How to Start an Instagram Pod

We are stronger together. I believe that this philosophy applies to every aspect of our lives and businesses—even in the relatively new realm of social media marketing.

Three years ago, a friend added me to a “secret” Facebook group that forever changed my marketing strategy. The group was made up of a few hundred bloggers and had a single purpose: unite competitors to support one another’s marketing efforts online. It seemed like a foreign concept at the time, however my heart swelled seeing these creative entrepreneurs working to cheer one another on every single day.

Engagement groups like that are changing the face of the online marketing world. My hope is that this guide gives you the tools to cultivate your own tribe of likeminded professionals who will support one another as you strive for success.

 

Meet the Pre-Pod: Blogging Boost Groups

 

How it works:

The moderator creates a new thread each day where the bloggers share their most recent posts. Once a blogger has posted on the thread with a link to their most recent article, they are required to read and comment on the five articles above theirs.

This isn’t a new concept—unions and guilds have created avenues to advocate for the betterment of industries for hundreds of years. Taking this idea, however, and applying it to the modern marketplace is what makes it revolutionary.

 

The Main Attraction: Instagram Pods

 

I encourage people to think of Instagram pods like a group of core cheerleaders who authentically engage with one another on Instagram through meaningful comments. Similar to a blogging boost group, pods serve to benefit each member of the group through creating a system for recurring engagement. The members of a pod become a small online family, working to support one another as they expand their platforms.

DOWNLOAD THIS FREE 5 STEP GUIDE TO CREATING A POD!

 

How does it work?

The members of an Instagram pod comment on one another’s content shortly after the post goes live in order to flag that piece of content as engaging and relevant. They do this by either creating a group message in the app or by forming a daily thread on an existing Facebook group. It serves as an algorithm hack that also gives you an opportunity to encourage others on a daily basis… it’s a win-win!

Remember: Engagement for engagement’s sake is not the point of an Instagram pod.

There… I said it! Can I get an fist-bump emoji? The real goal of building a pod is to form relationships with other business professionals who are in your same industry. Use your pod as a way to discover incredible content, encourage others, and be a part of a supportive community.

Get invested in the posts your pod-members are sharing. Be a cheerleader and encourager as often as possible! I’ve made some truly meaningful relationships through creating Instagram pods and have learned a lot about creatives by reading their captions every day. If you need help creating your pod, be sure to download this getting started guide!

Three Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be a robot, there are enough of those already. Engage with intention and authenticity.
• Pods equip a community with an avenue to actively support one another on a consistent basis.
• Collective efforts are a catalyst for massive business growth: build a tribe and support one another.

 

I can’t wait to hear how Instagram pods transform your social media engagement! It’s important to note that at the end of the day—a growth hack will not replace having a solid strategy of producing high-quality content. Be sure to download the Instagram Pod Guide for free and start transforming your social media strategy.