Reviving Your Old Account on Instagram: A Guide for Users from 2017
If your Instagram account has been gathering dust since 2017, you're definitely not alone. Life happens, and sometimes we just lose track of our social media presence. Maybe you got caught up in other platforms or simply took a break. But hey, it’s time to dust off that old account Instagram 2017 and bring it back to life! This guide will walk you through the steps to revive your account, engage with your audience, and make your Instagram fun again.
Key Takeaways
Assess your old account Instagram 2017 to understand its current status and engagement levels.
Clean up your profile by archiving outdated posts and updating your bio and profile picture.
Create a comeback content strategy that includes planning your first post and establishing a regular posting schedule.
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and DMs, collaborating with others, and using Instagram Stories.
Monitor your progress and adjust your strategies based on engagement metrics and audience feedback.
Assessing Your Old Account Instagram 2017
It's time to dust off that old Instagram account from 2017! But before you jump back in, it's important to take stock of where things stand. A little assessment can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Think of it as spring cleaning for your digital presence.
Understanding Your Account's Status
First things first: can you even get into your account? Seriously, try logging in. If you can't remember your password, go through the password recovery process. Make sure the email and phone number associated with the account are still active and accessible. If not, you might have a bit of a recovery mission on your hands. If you're locked out, Instagram's help center is your friend. You might need to prove it's really you, especially if you've changed phones or email addresses since 2017.
Identifying Engagement Levels
Okay, you're in! Now, what does the engagement look like? Don't be surprised if it's not great. It's been years! But take a look at your old posts. How many likes and comments did you used to get? Who were the people who regularly interacted with your content? This will give you a baseline to compare against as you start posting again. It's also a good idea to check your follower count. Has it dropped significantly? Are there a bunch of bot accounts following you now? These are all things to consider as you plan your comeback.
Evaluating Content Relevance
This is where things get interesting. Scroll through your old posts. Are they still relevant? Do they still represent who you are today? Maybe you were really into a certain hobby back then that you've since abandoned. Or maybe your style has changed completely. It's okay if your old content doesn't perfectly align with your current interests. But it's important to be aware of it. You might want to archive some posts that no longer feel like a good fit. Or you might decide to keep them up as a reminder of how far you've come.
Remember, Instagram has changed a lot since 2017. What worked back then might not work now. The algorithm is different, the trends are different, and the overall vibe is different. So, don't expect to pick up right where you left off. Be prepared to adapt and experiment as you go.
Cleaning Up Your Instagram Profile
Archiving Outdated Posts
Okay, so you're back, but your Instagram looks like a time capsule from 2017? Time for some digital decluttering! The first step is to archive those old posts that no longer represent you or your brand. Think about it: do you really want that blurry photo from that one concert still floating around? Archiving is your friend. It hides the post from your main feed but keeps it accessible to you, just in case you get nostalgic.
Updating Your Bio
Your bio is your digital handshake. Is it still relevant? Does it reflect who you are now? Probably not. Update it! Make it clear, concise, and engaging. Use keywords that describe what you do or what your account is about. Think of it as a mini-elevator pitch. Don't be afraid to inject some personality! A boring bio is a missed opportunity. Make sure to check your profile picture too.
Changing Your Profile Picture
Speaking of first impressions, your profile picture is crucial. Is it current? Is it clear? Does it represent you well? If the answer to any of these questions is no, it's time for a change. A fresh profile picture signals a fresh start. It doesn't have to be a professional headshot, but it should be high-quality and easily recognizable. Think of it as your digital avatar – make it count!
A mini rebrand can reset how people perceive your account—even if all you do is change your color scheme and captions. It's all about creating a new, updated image for yourself.
Here's a quick checklist:
Archive outdated posts
Update your bio with relevant information
Change your profile picture to something current
Check and update any links in your bio
Creating a Comeback Content Strategy
So, you're back! Now what? You can't just post a random pic from your camera roll and expect the followers to come flooding back. You need a plan. Think of it like this: you're launching a new product (which is you!). What's your marketing strategy?
Planning Your First Post
Your first post back is crucial. It's your chance to make a statement and grab attention. Don't just post a generic "I'm back!" message. Think about something that will make people stop scrolling. Maybe a funny story about why you disappeared, a before-and-after transformation, or a question that sparks conversation. For example, you could ask your followers what they've been up to since you were last active. Make sure your profile is up to date, including your bio and profile picture. It's like giving your account a fresh coat of paint. This is a great time to reimagine your profile.
