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Jacky Tan
Jacky Tan

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How I grow my Instagram account with consistent Instagram posts

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Introduction

Ever wonder how some of the Instagramers able to keep a consistent content calendar? Essentially, they are using Canvas for designs, Later, Buffer, or HootSuite to schedule the posts - manually crafting the content.

Good thing there are APIs to generate Instagram posts for this.

I'm the founder of APITemplate.io - Saas services that auto-generate images and PDFs with a simple API or with Zapier or Integromat. You can find the APITemplate.io API Reference

This is an experimental project to try out the idea that whether I can grow a new Instagram account with consistent Instagram posts.

The idea is to eat my own dog food - it forces me to design my product in the eye of designers and also improve the quality and usability of the product at the same time.

Eventually, I grow the Instagram account to 1.2k subscribers within 3 months with minimal effort and just an Airtable for text content also a reusable image template.

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The lessons learned

(i) Content generation takes time

You may become across the phrase "Content is king". However, the majority of people think that it should happen by magic. Unfortunately, creating content takes time and commitment to create visual or written content.

(ii) Consistency is the Key to Success

Consistency is key to success in social media marketing. You must be consistent in order for your audience to recognize your brand. Staying consistent in your brand helps you to grow in audience engagement and reach.

Posting Instagram posts at random and haphazard times is not going to help you to grow your brand. You are lucky to attract users in the beginning, but the initial traction is not going to last if there ain't any good content.

The Implementation

In the first version, I was using Python and Puppeteer to build the workflow to generate Instagram posts. It ran smooth for a month or two, then I encountered various issues. Eventually, I made a switch over from Python to the NoCode way, which offers better stability.

(1) The Python way to create images

The prerequisites

Register an account with APITemplate.io and make sure you are using a business, creator account

The Python Code to Generate Instagram Content

import requests, json

def main():
    api_key = "6fa6g2pdXGIyxHRhVlGh7U5Vhdckt"
    template_id = "79667b2b1876e347"

    data = {
        "message": "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling",
        "author": "Nelson Mandela",
    }

    response = requests.post(
        F"https://api.apitemplate.io/v1/create?template_id={template_id}",
        headers = {"X-API-KEY": F"{api_key}"},
        json= data
    )

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()
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The JSON response

{
   "download_url":"https://bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/91f62769-69e4-48bf.jpeg",
   "template_id":"cd890b2b199c5c42",
   "transaction_ref":"28f37353-69e4-48bf-b890-7a01c3a57e48",
   "status":"success"
}
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The next step is to post the image to Instagram. If you own a non-business account, the only way now is to use Puppeteer to post the image https://github.com/transitive-bullshit/puppeteer-instagram. You might encounter various issues with using Puppeteer.

There are some posts on stackoverflow using different libraries for Instagram posting. I tried some of it and ran into different issues.

In order to cut the hassle, it is better to use NoCode platforms such as Zapier or Integromat to post the images on behalf of you.

(2) NoCode Way

The tutorials of using Zapier or Integromat as follows:

Automate Image Generation with Zapier

Automate Image Generation with Integromat

Conclusion

In the tutorial, I walked you through the process of image generation with Python and also offer the NoCode solution.

Automating the tedious workflow can free up your time and you can focus on other crucial and creative work, APITemplate.io can be the solution in your digital marketing toolbox.

Top comments (6)

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kammillotos profile image
kammillotos • Edited

Good article. But I don't that you should start only with exciting content. Of course publications and posting time are really matter. But you can also generate content every day. It is not so simple but real. If you are interested in getting more likes, why not find out more there. I know a lot of effective possibilities.

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joshbrowne profile image
joshbrowne • Edited

To become popular on Instagram, you need to come up with exciting content. Publications really matter. There are even special times when people are most likely to be on Instagram, as far as I know. At this time, you need to post posts so that as many people as possible can see them. It is challenging to maintain an Instagram account to make money. That is why many people use the services of various managers, etc. There is also an option to buy subscribers and likes. This is a handy thing because it helps to raise the rating of the account. This is especially useful for business accounts.


goread.io/buy-instagram-followers

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danielburbe profile image
Daneil Burbe

Thank you for complete details and information. On the hand Instagram is always #1 choice for everyone and specially youngsters. And it is the best app ever to use by any business to create and build credibility for b2b and b2c.
So its highly recommended to use this website for better results.

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sunilku94128642 profile image
Sunil Kumar • Edited

There are a lot of website who helps to make account very popular specially Business account. I am also using one website i am giving it's link may be it will help you.
instahotstar.com

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jasonmark337 profile image
jasonmark337

The best way to gain YouTube Views is Buy YouTube Views

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nobsob profile image
NobSob

This sounds interesting, but I don't agree with all the points.