ACCELERATE
SOCIAL MEDIA
Lucas O'Keefe
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Welcome
This extensive ebook covers my entire social media strategy that I have used in order
to gain over 250,000 followers, helping many others do the same. It's a strategy I
could only create by actually doing the work myself, experimenting on this wild and
changing platform, and creating A LOT of content.
You may have seen many of the graphics shown in this guide on my Instagram page,
which means you're a member of my community over there...THANK YOU! It's people
like you who have allowed me to share this guide completely for free. Now let me
show you a little about how it works.
The guide follows my own ACCEL framework for social media growth. The acronym
stands for the following phases of growing on social media:
A - Audience
C - Content
C - Consistency
E - Engagement
L - Lift-off!
Click here to check out my Instagram
account where I show all of this in action!
I'll breakdown each phase in detail with some of my favorite tips to apply for each...so
let's get started!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
01
Phase 1:
Audience
Welcome to the first phase of my ACCEL framework for social media growth!
In this crucial first phase, you'll research and plan out the audience that you want to
work with and speak to with your social media content. While it may not be as fun as
actually making the content, this is the most important first step!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
02
Why Finding Your Instagram Niche is Critical
Instagram is a massive platform with millions of users worldwide, making it a great
place to reach your target audience. But with so much content being uploaded every
day, it can be hard to get noticed. That's why finding your niche on Instagram is
crucial. When you know what you're passionate about, what problems you can solve,
what skills you have, and what people need help with, you can tailor your content to
appeal directly to your ideal audience.
What do you like to do?
Start by asking yourself what you enjoy doing. Your Instagram niche should be
something you're passionate about, as this will keep you motivated and engaged with
your content. Maybe you're into fitness, cooking, or travel. Whatever it is, make sure
it's something you love.
What problems can you solve?
Once you've identified what you like to do, think about the problems you can solve
within that niche. For example, if you're passionate about fitness, you might be able
to help people overcome common fitness obstacles such as motivation, time
management, or injury prevention.
What skills do you have?
Think about the skills you have that could be useful within your niche. Maybe you're
an expert at meal planning, or you're a skilled photographer who can take stunning
travel photos. These skills can help you stand out from the crowd and add value to
your content.
What do people need help with?
Finally, consider what people in your niche need help with. What questions are they
asking, and what problems do they need to solve? This can help you create content
that's both informative and valuable to your audience.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
03
Choosing Your Business Model and Pricing
Once you've identified your Instagram niche, it's important to choose a business
model and pricing strategy. There are three main types of business models to
consider:
Do it Yourself (DIY): With this model, you'll create content that teaches your audience
how to do things themselves. You might create tutorials or share your own
experiences to help your audience learn new skills.
Done with You (DWY): With this model, you'll offer more personalized support to your
audience. This might include coaching, consulting, or mentoring services.
Done for You (DFY): With this model, you'll provide a service or product that solves a
problem for your audience. This could be anything from a meal delivery service to a
fitness program.
Once you've chosen your business model, you'll need to decide on a pricing strategy.
There are three main pricing tiers to consider:
High: This pricing tier is for premium services or products that offer exceptional value.
You'll need to make sure that your content and services justify the higher price point.
Medium: This pricing tier is for services or products that offer good value at a
reasonable price. This is a good option if you're just starting out and want to build
your audience.
Low: This pricing tier is for entry-level services or products that are accessible to
everyone. This can be a good way to attract new followers and build your brand.
Creating Content That Demonstrates Your Expertise
Finally, it's essential to create content that demonstrates your expertise in your niche.
This means creating content that's valuable, informative, and engaging. You should
aim to create a mix of content types, such as educational posts, behind-the-scenes
glimpses, and promotional content. We'll look at all of this soon!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
04
Find Your
Instagram Niche
Ask Yourself
Find a
passion you
can monetize
What do you like to do?
What problems can you solve?
What are your skills?
What do people need help with right now?
Choose a model for your offer
Do it yourself (give customers the tools to do something on their
own: ebook, course, training, etc.)
Done with you (work alongside client in order to share your
expertise and guide them: coaching, tutoring, consulting, etc.)
