During the 5 Dads Go Wild trip, we like to have a few group sessions to share some of our knowledge and tried-and-tested findings.

This time we’re talking about becoming more successful on Instagram (or TikTok/YouTube, etc.) and building an audience within the parenting community.

Here are some tips and strategies you can use to create engaging and fun Instagram content for your audience of parents:

1. Showcase your daily life as a dad: Your followers want to see what you’re up to and what it’s like to be a parent in British Columbia. Share your daily routines, family activities, and parenting struggles. This creates a sense of relatability and helps your followers connect with you.
2. Share useful tips and hacks: As a parent, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that your followers can benefit from. Share your tips and hacks for everything from meal planning to bedtime routines to family-friendly activities in British Columbia.
3. Use humor: Parenting can be stressful, so injecting some humor into your content can be a welcome relief for your followers. Share funny anecdotes, memes, or jokes related to parenting in British Columbia.
4. Create visually appealing content: Instagram is a visual platform, so it’s important to create content that’s visually appealing. Use high-quality photos and videos, and experiment with different filters, layouts, and colors to make your content stand out.
5. Engage with your followers: Building a community on Instagram is all about engagement. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and participate in conversations with your followers. This not only helps you build relationships with your audience but also gives you insights into what they’re interested in and what they want to see more of.
6. Collaborate with other parents in British Columbia: Partnering with other parents or influencers in British Columbia can help you reach a wider audience and create more engaging content. Look for opportunities to collaborate on content, events, or campaigns.

Most of us use our phones to take photos and videos. Here are some tips and strategies for creating the best-looking Instagram content using your phone:

1. Plan your content: Before you start creating your Instagram content, it’s a good idea to plan out what you want to post. This will help you to create a cohesive and visually appealing feed. Use a content calendar or planner to map out your content in advance.
2. Use good lighting: Lighting is everything when it comes to taking great photos. Use natural light whenever possible, and avoid using the flash on your phone. If you’re taking photos indoors, try to position yourself near a window or another source of natural light.
3. Use the right composition: Composition is another key element of good photography. Use the rule of thirds to frame your shots, and consider using leading lines to draw the eye towards your subject. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create interesting and dynamic shots.
4. Edit your photos: Editing is a great way to enhance your photos and make them look more professional. Use apps like VSCO or Snapseed to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation of your photos. Be careful not to over-edit, though – you still want your photos to look natural and authentic.
5. Use hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to increase your visibility on Instagram. Use relevant hashtags to help your content reach more people, but be careful not to use too many – between 5-10 is usually sufficient.

Now, let’s move on to some ways to write a successful parenting blog:

1. Find your niche: There are a lot of parenting blogs out there, so it’s important to find your niche and focus on a specific topic or area of expertise. This will help you to stand out from the crowd and attract a dedicated audience.
2. Be authentic: Authenticity is key when it comes to blogging. Share your personal experiences and insights, and be honest and transparent with your readers. This will help to build trust and establish a connection with your audience.
3. Provide value: Your blog should offer something of value to your readers – whether it’s advice, tips, or inspiration. Try to provide actionable tips and advice that your readers can use in their own lives.
4. Use storytelling: Stories are a powerful way to engage your readers and make your content more relatable. Use anecdotes and personal stories to illustrate your points and make your content more engaging.
5. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Set a schedule for your posts and stick to it, whether it’s once a week or once a month. This will help you to build a loyal following and keep your readers engaged.