Establishing a Posting Schedule
Consistency is key. You can't just post once and then disappear again for six months. Instagram's algorithm favors accounts that post regularly. Start with a realistic schedule – maybe 2-3 times a week – and stick to it. Use a content calendar to plan your posts in advance. This will help you stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambles. I use Google Calendar, but there are tons of apps out there that can help.
Mixing Content Types for Engagement
Don't just stick to one type of content. Mix it up! Use photos, videos, Reels, Stories, and even live streams to keep your audience engaged. Experiment with different formats to see what resonates best with your followers.
Think of your Instagram feed as a magazine. You want to offer a variety of content to keep readers interested. A good mix keeps things fresh and prevents your feed from becoming stale. If you're feeling stuck, check out what's trending in your niche and put your spin on it.
Here's a quick breakdown of content types and their benefits:
Photos: Classic and versatile. Great for showcasing your personality, products, or lifestyle.
Videos: Engaging and attention-grabbing. Perfect for tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or storytelling.
Reels: Short, fun, and highly shareable. Ideal for quick tips, challenges, or creative expression.
Stories: Interactive and ephemeral. Use polls, questions, and quizzes to engage with your audience in real-time.
Engaging with Your Audience Effectively
Alright, so you've dusted off your old Instagram account from 2017. Now what? It's time to actually talk to people. No one wants to follow an account that feels like a ghost town. Let's get into how to make some noise and get those Instagram engagement numbers up.
Responding to Comments and DMs
This is the most basic, but also the most important thing. If someone takes the time to comment on your post or send you a DM, respond! It doesn't have to be anything crazy, even a simple "Thanks!" goes a long way. Think of it like this: you're at a party, and someone says hi. You wouldn't just stare at them blankly, would you? Same principle applies here. Ignoring people makes you look rude, and it makes them less likely to engage with you in the future. Make sure you check your message requests too, sometimes those get buried.
Collaborating with Other Users
Teaming up with other accounts can be a great way to get your name out there. Find accounts that are in a similar niche to yours, but maybe have a slightly different audience. You could do a shoutout for shoutout, where you promote each other's accounts. Or, you could create content together, like a joint live stream or a collaborative post. The key is to find someone who complements your brand, not competes with it. Think about what you can offer each other's audiences. It's all about expanding your reach and getting in front of new eyes.
Utilizing Instagram Stories for Interaction
Stories are your best friend when it comes to quick, easy engagement. Use the poll sticker to ask your followers questions, or the question sticker to get their opinions on something. You can even use the quiz sticker to test their knowledge about your niche. Stories are also a great place to share behind-the-scenes content, like what you're working on or what your day looks like. People love to see the human side of things, so don't be afraid to get personal. Just remember to keep it relatively short and sweet – no one wants to watch a 10-minute story. Here are some ideas:
Run a Q&A session
Share a "day in the life"
Post a quick tutorial
Don't overthink it. The goal is to be authentic and show your personality. People connect with realness, not perfection. So, embrace the imperfections and have fun with it!
Leveraging Instagram Features for Revival
Instagram has changed a lot since 2017! It's not just about posting photos anymore. To really get your account going again, you need to use all the tools Instagram gives you. Think of it like this: you've got a whole toolbox, and you need to use every tool to build something great.
Using Hashtags Strategically
Hashtags are still super important, but the way you use them has changed. Don't just throw a bunch of random hashtags on your posts. Do some research and find out what hashtags are popular in your niche. Use a mix of broad and specific hashtags to reach a wider audience while also targeting people who are actually interested in your content. It's also a good idea to check out what hashtags your competitors are using. You can use tools to help you find the best hashtags for Instagram.
Exploring Reels and IGTV
Reels are short, fun videos that are perfect for grabbing attention. They're a great way to show off your personality and get creative. IGTV is for longer videos, so you can use it to share more in-depth content, like tutorials or behind-the-scenes footage. Experiment with both formats to see what works best for your audience. Don't be afraid to try new things and have fun with it!
Implementing Polls and Questions
Instagram Stories are a great way to interact with your followers. Use polls and questions to get their opinions and find out what they want to see from you. This is a simple way to boost engagement and make your followers feel like they're part of your community.