Done for you (do all of the work for your clients: graphic design,
social media management, marketing, etc.)
Choose Price
High
Medium
Low
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Create content
that shows your
expertise in
delivering this!
05
Knowing Your Target Instagram Followers
In order to build a successful Instagram presence, it's crucial to know who your target
followers are. By identifying your ideal audience, you can tailor your content to meet
their needs and engage with the right accounts and communities.
Here are some key factors to consider when defining your ideal Instagram followers:
Budget: Knowing your ideal follower's budget can help you create content and offer
products or services that fit their spending habits.
Industry: Understanding the industry your followers work in or are interested in can
help you create content that speaks directly to their interests.
Gender: Knowing the gender of your target audience can help you create content that
resonates with them and use language that is inclusive.
Job: Identifying your ideal follower's job can help you create content that is relevant
to their work life and offer products or services that solve their work-related
problems.
Problems: Knowing the problems your target audience faces can help you create
content that offers solutions to their pain points.
Location: Understanding the location of your ideal followers can help you create
content that is relevant to their geographical area and offer products or services that
are accessible to them.
Account size: Identifying the size of accounts that your ideal followers follow can help
you engage with accounts that have similar audiences and increase your reach.
By considering these factors, you can create a profile of your ideal Instagram follower
and start engaging with accounts that match this profile. This can help you build a
loyal following that is engaged with your content and interested in your products or
services. Remember, the more you know about your audience, the better you can
serve them!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
06
Find Your
Target Followers
Industry
Budget
Gender
Find 5-10 accounts that
fit these requirements
Job
and engage with them
and their community.
Problems
Location
Account Size
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
07
Creating the Perfect Instagram Bio
Your Instagram bio is the first thing your potential followers will see when they visit
your profile, so it's essential to make a great first impression. A well-crafted bio can
help you attract the right followers and convey your message effectively.
Here are some reasons why having a perfect Instagram bio is important:
It tells your story: Your bio should tell your story and give your followers an idea of
what your account is about. Use clear and concise language to describe your brand
and what you offer.
It attracts your ideal audience: A well-written bio can help you attract the right
followers who are interested in what you have to offer. Use keywords and hashtags
relevant to your niche to make it easier for people to find you.
It establishes your brand: Your bio is a great place to establish your brand's tone and
personality. Use emojis and other visual elements to convey your message and make
it more memorable.
It provides essential information: Your bio should include essential information such
as your location, contact information, and website link. This makes it easier for your
followers to connect with you and find out more about your business.
It sets you apart from the competition: A unique and well-crafted bio can help you
stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on your followers.
In summary, your Instagram bio is a crucial aspect of your profile that can help you
attract your ideal audience, establish your brand, and set you apart from the
competition. So take the time to craft a perfect bio that speaks to your audience and
showcases what you have to offer!
Check out the "Instagram Bio Cheatsheet" on the next page for my own bio
template!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
08
The Instagram
Bio Cheatsheet
A Clear and simple
profile picture
(Go to Pfpmaker.com
to make your own!)
Your name and 2-3 searchable
keywords that will help people find
your account (match it with other
accounts in your niche)
Sentence 1:
Explain what
you do
Sentence 2:
Explain who/how you help
Your call-to-action (what do
you want people to DO when
they visit your profile?)
The link that is related to your callto-action (I like to use the
Linkin.Bio tool by Later)
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
09
The Importance of Branding on Instagram
Creating a consistent and memorable brand is essential for success on Instagram.
This involves more than just choosing a logo or color scheme; it also involves paying
attention to details like color psychology and font style. Here's why:
Color psychology: Colors have a powerful impact on how people perceive your brand.
Different colors evoke different emotions and can affect a person's mood or behavior.
For example, blue is often associated with trust and stability, while red is often
associated with energy and excitement. By understanding color psychology, you can
choose colors that align with your brand's message and evoke the desired emotions
in your audience.
Font style: The font you choose for your brand can also impact how people perceive
your message. A font that is too fancy or difficult to read can be a turnoff for your
audience, while a font that is too simple can make your brand appear unprofessional.
It's important to choose a font that is easy to read, consistent across your content,
and aligns with your brand's personality.
