Starring on...Instagram

Use hashtags

Overuse of hashtags may annoy people on other social networks, but they are not a problem for most Instagram users. If you use the right hashtags, you will get a lot more likes for your pics. Choose words that will make your content searchable and discoverable, for example #capetown #tablemountain #scenery when you're posting a pic from Table Mountain.

Link to your social media accounts

Be sure to link your Instagram profile to your pages on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and so on. Also, share your images on your other social media accounts so that people who are not following you on Instagram can see them.

Be part of the community

If you like, comment on, and follow other Instagram users, many of them will reciprocate. Instagram is a community - so get out there and socialise with your fellow photography fans.

Post often consistently

Try to post at least every day or two. This will help generate interest as your posts pop up on your followers' feeds.

Smarten your pics up

Crop your pics, spend some time correcting lighting, saturation, contrast etc. and use the right filters to get your image looking its best.

Geotag your pictures

Use geotagging to help other users' find your pics. If you are at a good restaurant, for example, you can snap a pic of your attractively presented starter and tag the restaurant when you share it.