5 Instagram Secrets: Turing Your Gram Into A Business Card

Thursday 7 May 2020




Maybe this isn’t the best time to hand out business cards around film and writing events. I know, the timing couldn’t be worse. 

Well, I’d rather believe that something bad happens to teach us something great. In this time of crisis, I’ll share some valuable, Insta-savvy tips.

I’m about to tell you how you can turn Instagram into your go-to page for networking WITHOUT abandoning your hot selfies and cute pictures of your pets. You’re welcome. 

Without further ado, let me tell you about the number ONE thing you should seek on any social media, which is...
Contacts. Loads of Contacts. 


Whether you’re a filmmaker, a writer, or an artist looking to create lasting bonds (and potentially launch a new project), you must reach the right people—those you want to collaborate with. 

However, Instagram has like, a billion active users. You can’t just pray that the right people will miraculously find you. 

What you need is an account that tells people as much about yourself and your work as possible, without sacrificing your personality. 

No, it won’t require an “Instagram Makeover” or an organized feed. Just a few changes you can make in a few hours to a few days. 

It’ll be fun. Here we go. 

#1: Your Display Name Should be More than Just That. 



Your name is Sara Simpson. You’ve just finished a spec script and feel like it’s about time you’ve started marketing yourself as a screenwriter. 

Your main goal: to get in front of (and then among) prestigious screenwriters you could potentially work with in the future. Or maybe even someone you could pitch your script to. 

How many Sara Simpsons are there, though? I don’t know. But you’re not JUST one of the bazillion Sara Simpsons. 

You’re Sara Simpson (Screenwriter). Or Sara Simpson – Screenwriter. Whatever it is that you do, PUT THAT after your name. 

Your Display will be your “hi, how are you?”, which will lead to...



#2: Your Bio. Also Known as “Nice to Meet You”.





The goal is to write a complete yet succinct bio. One that says “I’m Sara. I’m a screenwriter. Here’s the link to my blog/service. Oh, and I also love cats”. 

Of course, there’s a character limit, so you’ll have to be brief. Also, if you change your account from Personal to Business (highly recommended!), you can set your occupation right under your display name (e.g., Personal Blog, Writer, Musician).

Not to toot my own horn or Olivia’s, but here’s Into The Script’s Instagram bio. It’s the perfect example of a complete and brief bio, one that will help people learn about you in a glance. 





See?



DO NOT Make it All About Work


Post your creative process, but also post your cute selfies. Don’t refrain from posting pictures of your cats. Wanna know why?

One word: trust. 

When people know there’s a real, nice human being behind that account, they become softer. They see a face, they see a pet, they see a landscape, and they go “hey, I’m dealing with a real person, and not some bot who will somehow take advantage of me”. Unconsciously, of course. 

It’s your business card, but it’s still your account. Post plenty about the things you like. That’s okay. 


#3: Message the People You Want to Collaborate With



I confess—this might be the hardest part of networking. But it doesn’t have to be awkward. 

While e-mails are more formal, you could use the Instagram. Still, if they have a visible contact e-mail somewhere on their page, try going for it first. 

Don’t just message them, though. Actually create a compelling text that not only tells how much you appreciate their work, but describes how exactly they could help you.  

Oh, and commenting/liking posts is always helpful. React to stories, if you can. This way, it’s easier to become a familiar face.


#4: If They Don’t Reply, Follow Up




You might get no answer at all. They might not even see your message depending on how “big” their name is in the film industry. 

That’s okay, and it happens to the best of us. In case that happens, PLEASE don’t litter their inbox. Ever. Wait a couple of weeks, then message again. 



#5: If All Else Fails, Connect With Related People



Let’s say you’re trying to contact Director X. But he’s a big name, and if she doesn’t reply to your e-mails, let alone visualizing your messages.

Take a deep breath. 

You know something? There are so many other helpful names, such as Producer Y from the same film X directed. Or maybe, the screenwriter of that same film. You might eventually reach Director X along the way. 

But of course, the whole process becomes infinitely easier when your Instagram page is a business card in itself. People won’t have to look for what you do—everything’s already there. 
Laila Resende is a 20-year-old freelance copywriter and a Feature Writer and Social Media Assistant at Into The Script. Her insatiable passion for movies and blogging is perfect for her role as Feature Writer & Social Media Assistant at Into The Script. 

Laila shares all of Into The Script's news on her Instagram page (@lailarsnde) and Facebook.

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