Whether you’re sharing a new recipe or a new favorite workout, Instagram is a great platform to connect with people all over the world who share your interests. It can be used to inspire a healthy lifestyle, promote our field of nutrition and dietetics, and eventually to advertise your business.
Here are a few tips and tricks to take your Instagram to the next level:
Pictures: Take more photos than you think you need! There’s nothing worse than going to edit your picture and realizing it could have been photographed better. You won’t be able to recreate that exact moment, so take lots of shots from various angles and pick the best one later.
Light: Never underestimate the power of good lighting — especially natural lighting! Ample lighting creates better quality photos and improves clarity, which is important when trying to capture the details of your quinoa bowl, for example. Good lighting also minimizes the need for extra editing.
Edit: Almost every photo could use a little editing here and there. Instagram has its own editing tools built into the app, but there are many free photo editing apps available for download. Don’t be afraid to play around. Sharpness, contrast and brightness are my go-to adjustments. One more tip: Make sure the brightness on your phone’s screen is turned up so you can see the true colors! Editing with the screen is too dim can affect how the colors appear.
Camera: Don’t break the bank on a professional camera — use what you have. A smartphone camera, the right kind of lighting and a little editing can create beautiful images. Make sure to use lighting to your advantage and practice photographing and editing until you’re a pro. Although it may be time-consuming at first, it is worth it.
Connect: Engage with the community! Ask questions in your captions and reply to the comments you receive. Use hashtags such as #futureRDN or any others that will help you connect with active and aspiring dietitians.
With new algorithms being implemented constantly, don’t spend all your time trying to outsmart the system. Instead, focus on what you can control, and that is what you post. Most importantly, remember to be yourself. Don’t follow the latest trend if it’s not authentic to you. Share your personality and what inspires you and that will attract genuine followers to your profile. 