Consistency: Consistency is key when it comes to branding on Instagram. By
choosing a color scheme and font style that aligns with your brand's message, you
can create a consistent and recognizable brand identity that resonates with your
audience. This will make it easier for your followers to recognize your content and
feel connected to your brand.
In conclusion, branding is an essential aspect of building a successful presence on
Instagram. By paying attention to details like color psychology and font style, you can
create a consistent and memorable brand identity that resonates with your audience
and sets you apart from the competition. So take the time to craft a strong brand
message that aligns with your values and showcases what you have to offer!
The next two pages shares my quick tips for considering colors and font styles for
your Instagram content.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
10
Understanding
Color Psychology
Power
Confidence
Happiness
Passion
Innovation
Optimism
Excitement
Energy
Intellect
Health
Communication
Trust
Growth
Healing
Security
Prosperity
Inspiration
Logic
Wisdom
Balance
Earthiness
Luxury
Imagination
Seriousness
Spirituality
Transformation
Auhenticity
Elegance
Neutrality
Clarity
Authority
Timelessness
Simplicity
Sophistication
Reliability
Cleanness
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
11
Understanding The
Different Font Types
Serif
Sans Serif
Aa
Aa
Tone:
Examples:
Tone:
Examples:
Formal
Modern
Helvetica
Traditional
Baskerville
Courier New
Clean
Practical
Georgia
Human
Verdana
Futura
Script
Slab Serif
Aa
Aa
Tone:
Examples:
Tone:
Classic
Playlist
Edwardian
Snell Roundhand
Bold
JOSEFIN
Trendy
SILVERFAKE
Stylish
Elegant
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Strong
Examples:
Chunk
12
Phase 2:
Content
Now it starts to get fun! In the content phase we look at ways you can actually get
creating and sharing your message across the many different ways Instagram has
available. I share some of my favorite tools, ideas, and processes for making it all
happen.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
13
The Importance of Using Different Content Formats on Instagram
Instagram offers a variety of content formats that you can use to achieve your social
media goals. Each format has its own unique benefits, and by incorporating them into
your content strategy, you can maximize your reach and engagement on the platform.
Here's why it's important to consider using all of the different content formats
available on Instagram:
Reach a wider audience: By using a variety of content formats, you can reach a wider
audience with different preferences. Some people prefer short-form content like
Reels or Stories, while others prefer longer-form content like Carousels or Live videos.
Keep your content fresh: Using the same type of content over and over again can
become stale and boring for your audience. By mixing things up and using different
content formats, you can keep your content fresh and engaging.
Showcase your versatility: Using different content formats also allows you to
showcase your versatility as a content creator. By demonstrating your ability to create
different types of content, you can attract new followers and show your existing
followers that you're a well-rounded content creator.
Increase engagement: Different content formats offer different ways to engage with
your audience. For example, Stories and Live videos allow for real-time interaction
with your followers. By using a variety of formats, you can increase engagement and
build stronger connections with your audience.
In conclusion, using different content formats on Instagram is essential for achieving
your social media goals. By reaching a wider audience, keeping your content fresh,
showcasing your versatility, and increasing engagement, you can build a stronger
presence on the platform and achieve greater success.
Check out the next page for some of the best usages/goals each of the main
content types on Instagram can be used for.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
14
How To Use All The
Instagram Formats
Reels
Single Images
Recommendations
Easy to Create
Attention
Post Shares/Saves
Reach
IG Live
Build Trust
DMs
Engage
w/Guests
Networking
Algorithm
boost
Carousels
High Conversion
Stories
(Follows, Sales, etc.)
Stay Top of Mind
High Engagement
Sell Things
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Connect w/Audience
15
The Importance of Content Pillars for Social Media
Content pillars are essential for creating a strong and consistent social media
presence. Content pillars are the key themes or topics that you will use to guide your
content creation. By using content pillars, you can ensure that your content is always
aligned with your brand message and that you're providing value to your audience.
Here's why content pillars are important:
Consistency: Content pillars provide a framework for your content creation. By
choosing a few key themes or topics, you can ensure that your content is always
aligned with your brand message and that you're providing value to your audience.
