2025 was the year of marketing on Instagram and finally getting clients booking me that were not just referral based. Today, I’m letting photographers in on my secrets and what’s been working for me.
If you’d rather listen to the audio version, check out episode 17 on the Better Photos Podcast here or scroll to the bottom!
1. Listen to Podcasts That Fuel Your Creativity
If you want to get better at your content this year, start by listening to podcasts — especially ones outside your typical niche. I listen to:
- Marketing podcasts
- AI and tech trends
- Business coaching
- Industry voices like Shannon McKinstry, Jasmine Star, Jenna Kutcher — and so many others
I use all that info to fuel my brain with ideas while I’m driving my kids around. It turns downtime into productive time and keeps my creativity sharp. I even take notes in Notion on my phone or computer whenever I hear something that sparks an idea.
So whether you’re into AI, web design, marketing, or creative business — find shows that get your wheels turning and make it part of your routine.
2. Get on TikTok and Just Start Creating
TikTok might feel intimidating, but hear me out — it’s one of the best playgrounds for content creation right now. Why? Because nobody you know is watching.
It’s where I test out ideas, show behind-the-scenes moments, and post more educational content for photographers. I have more photographers following me on TikTok than Instagram — which tells me it’s working.
Some of my fastest growth has come from TikTok — and no, I don’t have a massive following. I grew from around 100 to 300+ in just a few months, and it feels like an authentic space to build confidence.
It’s not about going viral — it’s about posting freely, learning what hits, and growing through trial and error. Once you get more comfortable, you can repurpose what worked on TikTok over to Instagram.
3. Use Trial Reels to Test Content
Trial reels on Instagram are my new favorite strategy. If you haven’t used them yet, they’re a way to test how your reels perform before they go live on your main feed.
Here’s what I do:
- Post a reel as a trial reel (toggle it on when posting)
- Turn off sharing to Threads, Facebook, and the feed
- Watch how people engage — the hook, the caption, the hashtags, the vibes
- Try the same video 3 ways with different hooks or covers
This gives you insight into what actually performs well — without the pressure. If one version does well, that’s the one I’ll publish on my feed. It’s low-risk, high-reward — and honestly, just fun if you’re into stats and analytics.
Trial reels are also a great way to build confidence if you’re worried about judgment. You can test your content without blasting it to all your followers right away.
4. Grab My ChatGPT Guide for Photographers
This one has been a game-changer. I created a Framework that helped me finally start showing up consistently and confidently on Instagram.
Inside the guide, you’ll learn how to:
- Define your target client (mine is Suzy — and she loves sourdough bread 🥖)
- Build a complete client profile
- Generate 30 days of content ideas using ChatGPT
And no, it’s not just about typing random prompts. I walk you through how to make ChatGPT actually think like you and help you market smarter, not harder. If you’re a photographer who’s been using ChatGPT like a Google search bar — this is for you.
Whether you’re trying to attract clients or shift toward serving other photographers (like I am now), this guide can help you stop spinning your wheels and start showing up with intention.
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Quick Recap: 4 Ways to Make Better Instagram Content in 2026
- Fuel your creativity by listening to podcasts regularly
- Use TikTok as a creative sandbox for testing and growth
- Post trial reels to test hooks, captions, and covers before sharing
- Download my Beginner guide to define your ideal client and generate content confidently
