Checklist for Getting Started with Instagram

Reserve a username that is as close to your church’s name as possible.

When using Instagram for your church, ensure your account is set to public.

Choose a profile picture that is “on-brand” with your other social networks (e.g. church logo or image of church)

Fill in the bio with delightful, actionable and informative information about your parish.

Use the space allotted for URLs – link to your website

Create a backlog of photos to use and include key ambassadors in curating different types of posts

Use relevant hashtags to build your following (#episcopalchurch #DioceseofVirginia #DioVA #episcopalian)

Create a hashtag for your parish and monitor on a regular basis

Pay attention to what type of posts people respond to – peak engagement

Keep an eye on what other parishes, bishops, priests, and dioceses are doing

Download Repost app so you can repost and reuse content from relevant accounts (i.e. the Diocese and The Episcopal Church)

Engage with your audience and reply to comments

Don’t be spammy (i.e. don’t use hashtags that don’t make sense or are not helpful to your followers)

Promote your Instagram account across your other social channels (Twitter, Facebook) and include icons in your parish newsletters and emails

Have fun growing a community and increasing your brand’s audience!

Glossary of Instagram Terms for Reference:

#TBT = Throwback Thursday

#TransformationTuesday = transformational photos along with the hashtag in the description of what the transformation was. Many people will make a collage showcasing a “before and after” photo.

#Latergram = something you post on Instagram at a “later” time.

#Repost = posting a picture that someone else posted, making sure to credit them

#MotivationMonday = a positive and motivational message, often written with an image that reflects the message

Communications and Social Media Resources

Online Donation Options

  • PayPal –
  • SimpleGive –
  • E-giving –
  • EasyTithe –

Free Editorial Calendar Templates

  • Hubspot–
  • Hootsuite –
  • Curata –

Free Stock Images

  • Unsplash –
  • Jay Mantri –
  • Negative Space –
  • Stock Snap.io –

Create amazing memes and images with text for FREE or $1 on Canva.com

Connect with the Diocese

Facebook – facebook.com/EpiscopalDioceseofVirginia

Instagram - @TheDioceseVA

Twitter - @TheDioceseVA

YouTube – youtube.com/TheDiocese

Tag Us - #DioVA #DioceseofVirginia #WalkinLove

Kendall Martin, Communications Officer, or (804) 643-8451 x1029

Ashley Cameron, Communications Associate, or (804) 643-8451 x1048