This consistency will help you build a strong and recognizable brand identity on social
media.
Audience engagement: By using different types of content for different goals, you can
keep your audience engaged and interested in your content. For example, using
educational content to provide value to your audience, behind-the-scenes content to
show your personality and build trust, and promotional content to drive sales. By
using a variety of content types, you can keep your audience engaged and build
stronger connections with them.
Content planning: By using content pillars to guide your content creation, you can
plan your content in advance and ensure that you always have fresh and relevant
content to share with your audience. This will save you time and allow you to focus on
other aspects of your business.
In conclusion, content pillars are essential for creating a strong and consistent social
media presence. By providing a framework for your content creation, keeping your
audience engaged, and allowing for efficient content planning, content pillars can
help you achieve greater success on social media.
On the next page you'll find some of my favorite content pillars to use for various
goals on Instagram.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
16
Steal These IG
Content Pillars
For each social media goal
Educational
Content
Time-Savers
Tutorials
Infographics
Step-By-Step Guides
How-To
Promotional
Content
Testimonials
Case Studies
Product Launches (IG Live)
Coupons/Surprise Sales
Entertaining
Content
Memes
Trending Audio Reels
Storytelling Posts
Relatable Reels
Behind-The-Scenes
Engaging
Content
Story Polls
Quizzes
Giveaways
Opinion Posts
Reach-Boosting
Content
Live Interviews
Collaboration Posts
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Guest Posts
Curation Page Posts
17
The Easiest IG
Content Strategy
Motivational
Monday
1/ Post a Reel
"Quick Tip"
Tuesday
1/ Post a quick and easy tutorial or
Make it fun or shareable to get
tool/app that you love to use (this
reach for the week
can be a Reel or carousel post)
2/ Post 3-5 Stories about your
2/ Post 3-5 Stories about how you
Monday/weekend recap
use the tutorial/tool
Wonder
Wednesday
Trending
Thursday
1/ Answer an FAQ your audience
1/ Share a news update or trend in
has in your niche
your industry:
2/ Host a follow-up Q&A session
Consider doing a reels trend or
on your Stories and answer the
Share a single image/carousel
best ones there
about the news update
Fun Friday
1/ Post a fun industry meme to head into the weekend
And/or
2/ Host an Instagram Live to connect with your community
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
18
Content Idea Generators
Having the right set of content idea generating tools can really help you overcome
writer's block--one of the leading causes of lost consistency on social media. There
are tons of these tools out there, most of them free to use, so it's all about finding the
right ones that work for YOU.
Likewise, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming very effective at helping you plan and
write your content. With the right prompts, it can do tons of work for you. I do
recommend adding your own human touch to any material that you have written
using AI, but it does provide a great starting point to leap from.
Finally, just having a list of reliable content ideas that you can turn to time and time
again is a great idea for getting started with content fast.
On the next page you'll find some of my favorite idea generating tools, some
prompts to get ChatGPT and other AI to work for you, and some backup content
ideas for both Reels and swipeable Carousel posts.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
19
Free Tools For Easy
Content Ideas
Answer the Public
(Idea Generator)
Ubersuggest
(Idea Keywords)
Quora
(Top Questions)
Pinterest
(Visual Boards)
ChatGPT
(AI Content Writer)
FAQ Fox
(Articles/Topics)
Google Trends
(Top Searches)
Hubspot
(Blog Ideas)
Reddit
(Niche Forums)
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
20
Best Prompts For
Using ChatGPT
Start your search with these to
get the best results
Research
Write
Summarize
Keywords for...
Blog articles
Any article
Facts about...
Newsletters
Any blog
Strategies for...
Video scripts
Any report
Explain
List
Brainstorm
Any topic
Keywords for...
Content ideas
In simpler terms
Ideas for...
Search questions
For ___ audience
Routines for...
