Last week we talked about the importance of social media - Instagram specifically. Now, I will be addressing the main dos and don’ts of Instagram.

Take note that some points in this list only apply to those who aspire to become models and/or actors. And that opinions may vary throughout the community.

DON’TS:

1) Blurry Images

- Blurry images are generally unlikeable, and not pleasant to look at. Most people - myself included - overlook them. To a certain extent, we go out of our way to avoid such atrocities. Not only do people just, don't want to look - but it seems unprofessional, daggy and lazy on the posters part.

2) Tagging Competitors

- If you are in the running for a major clothing brand, the worst mistake you could possibly make is tagging their competitors in an Instagram post. You can and will lose your job if you do so. In fact, recently, that exact thing happened. A model was booked for a photo shoot, but lost the job as they posted an image onto their Instagram wearing the competitors clothing and tagging them!

3) Don’t Set to Private

- if you have your account set to private - don't! If you wish to get anywhere on social media, you need to be open to anyone who wants to follow you. I mean, do you see Ariana Grande going private? However, there is a slight danger as anyone can access your account - if you find anyone to be weird and uncomfortable, just block them! No use in locking everyone out to avoid the occasional weirdo!

4) Don’t Post All at Once

- It is a personal peeve of mine when I see someone post three times in a row. It doesn't help them in any way, as only the most recent post would get attention while the others are left to rot in its shadow. Posting multiple times within an hour is unhealthy for your posts, as it merely wastes a potential well-performing post! Instead of posting three at once, and only having one perform well, why not post them periodically and have them all perform well?

5) Don’t Use Too Many Images in One Post

- This is another personal plight of mine. When you add five images to one post, you wasted five separate potential posts. It's already harder to find something to post once or twice a day, why make it harder for yourself? Another reason why you shouldn't be posting more than two images in a single post, is that not everyone bothers to swipe! And not everyone bothers to wait for the ten other pictures to load either! Although it is not a crime, I suggest not putting six modelling images in one post as that post could have been divvied up into six separate posts across three to six whole days.

DOS:

1) Hashtags

- Hashtags do wonders in spreading your post around Instagram. Your image will attract much more attention compared to when you don't use hashtags. However, if hashtags are overused, it can get messy and unpleasing to look at for your followers.

2) Anything Modelling and/or Acting Related? Tag Your Agency

- It is a definite must for me. Tagging your agency is vital when it comes to getting picked up for jobs! If a client looks at your posts and likes the look of you, and then they see your agency tagged - they will contact your agency and possibly book you!

3) Part of an Agency? Put In Bio

- Not only does it increase the possibility of being booked for a job, it just seems unprofessional - and often shady - if a model or actor fails to mention their agency in their Instagram bio.

4) Post Daily

- As I have mentioned briefly above, posting each day is recommended. As it ensures more engagement from your followers. And more engagement equals better performing posts! Also, make sure to post in time periods shown to have more active users, the times may vary depending on your content.

5) Be Yourself!

- Don't be afraid to dabble some personal posts amongst the gorgeous headshots! Remember, people gravitate to people! Have a healthy balance of career-related and personal posts, and your engagement will be at it's best. People love to see successful people as ordinary people too!

Next week I will address social media once again, and expand on our knowledge!