Asking questions in your stories is a great way to start conversations and get people talking. It shows that you care about their opinions and that you're not just broadcasting information. Plus, it gives you valuable insights into what your audience is interested in.
Here's a quick example of how polls can help:
Poll Question Result A Result B
What kind of content do you want to see more of? Tutorials (60%) Behind-the-Scenes (40%)
Based on this, you know to focus more on tutorials!
Monitoring Your Progress and Adjusting Strategies
Tracking Engagement Metrics
Okay, so you're back on Instagram. Now what? You can't just post and hope for the best. You need to see what's working and what's not. That's where tracking your engagement comes in.
Likes
Comments
Shares
Saves
Instagram Insights is your friend here. It gives you all the data you need to see how your posts are performing. Pay attention to which posts get the most engagement and try to figure out why. Was it the topic? The image? The time of day you posted?
Adjusting Content Based on Feedback
So, you've been tracking your metrics, and you've noticed that your posts about cats get way more engagement than your posts about, say, vintage staplers. What do you do? You post more about cats! It sounds simple, but it's true.
Listen to your audience. If they're telling you they want more of something, give it to them. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of content, but always pay attention to what your audience is responding to.
Setting Realistic Growth Goals
Don't expect to go from 0 to 10,000 followers overnight. That's just not realistic. Set small, achievable goals for yourself. Maybe aim to gain 50 new followers a week, or to increase your engagement rate by 10% each month.
Here's a sample table for tracking progress:
Metric Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
New Followers 25 30 40 50
Engagement Rate 5% 6% 7% 8%
If you're not meeting your goals, don't get discouraged. Just reassess your strategy and try something new. The important thing is to keep moving forward.
Staying Consistent and Authentic
It's easy to get caught up in the numbers game on Instagram, but remember why you started in the first place. Authenticity is key to long-term success and genuine connection with your audience. Let's explore how to keep things real while reviving your account.
Maintaining a Regular Posting Schedule
Consistency is super important. It doesn't mean you need to post every single day, but having a predictable schedule helps your audience know when to expect new content. This keeps you top of mind and encourages them to keep coming back. Think of it like your favorite TV show – you know when it airs, and you tune in! Aim for a schedule you can realistically maintain, even when life gets hectic. Regular updates are important for visibility.
Being True to Your Brand Voice
Your brand voice is what makes you, well, you! Don't try to be someone you're not just to chase trends. People can spot inauthenticity a mile away. Whether you're funny, serious, informative, or quirky, let your personality shine through in your posts, captions, and interactions. This builds trust and loyalty with your followers.
Finding Joy in Content Creation
If you're not having fun, it's going to show. Content creation shouldn't feel like a chore. Experiment with different formats, topics, and styles until you find what you genuinely enjoy creating. When you're passionate about what you're doing, that enthusiasm will naturally translate to your audience, making your content more engaging and impactful.
Remember, Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs, moments of inspiration and times when you feel stuck. The key is to stay true to yourself, keep learning, and enjoy the process. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun!
Wrapping It Up: Your Instagram Comeback
So, there you have it! Reviving your old Instagram account doesn’t have to be a huge headache. Just take it step by step. Start by cleaning up your profile and posting some fresh content. Remember, it’s all about having fun and connecting with people. Don’t stress too much about the likes or followers. Just be yourself and share what you love. And if you ever feel stuck, just throw in a cute pet pic. Seriously, who can resist those? Now go on, give your account the love it deserves and enjoy the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to bring my old Instagram account back to life?
It can vary, but if you post regularly and engage with others, you might see changes in about 2 to 4 weeks.
What’s the best way to reconnect with my old followers?
The key is to engage! Reply to comments, message people back, and interact with other accounts.
Does Instagram penalize accounts that have been inactive?
Not really, but the algorithm tends to favor active users. If you haven’t posted in a while, it might be harder to reach people.
Should I remove old posts to refresh my account?
You don’t have to delete them, but archiving old posts can help your profile feel new and fresh.
What if I can’t post every day?
No worries! You can use scheduling tools like Later or Buffer to plan your posts in advance.
How can I make my Instagram experience more enjoyable?
Focus on having fun with your content. If you enjoy creating, your followers will enjoy it too!