Customer profiles
Other Tasks
Translate between languages
Create songs and short stories
Write social media captions
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
21
30 Ideas For
Instagram Carousels
Bust 3-5
myths in
your niche
Answer 3-5
FAQs from
audience
Share 3-5
apps you
use often
Show your
current
offers
Detail your
biz journey
so far
Share 3-5
industry
statistics
Explain 3-5
beginner
mistakes
Share your
3 favorite
infographics
Show how
to use a
specific tool
Share a 5
step strategy
guide
Detail your
business
milestones
Share a
client case
study
Highlight
your team
members
Share a
"meme
dump"
Breakdown
your steps
to success
Share 3 of
your fav
checklists
Share 3-5
podcasts
you follow
Breakdown
industry
news
Share 3-5
YouTube
channels
Do a collab
carousel
Compare
good vs
bad habits
Breakdown
your recent
offer
Show your
creative
process
Show your
3-5 fav
brands
Breakdown
your daily
routine
Do a case
study on a
brand
Feature
your 5 fav
accounts
Review 3-5
must-have
tools
Share client
testimonials
Share 3
favorite
quotes
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
22
30 Ideas For
Instagram Reels
Debunk an
industry
myth
B-roll clips
with list on
screen
Answer an
FAQ from
your DMs
Top 3 tools
for doing
_________
Explain
industry
news
Show an
on-screen
tutorial
Film a day
in the life
of your job
Do a 2-part
collab with
someone
Show how
to use a
specific tool
Reply to a
comment w/
Reels Reply
Turn a
meme into a
funny Reel
Join a
trend in
your niche
Show how
your product
works
Share a
snip from a
podcast
Start a
trend of
your own
Tell a story
from your
business
Poke fun at
common
niche issues
Bring over
a TikTok
trend
Review your
fav industry
book
Share a
limiting
belief
Compare
good vs
bad habits
Share your
lead
magnet
Show your
creative
process
Share a
client
testimonial
Breakdown
your daily
routine
Do a case
study on a
brand
Do a "Get
ready with
me" video
Turn a GIF
into a
meme
Best advice
you have
received
Turn a
carousel
into Reel
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
23
Why Ideal Lengths Matter for Instagram Content Format
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1
billion monthly active users. As a content creator, it's important to consider the ideal
lengths for each type of Instagram content format to maximize engagement. Here are
some reasons why:
Attention Span: People have short attention spans, and attention spans on social
media platforms like Instagram are even shorter. Therefore, it's essential to create
content that is short and sweet to grab the audience's attention quickly.
Engagement: Engagement is critical for success on Instagram. By understanding the
ideal length for each type of content, you can ensure that your content is optimized
for maximum engagement.
User Experience: Instagram users expect to be able to consume content quickly and
easily. By providing them with content that is the ideal length, you're making their
user experience more enjoyable and accessible.
Algorithm: Instagram's algorithm takes into account how long users engage with your
content. The longer users engage with your content, the more likely it is that your
post will appear higher in their feed. By optimizing your content for the ideal length,
you're increasing the chances of higher engagement and better visibility.
In conclusion, considering the ideal lengths for each type of Instagram content format
is essential for maximizing engagement. By creating content that is short and sweet,
you can grab your audience's attention quickly and improve the user experience on
the platform. Additionally, optimizing your content for the algorithm can increase
engagement and improve your visibility on the platform.
On the next page are some of my ideal content lengths that I have tested.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
24
How Long Each IG
Post Should Be
Reels
Stories
5-9 Seconds for Fun
3-5 Photos and/or
or Entertaining ones
video frames per day
20-45 Seconds for
Change video
Educational Reels
perspective every 1015 seconds
Carousels
IG Live
5-10 Slides
15-20 Mins. if solo
Only use as much as
30-45 Mins. w/guest
you need
Hook audience with
1st AND 2nd slide
DMs/Comments
5-15 words for
comments
2-3 Sentences for
intro DMs
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
25
Instagram Size
Guidelines
250 px
420 px
250 px
420 px
Single Posts
1080 x 1080 px
1080 x 1350 px
Stories and Reels
1080 x 1920 px
Keep important stuff out
of the colored area
Carousels
1080 x 1080 px
1080 x 1350 px
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Profile Pic
320 x 320 px
26
Find the Right Tools for your Content
Just like with content idea generators, having the right toolkit for actually creating
your content is going to streamline your process so you can actually stay consistent
and regularly have stuff to post.
While there are plenty of great tools out there and I encourage you to investigate and
find your own, here are the ones that I personally use!
