Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora
What if I told you that posting over 100 times in 60 days on Instagram taught me more than any article or trend report ever could? Yep, I dove in headfirst, and the results were eye-opening, to say the least!
In this episode, I’m spilling ALL the tea on what worked, what flopped, and what I’m NEVER doing again. We’re talking about the posts that made people stop scrolling, the behind-the-scenes tricks that kept me sane, and why some of last year’s top-performing content completely tanked this time around.
If you’ve ever wondered how to crack the Instagram code or you’re just curious what it takes to truly stand out, then this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Click play NOW!
Want to grow on Instagram?! Get my FREE brand new guide, 5 Secrets to Grow Your Following!
The Backstory
Before I embarked on this experiment, my summer was all about taking a step back from social media.
I posted on Instagram stories maybe three times all summer, focusing instead on spending quality time with my family while my daughter, Coco, was home from school. It was a refreshing break, but as fall approached, I knew I had to shift my strategy.
With two back-to-back launches on the horizon—one for my partner promotion with Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy and another for my own Podcast Lab—I realized I needed to ramp up my posting schedule significantly.
I had to figure out how to create and share a ton of content in a short time frame, and that’s where this experiment began!
The Stats
Let’s talk numbers. From August 21st to October 21st, I had over 28 million views on my content. Here’s the breakdown:
- 18% of those views came from paid ads.
- 54% were from my followers.
- 45.9% were non-followers, which is crucial for growth.
- I reached over 6.2 million accounts, a 61.6% increase from the previous 60-day period.
- My reels accounted for 83% of the views, while Instagram stories made up about 12% and feed posts only 4.1%.
- Interestingly, all of my top-performing content was serving content, with the majority being reels, except for one carousel post.
Key Themes and Insights
1. Balancing Volume and Quality
Posting 104 times in 60 days meant I had to figure out how to balance volume with quality. I quickly realized that if I wanted to make an impact, I needed a solid content strategy. The two launches I was promoting required a lot of content, and I had to ensure that the quality didn’t suffer as I increased the quantity.
In the past, it was easier to predict which types of content would perform well. However, I found that what worked a year ago was no longer effective. This realization pushed me to increase my posting frequency, hoping that at least some of my posts would resonate with my audience.
2. Adapting to Changing Trends
One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of adapting to changing trends. I often relied on past top-performing posts for inspiration, but I quickly discovered that many of those posts didn’t perform well this time around.
To stay relevant, I began to research what was currently working on Instagram. I set aside time to scroll through reels and analyze what types of content were gaining traction. This research helped me pivot my strategy and focus on what was resonating with my audience right now.
3. Types of Content That Worked
Throughout this experiment, I identified several types of content that performed exceptionally well:
- B-Roll: Behind-the-scenes shots became a favorite of mine. They allowed me to create engaging content without needing to be camera-ready all the time. I learned that interesting B-roll clips could keep viewers engaged and wanting to see more.
- Carousel Posts: These became one of my go-to formats. I found that starting with a strong hook on the first slide and building a story throughout the slides kept my audience engaged. Carousels also reached more non-followers, which is fantastic for growth.
- Serving Content: I made a conscious effort to include serving and connection content in between promotional posts. This strategy helped me maintain engagement and relatability with my audience, reminding them why I do what I do.
Pssssst… Don’t forget to grab my FREE brand new guide, 5 Secrets to Grow Your Following here!
4. The Power of Batch Creation
One of the most effective strategies I implemented was batch creation. Instead of scrambling to create content during my launch periods, I set aside dedicated time to create multiple posts at once.
This approach allowed me to have everything ready to go, from captions to visuals, so I could focus on engaging with my audience during the actual launch.
Batch creating not only saved me time but also reduced the stress of having to come up with content on the fly. I found that when I had a plan in place, I could be more creative and intentional with my posts.
5. Leveraging Tools and Systems
To manage the volume of content I was creating, I relied heavily on various tools and systems. I used Google Docs for inspiration and planning, Notion for organizing my content, and monday.com to keep track of my posting schedule.
These tools helped me streamline my process, ensuring that I could create and post efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. I also started using AI tools like ChatGPT to refine my captions and generate ideas, which added another layer of creativity to my content.
6. Overt vs. Covert Content
Another fascinating insight was the difference between overt and covert content. Overt content is directly aligned with your offer, while covert content is more inspirational or aspirational, subtly guiding your audience toward your offer without being too salesy.
I found that a mix of both types of content kept my audience engaged without feeling like they were being sold to constantly. This balance allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level while still promoting my offerings.
7. Rethinking Instagram Stories
Over the past year, Instagram Stories had become a bit of a pain point for me. I struggled with the traditional “here’s what I’m doing” format, especially since I no longer share my kids’ faces online. However, I learned to treat my stories like a set, with a clear beginning and end, making them feel more intentional and engaging.
By structuring my stories this way, I could incorporate my promotions while still connecting with my audience in a meaningful way. This shift in perspective made creating stories feel less daunting and more enjoyable.
Get More Instagram Secrets!
So, what did I learn from posting 104 times in 60 days? It was an eye-opening experience that taught me the importance of adaptability, creativity, and strategic planning in the ever-changing world of social media.
While I don’t know if I would recommend posting that frequently all the time, I do believe that experimenting with your content strategy is crucial. Whether you decide to post 15 times over the next three weeks or dive into a more extensive experiment, the key is to find what works best for you and your audience.
I hope my insights inspire you to refine your Instagram strategy, experiment with different content types, and engage with your audience in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to social media, so don’t be afraid to try new things and see what resonates!
Thank you to our Goal Digger Sponsors
- Learn how your business can grow better with HubSpot.
- Make B2B marketing everything it can be and get a $100 credit on your next campaign. Claim your credit!
- Run your first payroll with Gusto and get three months free!
- Sign up for your $1/month Shopify trial period.
- Try your first Moonpig card free with code “FREE”!
- Get all the Goal Digger goodness you love COMPLETELY ad-free. Subscribe today!
