Social media is an essential tool for building your brand, building relationships and finding work. In fact, it has become so important that many top modeling agencies now require their models to be on social media. Here's how you can use Instagram to advance your modeling career.
Start with defining your unique style.

Instagram is like your magazine. Whether you like Givenchy or Stacey define your personal style and let your Instagram grid reflect it. Don't just show us your looks, show us your personality and interests too. Do you like travel, photography, makeup? Your Instagram style and your interests outside of modeling will determine the brands you will eventually collaborate with.

What's Your Vibe?

People follow you on social media for one of three reasons: they find you inspiring, relatable, or funny, or they find you or your lifestyle attractive. Sometimes it is a combination of all three. Your vibe attracts your tribe. Which will you bow down to?

Write a Bio!

Your bio tells potential followers why we should be following you and what to expect in your posts. Add your representational information, keywords that tell us you're a model, and some of your outside interests.

Create A Posting Plan.

Posting modeling shots shows us you're a professional, but also share some behind-the-scenes photos from photo shoots and selfies when you're not completely happy. Followers love to know what's going on in your life and how you like them. Instagram looks like a photo-sharing platform, but use it as a storytelling platform and you'll actually connect with your followers

Use Hashtags.

Hashtags can help you gain attention and followers for your modeling career, but be smart when you're just starting out. If you try to rank only for #model or popular hashtags like #modellife, #modeling or #instamodels, you will get lost behind accounts with big followings and high engagement. It's okay to use a few popular hashtags, but mostly use specific tags that have less competition. You will be more likely to show up in searches and grow your tribe.

ManageYourOnline  Reputation.

Internet never forgets. Once it's online it's out forever. Don't post inappropriate photos, use overly bad language, or debate controversial topics. Think about potential brands and customers before you hit stock. Your Instagram will follow you through life and career. You can control your brand image by adjusting your settings to approve all images in which you are tagged.

Connect With Your  Audience.

Posting pictures is not enough. Connect with your audience by making your posts a conversation. Ask your followers for opinions on your clothes. Ask them what they're doing this weekend or what their favorite brands or products are. Polls use the question sticker or emoji slider to talk on Instagram stories.

Grab Attention With a Mention.

Tag everyone in your professional photos like a photographer, brand or designer. This is a great way to connect with people and they will be more likely to promote your account to their followers. Don't be afraid to tag the brands and people you want to collaborate with. Get their attention with a mention!

Collaborate With Others.

Collaborate with friends who are models or photographers. Take photos together, tag and mention each other. Interview each other using Instagram Live or IGTV. Collaborating with like-minded accounts (especially those with more followers than you) helps you expand your reach and grow your tribe.

Be Social!

The modeling business is all about who you know, so use social media to build more connections. be social. List the models you look up to, the brands you love, the fashion photographers you love, and the agencies you'd like to work with. Then follow them and start building relationships.

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