I've also shared my example "batch content creation" process that uses many of
these tools in order to create a few days' worth of content all in one go. Give it a try
and forge your own routine so you can stay super consistent on social media!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
27
Top Free Content
Creation Tools
Answer the Public
(Content Ideas)
Adobe Express
(Content Creation)
CapCut App
(Mobile Video Edits)
Freepik
(Design Elements)
ChatGPT
(AI Content Writer)
Coolors.co
(Color Palettes)
Later
(Captions/Hashtags)
Grammarly
(Caption Editing)
GIPHY
(Memes and GIFs)
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
28
Quick Tips To Create
Better Instagram
Content
Photo Posts
Reels
1/ Use Carousels and single posts
1/ Cut out "dead noise"
2/ Make posts 1080x1350 px
2/ Add dynamic captions
3/ Don't use too many fonts (<2)
3/ Open with visual/audial hook
4/ Prioritize first line of caption
4/ Remove TikTok watermarks
5/ Hook with 2nd slide of Carousel
5/ Switch up location each scene
6/ Use negative space
6/ Enable "High quality" uploads
7/ Only 20% text per slide
7/ Don't rely on just trends
8/ Use Lightroom to edit photos
8/ Save a draft when editing in IG
Stories
IG Live
1/ Share 3-5 daily
1/ 30 minute length is ideal
2/ Use to promote your business
2/ Include a guest(s)
3/ Don't just reshare posts
3/ Do it weekly or biweekly
4/ Include captions when speaking
4/ Promote on Stories beforehand
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
29
Create Content Fast
With This Process
Gather Ideas
Sort The Ideas
using AnswerThePublic
into content pillars
or your saved posts
using Trello or Notion
Write Content
using ChatGPT to write
scripts and copy
Schedule Posts
Film/Design
with Later and write the
with CapCut to edit video
captions and hashtags
and Adobe Express to
at the same time
design images
*These are just my suggested tools to use
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
30
Phase 3:
Consistency
Content can only get your so far without consistency, and that's why in the next
phase of the ACCEL framework (and the second C) we look at tips and strategies for
staying consistent on social media.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
31
Why Staying Consistent on Instagram is Important
Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong presence on Instagram. Here
are a few reasons why staying consistent is so important:
Builds Trust: Consistency builds trust with your followers. When you post regularly,
your followers know what to expect from you, and they're more likely to engage.
Increases Engagement: Consistency also increases engagement. When you post
regularly, you're giving your followers a reason to come back and engage with your
content. This can lead to more likes, comments, and shares.
Boosts Algorithm: Instagram's algorithm favors accounts that are consistent with their
posting. When you post regularly, the algorithm will recognize this and show your
content to more people, leading to increased reach and visibility.
Helps Establish Brand Identity: Consistency in your content helps establish your
brand identity. By sticking to a certain aesthetic or theme, you're creating a
recognizable and memorable brand image that your followers can identify with.
In order to stay consistent, it helps to have a routine for the different types of content
formats you might post on Instagram. Here are some tips for creating a routine:
Stick to a Schedule: Decide on a posting schedule and stick to it. Whether you're
posting once a day or once a week, consistency is key.
Mix Up Your Content Formats: Instagram offers a variety of content formats, including
Reels, Stories, Carousels, and more. By mixing up your content formats, you can keep
your followers engaged and interested in your content.
Track Your Results: Pay attention to which types of content perform best and adjust
your routine accordingly. This will help you fine-tune your content strategy and
improve your results over time.
Check out my suggested content routine and some ways to repurpose your
content on the next page.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
32
Copy My Instagram
Posting Schedule
M
Tu We
Th
F
Sa
Su
Optional
Optional
Collab
Biweekly
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
33
30 Ideas For
Instagram Stories
Describe
your dream
job
Coffee or
tea voting
poll
"Make an
assumption
about me"
What you're
watching on
Netflix
Fav recent
podcast
episode
Promote a
favorite
account
Tag 5
business
buddies
One biz tool
I use every
day is...
