The Number One Thing Your Caption Is Missing...
We'll cut to the chase here! The number one thing your caption is missing is STRUCTURE!
We so frequently hear, "my account isn't getting any engagement," "my followers aren't liking my content," and "I'm not pulling in the right people on my account." Once we take a look at the account, a big part of that falls on the caption. If you aren't pulling in your potential audience with a great hook, adding value in the middle, and ending with a call-to-action to let them know the next steps, it creates a large gap in the connection you're creating with your followers.
Visuals are important, too, don't get us wrong! A great visual will really pull people into the post as well, but you still need to seal the deal with the caption.
How do I write a powerful Instagram caption?
1.) Always have a hook!
A hook is exactly what it sounds like! It's a sentence/phrase that captures viewers' attention and makes them want to listen to what else you have to say. Just like when you are reading a book, there has to be a good introduction, or you're probably not going to continue reading the rest of the book, right? It's the same for social media! As a viewer, why should I stop my scroll and continue reading your content?
2.) The Middle
The middle is where you share insight, add value, and/or explain your point(s). Consider a caption like a book, the middle is where the story happens. When it comes to the middle, try the following:
Use a bulleted list. A list is a great way to break down your thoughts and points so they don't feel overwhelming to your audience.
3.) Call-To-Action
If you take anything from this, please let it be this right here: you need a call-to-action on every post. A call-to-action gives your copy purpose. A call-to-action is described as, "prompt an immediate response or encourage an immediate sale." In other words, it's the part of your copy that tells viewers what steps to take next. That can be liking, commenting, direct messaging, visiting your website, following the link in your bio, or where to start shopping for your product/service.
You can post a million social posts, but if your viewers don't know what steps to take next, they probably won't take it! Which typically translates to less engagement, followers, and sales.
Need call-to-action inspiration? Check out this blog next!
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