Instagram's Latest Creator Features and How to Leverage Them

Whether you love it, or love to hate it, Instagram has been doing the most lately when it comes to catering to creators on the platform. Perhaps it’s an effort to make up for years of algorithm changes that came without warning, or because it finally realized that creators are the ones who make the app what it is; either way, the updates provide some serious monetary value if leveraged correctly.

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So what’s new? The app soft-launched its Creator Profile in October, and now it’s available to all creators. The tool is essentially a digital media kit—the creator-space version of a resume—built into the app’s ecosystem. It lets creators put their best foot forward and curate the image they want to share with an array of brands who are looking for collaborators. Users can also share their portfolios directly with brands through the in-app messaging system for extra visibility. . A Creator Portfolio is a perfect way to highlight successful collabs, top posts, and impressive campaigns, and share a range of creative content. It’s important to keep in mind that what’s included should not only represent your current image, but be a reflection of the trajectory you’re on—meaning if you want to pivot into health and wellness, make sure the portfolio includes content that aligns with that field. There’s nothing wrong with faking it til you make it…

Source: Instagram Business

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However, sharing your portfolio is not the only way you can get in front of brands to book a new deal. The Creator Marketplace—a feature the platform has been testing since July—is Instagram’s answer to the major gap in influencer marketing. On one side, brands need creators but struggle to find the right fit, while creators struggle to find deals that align with their needs and preferences. The marketplace is where the two converge to discover jobs and, respectively, the talent for them. Plus, it’s where actual deals can be negotiated. This is an absolute game-changer that simplifies the process of setting up a collaboration for all parties involved. From fixed offers, which save everyone the back and forth of negotiating, to messaging multiple creators for a specific campaign, this system saves time on both ends.

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Ready to set up your Creator Portfolio? Here’s how:

1. Open Instagram—make sure the app is updated to the latest version
2. From the Professional Dashboard page, select “Your Tools,” then “Branded Content”
3. Tap the “Creator Portfolio” button
4. Upload a cover image—keep in mind that this will be the first thing a brand sees when they open your portfolio, so make sure it captures their attention and reflects who you are as an individual brand
5. Fill in the appropriate sections with text, images, and links to your best work
6. Once you’re done, hit “Save,” and change your portfolio “Visibility” to public for discoverability

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Check back soon for more social media news, hacks, and Willa updates!

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