"Quick tip
Tuesday"
3 mistakes I
made for my
business
Discuss a
brand new
trend
Share a
client case
study
Host a
special sale
for Stories
Collage of
recent
testimonials
Promote
your current
freebie
"What
should I post
about?"
"What
annoys you
about...?"
"Tell me
your biggest
obstacle"
Fav recent
YouTube
video
Fav email
list to
subscribe to
Show your
exercise
routine
Best place
you've
travelled to
Show your
creative
process
Fav thing
at your
desk
Show a
meal that
you made
Do a
weekend
recap
Outfit of
the day
Show what
you're
working on
Share a
favorite
quote
Share a fav
blog article
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
34
Repurpose Your
Instagram Content
The best ways to use your
content on other platforms
Reels
Carousels
Repost as Pinterest Idea Pins
Save as a PDF and repost on
Repost as YouTube Shorts
LinkedIn as a "document"
Repost as TikTok videos
Turn into email list freebies
IG Live
Stories
Extract audio and edit it into
Turn your Story polls into
a podcast episode
LinkedIn community polls
Repost as YouTube interview
Repost on Twitter
Comments/DMs
All
Turn all questions you are
Create a weekly newsletter
asked into a "Frequently
that summarizes all your best
Asked Questions" article
performing content
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
35
Emergency
Content Ideas
When you need to post FAST!
Quote from
favorite
creator
Current
project
sneak peek
"Ask me
anything" in
comments
Your fav
YouTube
channels
5 rare facts
about you
5 favorite
posts from
last week
Discuss an
industry
myth
Your usual
content
routine
Repost
someone's
post
(w/permission)
Be extra
active on
your Stories
Compare
two tools
you use
Discuss an
industry
update
Share a fav
indsutry
meme
Checklist
of goals for
the week
Reintroduce
yourself
Commen
on industry
trends
Create an
industry
quiz
Share an
accomplish
-ment
Share a
networking
post
Host a
surprise
sale/promo
Tell a story
where you
failed
Share a
client
success
Answer
your FAQs
Remix
someone's
Reel
Host a
giveaway
Review a
website or
account
Tell your
brand
origin story
Host an IG
Live and
repost it
Recreate an
older post
Share your
top brand
values
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
36
Phase 4:
Engagement
Now let's get all that content and hard work you've put into your account SEEN! The
secret to making this happen? Engagement.
Engagement and community are a key aspect to putting the "social" back into social
media and the next few pages will help with just that!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
37
Why Engaging with Other Accounts on Instagram is Key
Instagram is a social platform, which means engagement is essential for building your
presence and growing your following. Engaging with other accounts on Instagram
can help get attention back to your own posts, and here's why:
Increases Visibility: Engaging with other accounts increases your visibility on the
platform. When you like, comment, or share other users' content, you're increasing
the chances that they'll notice and engage with your content as well.
Builds Relationships: Engaging with other accounts can help you build relationships
with other users in your niche or industry. This can lead to collaborations,
partnerships, and other opportunities to grow your following and expand your reach.
Boosts Engagement: When you engage with other users, you're more likely to receive
engagement back. This can lead to more likes, comments, and shares on your own
posts, which can help boost your visibility and grow your following.
So, how can you engage with other accounts on Instagram?
Like and Comment on Other Users' Posts: Take the time to like and comment on
other users' posts, particularly those in your niche or industry. This can help get their
attention and increase the chances that they'll engage with your content as well. Most
importantly, do this in an authentic way that makes people want to build a connection
with your account, rather than just spamming them and pushing them away from you.
On the next page, you'll see my favorite engagement routines for using
comments, DMs, and what to do right after you post to boost reach and also grow
a community.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
38
Only 1 Hour On
Instagram?
Research popular
Go to 5 large
content in niche
Go to 10 small
and save it!
accounts you follow
accounts you
and support their
follow and have
recent post
convos in their
comments
7 Mins
15 Mins
7 Mins
15 Mins
Go to niche
15 Mins
hashtags and
engage with
Watch 10
accounts you
Instagram
don't follow
Stories and
reply to them
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
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What To Do After You
Post On Instagram
Smaller Accounts
Larger Accounts
Talk about your post
Talk about your post
on your Stories (then
on your Stories (then
share it)
share it)
Go to anyone who
Reply back to all
supported your last
comments you
post and engage
receive.
with them
Check for anyone who
Reply to 5-10 Stories
has shared your post
from accounts you
to Stories and thank
follow
them.
