a question: “What's your favorite....?”
Point people to the link in your bio: “Link in bio.”
It may seem obvious - “They know my link is in my bio!” They do, but they won't think to use it unless you tell them.
3.Limit your hashtags
You know what happens if you use too many hashtags? They blend together and become pointless, just a jumbled mass of linking text that people are going to ignore. Pick your top 2 and use them.
Related to the 'front-loading' above – Hashtags for at the end, not the beginning.
4.The shorter, the sweeter
This is a tried and true rule of good copywriting. Say it as clearly as you can, keep it short as you can.
Nothing scares a reader off more than a big block of text.
Observe:
Be aware of the 'cut off'. Only the first 3 or 4 lines are going to show in the users' feeds. You don't need to make your caption short. Just make sure to put the important stuff first so it doesn't get cut. This is called 'front-loading.' Include a call to action. What do you want people to do with your post? Tell them. Maybe you want to get people talking: “Share your story in the comments!” Ask a question: “What's your favorite....?” Point people to the link in your bio: “Link in bio.” It may seem obvious - “They know my link is in my bio!” They do, but they won't think to use it unless you tell them. Limit your hashtags. You know what happens if you use too many hashtags? They blend together and become pointless, just a jumbled mass of linking text that people are going to ignore. Pick your top 2 and use them. Related to the 'front-loading' above – Hashtags for at the end, not the beginning. The shorter, the sweeter. This is a cardinal rule of good copywriting. Say it as clearly as you can, keep it short as you can. Nothing scares a reader off more than a big block of text.
You either skipped the above paragraphs, or read through it purposely just to prove me wrong...
Key takeaway:
Your post gets their attention. Your caption tells them what to do.
Only the first 3 or 4 lines are going to show in the users' feeds. You don't need to make your caption short. Just make sure to put the important stuff first so it doesn't get cut.
This is called 'front-loading'.
2.Include a call to action
What do you want people to do with your post? Tell them.
Maybe you want to get people talking: “Share your story in the comments!”
Ask a question: “What's your favorite....?”
Point people to the link in your bio: “Link in bio.”
It may seem obvious - “They know my link is in my bio!” They do, but they won't think to use it unless you tell them.
3.Limit your hashtags
You know what happens if you use too many hashtags? They blend together and become pointless, just a jumbled mass of linking text that people are going to ignore. Pick your top 2 and use them.
Related to the 'front-loading' above – Hashtags for at the end, not the beginning.
4.The shorter, the sweeter
This is a tried and true rule of good copywriting. Say it as clearly as you can, keep it short as you can.
Nothing scares a reader off more than a big block of text.
Observe:
Be aware of the 'cut off'. Only the first 3 or 4 lines are going to show in the users' feeds. You don't need to make your caption short. Just make sure to put the important stuff first so it doesn't get cut. This is called 'front-loading.' Include a call to action. What do you want people to do with your post? Tell them. Maybe you want to get people talking: “Share your story in the comments!” Ask a question: “What's your favorite....?” Point people to the link in your bio: “Link in bio.” It may seem obvious - “They know my link is in my bio!” They do, but they won't think to use it unless you tell them. Limit your hashtags. You know what happens if you use too many hashtags? They blend together and become pointless, just a jumbled mass of linking text that people are going to ignore. Pick your top 2 and use them. Related to the 'front-loading' above – Hashtags for at the end, not the beginning. The shorter, the sweeter. This is a cardinal rule of good copywriting. Say it as clearly as you can, keep it short as you can. Nothing scares a reader off more than a big block of text.
You either skipped the above paragraphs, or read through it purposely just to prove me wrong...
Key takeaway:
Your post gets their attention. Your caption tells them what to do.
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