On Instagram, content is king. But the question is: how to keep your photos looking bright fresh in a sea full of pretty pics? Someone with a few tricks up her bright coloured sleeve is Kristabel Plummer (get following if you’re not already: @iamkristabel). We chatted to the London-based content creator to garner her advice on everything from her favourite filters to the power of a good hashtag…
For starters, what’s your advice for finding your Instagram niche?
I’m definitely the kind of person who learns by doing, so I wasn’t very calculated in the beginning. Like most bloggers, I started off by sharing events, cappuccinos and plenty of selfies. My aesthetic changed as I grew more confident with my photographic style. Gradually I started to veer away from the Valencia filter and experiment with different apps. I also started to open up more on my blog, so my captions become more personal and useful instead of pure fluff.
Is that the key to staying bright & unique?
It’s obvious advice but just be yourself. It’s fine to appreciate different styles, but I know that I’ll never be moody, minimal or use excessive shadows. If you’re stuck, then I’d just get experimenting and discovering different sources of inspiration. Look up, take in your surroundings and play around with composition.
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So now you’ve ditched Valencia, what are your filtering tips for keepin’ content light and bright?
I shoot using a mix of my Canon 6D and M50 as well as an iPhone XR. Lightroom is great for basic edits, especially if it’s a cloudy day or I need to selectively brighten part of the photo. I then inject a dose of bright colour using A Color Story. You can buy filter packs that have been designed by influencers (my faves are Pop and Candy Minimal) and it works on video too. VSCO is also great if you want to add a retro touch or work with any flash imagery.
How do you come up with captions?
When I’m having a good day, I can come up with them on the spot but quite often I agonise about them for ages. I tend to note down random thoughts or any puns in an iPhone note, then I give them time to marinate in my brain before making a decision. Instagram Collections is great for collating any inspiration, so I’ve saved a few wordy captions from people like @erica_davies and @me_and_orla.
What makes a bright and impactful bio?
Definitely make the most of line breaks! It’s so important to make your location obvious, so relevant brands can find you. I also emphasise that I’ve been blogging since 2008. You can also add active hashtags, so I’d include any events or challenges you may have founded. It’s so important to set yourself apart.
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Do you plan your Instagram content?
When I’m really on top of things, I note down any sponsored posts or key dates in my Google Calendar. Day to day, things are a little more loose. I usually pre-shoot enough imagery to share on days when I’m not able to create content but occasionally I will turn around an image and caption within a couple of hours. My feed is like a visual portfolio so I tend to use UNUM to make sure that everything is cohesive.
“I usually pre-shoot enough imagery to share on days when I’m not able to create content.“
How do you use hashtags?
Obsessively! I’ve saved clusters relating to Style, Travel, London, Colour and Home in separate iPhone notes, plus any that are brand specific. Definitely make full use of them as you can include up to 30 in each post. It’s also a great way to categorise your own content. I started my @StyleHashtagProject to show my audience how I restyle certain items, so I have #IWYTKflorals, #IWYTKleopard, #IWYTKtropical #IWYTKyellow to name a few.
What’s your technique when it comes to Stories?
I try not to be too precious with Stories, so I tend to use a combination of chatty clips and scrapbook-like frames for travel. I write a loose script for my ‘TED talks’ around a particular subject, but tend to improvise and add relevant screengrabs to get my point across.
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What are your favourite Stories tools, and why?
Within the app I like to use the ‘Strong’ font, as it’s pretty hard to miss. @mum_folk has some useful Highlights on combining fonts and making the most of the tools within the app. You can do a lot by using contrasting backgrounds for text and the brush tool.
Do you use any apps for making Stories?
Unfold is a great app for combining images and video on the go. I used to be resistant at first as it’s pretty popular, but you can figure out a style by sticking to certain templates, fonts and bright colour combinations.
“Although I love some of the Insta-famous locations, I try to get there first or find other places with a point of difference.“
How do you avoid Insta cliches?
It’s inevitable sometimes! Although I love some of the Insta-famous locations, I try to get there first or find other places with a point of difference. Try them out every once in a while, but don’t rely on them as you can end up blending in with a sea of other accounts.
Do you use Insta Analytics?
I tend to make a note of the posts with the most saves, profile visits and engagement as it’s good to see trends. At the moment photos of me prompt more profile visits but any homeware shots and locations get a lot of saves. Definitely use the information to plan future content but always keep experimenting as there’s so many variables. A strong caption can make a difference, as well as the time and date posted.
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Any tips for growing your following?
To grow on Instagram you need to be consistent, tap into a current trend and find an audience that is well represented on the app. You can be a Bjork or a Beyonce but each kind of account still has value. My main focus is maintaining my existing audience, so I try to show my bright personality and create useful Stories. I’m not sure if my colourful backgrounds and smiley outfit snaps fit in with the neutral tones that a lot of people love, but I’m willing to wait it out and find the right people.
And which accounts do you love following?
My background is in knitwear design, so I love following any crafters, artists and stylists. At the moment I’m into @michellenorrisphoto, @ettoresottsass, @fayewad, @nudeandthenovice, @jadepurplebrown and @heartzeena.
Finally, how do you use your account to spread a positive message?
For me it’s about balance and whilst I’m always taking in conversations around representation, body image and insecurities, I try not to drag anyone down with my content. If I’m talking about something serious, I tend to cover it in a constructive way with any podcast recommendations or useful accounts to follow. There’s been a lot of negative press about our industry recently and you have to create your own moral code of conduct. I would never want to make anyone feel negative or like they have to change anything about themselves when they see a post of mine, so I always check in with myself before I press publish.