Pin the comments
Pin the 3 best
left by the first 3
comments that add to
people
the topic
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
40
Grow Your Instagram
With DMs
The non-spammy way
Find Comments
Have Conversations
on other posts that you
by asking questions and
can respond to
continuing to reply
Introduce Yourself
with a short, custom
message about the
conversation you had
If It Goes Well
follow that person and
send them a DM
Then repeat this 3-5x per day!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
41
What else is left?
The final stage of my strategy is called the LIFT-OFF stage and it just highlights a few
key priorities to stick to in order to keep your account growing, in good standing with
Instagram, and serving your audience.
In this final section, you'll find my favorite tips for optimizing your content to work
with the Instagram algorithm as well as how to use some of the more advanced
opportunities on Instagram like collabs, hashtags, and starting an actual business
from it!
This is just the beginning, but with this core guide, you should be on the right track to
standing out, doing the right things, and growing your audience on Instagram.
Phase 5:
Lift-off!
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
42
How The Instagram
Algorithm Works
Right now in 2023
Old IG Algorithm
New IG Algorithm
Post Saves
Post Shares
used to be the secret to
are the way to take
Explore Page/Virality
control of your Reach
Use Hashtags
Use SEO Keywords
to get your content
in your hashtags,
discovered more
captions, and posts
Avoid Video
Use All Formats
this was before Reels
Reels, images,
were launched
carousels all do well
No Collabs
Use Collabs!
options were very
as an easy way to
limited besides IG Live
boost account quality
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
43
How To Get More
Instagram Reach
By optimizing your post
Location
If local audience matters to you,
tag the location each time
Hook
Toronto, Canada
Include a readable or visual
hook for each post
Visuals
Whether its a photo, graphic, or
Reel, people prefer visuals
CTA
Tell people how you want them
to interact with the post
Alt Text
When you upload the post, go
and add Alt Text to describe it
Caption
Encourage people to tap "more"
with a strong first line
Hashtags Put them in the caption and use
only a few specific keywords
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
44
Hashtag Strategy
Made Easy
Use 1-2 from each category
Type of Hashtag
Example
Industry
#marketing
These are larger and
#graphicdesign
more general.
Audience
#womeninbusiness
More specific about
#smallbusinessowner
who you help.
Keyword
#ai
What is the specific
#brainstorming
post about?
Location
#torontophotographer
This is optional for local
#nycfashion
businesses.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
45
How To Get Collabs
On Instagram
Find Partner
Find an account with
similar size audience
and high engagement
Build Relationship
DMing random stranger?
This is unlikely to work.
Build a relationship
Suggest Idea
before DMing them
When you DM them,
have a topic in mind
already and suggest it
Refine Idea
Look at each other's
past posts and find an
Make Post
overlapping idea to do
One of you creates the
post and tags the other
as a collab partner
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Then repeat
the cycle!
46
Why Your Instagram
Has Stopped Growing
Dead Account
No Value
You've allowed your
You post content that YOU
account to go inactive
want to see, but it doesn't
for too long.
give to your audience at all.
Re-engage your old
Think of the content YOU
followers with Stories,
share and follow from other
Lives, and engaging.
creators. Be inspired.
Confusing Content
Low Quality Score
You've changed your
You've posted too much
content too much
weak content and lowered
between trendy Reels,
your account quality.
carousels, photos, etc.
Double down on outgoing
Choose 2-3 content
engagement and collabs to
formats and stick to them!
escape from this.
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
47
Use Instagram To Get
More Clients
Post Content
Grow your audience for
social proof and build
customer relationships
Network
Be present in your
community, go Live, use
Stories, and collaborate
Social Proof
so you stay top of mind
As soon as you work
with clients, start
sharing testimonials
Maintain
Keep reaching out to
former customers with
Improve
new offers/updates
Apply feedback and
improve your offer,
making it more premium
Lucas O'Keefe | @thelucasokeefe 2023
Then repeat
the cycle!
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