Instagram Aesthetics: How to Create a Cohesive Feed for Your Brand

Doodlo Designs | February 6, 2025 | Branding

Instagram Aesthetics: How to Create a Cohesive Feed for Your Brand

Ah, Instagram—a place where first impressions are everything! Whether you’re a business or a content creator, having a cohesive feed is like showing up to a party in a perfectly styled outfit. It grabs attention, reflects your vibe, and makes people want to stick around. Let’s dive into how you can create a stunning, cohesive Instagram feed that screams “this is SO my brand!”

  1. Define Your Brand Aesthetic

Before you start planning, you need to figure out who you are as a brand. Are you minimal and modern? Bold and colorful? Warm and rustic?

Pro tip: Think about your brand’s values and target audience. For example, if you’re a sustainable brand, earthy tones and natural textures will align perfectly.

Quick Exercise:

  • Pick 3–5 brand colors.
  • Decide on 1–2 fonts for graphics.
  • List a few words that describe your vibe (e.g., playful, elegant, edgy).

2. Plan Your Content Themes

A cohesive feed isn’t just about colors; it’s about variety within consistency. Think of your grid as a mood board where each post adds to the bigger picture.

Content Ideas:

  • Lifestyle shots: Show your product or service in action.
  • Quotes/graphics: Use your brand fonts and colors.
  • Behind-the-scenes: Add personality to your feed.
  • User-generated content: Feature your customers!

Pro Tip: Alternate content types to create visual balance. For example, a product shot next to a quote graphic, followed by a lifestyle photo.

3. Stick to a Consistent Editing Style

Filters are your BFF for a cohesive look. Whether you prefer cool, muted tones or warm, vibrant pops, pick a style and stick to it.

Our go-to tools:

  • Lightroom: For detailed editing and presets.
  • VSCO: For easy, aesthetic filters.
  • Canva: Perfect for graphics and quotes.

Pro Tip: Create or download presets for consistency—this will save you tons of time!

4. Use a Visual Planner

Let’s be real: creating a seamless grid can feel like a puzzle. That’s where planning tools come in handy! Use apps to preview your grid layout before you hit “post.”

Top Picks:

  • Planoly: Drag and drop posts to visualize your feed.
  • Preview: Test layouts and schedule posts.
  • Later: Plan your feed and schedule captions.

Why it works: Planning ensures your grid looks intentional, not random.

5. Use a Visual Planner

Let’s be real: creating a seamless grid can feel like a puzzle. That’s where planning tools come in handy! Use apps to preview your grid layout before you hit “post.”

Top Picks:

  • Planoly: Drag and drop posts to visualize your feed.
  • Preview: Test layouts and schedule posts.
  • Later: Plan your feed and schedule captions.

Why it works: Planning ensures your grid looks intentional, not random.

6. Embrace Negative Space and Balance

Ever noticed how some Instagram feeds look calm while others feel chaotic? That’s balance at work! Don’t cram too much into every photo; leave breathing room with minimalist shots.

Pro Tip: Use negative space (like a clean background) to balance bold or busy visuals.

7. Nail the Captions and CTA

A cohesive feed isn’t just about the visuals—your captions matter, too! Make sure your tone of voice aligns with your aesthetic.

Example:
If your brand is playful, keep captions light and fun. If you’re elegant and professional, use polished, clear language.

Don’t forget your call-to-action (CTA):

  • “Tag a friend who needs this!”
  • “Save this post for later!”
  • “Click the link in bio to learn more!”

8. Stay Consistent (But Don’t Be Afraid to Evolve)

Consistency is key, but don’t let it box you in. Trends change, and so do brands. As long as you evolve intentionally and stay true to your core identity, your audience will stay along for the ride.

Final Thoughts

Creating a cohesive Instagram feed takes time, effort, and a sprinkle of creativity—but it’s so worth it! Your feed is the digital front door to your brand, and with a little planning, you can create something that’s not just scroll-stopping but also memorable.

Need help finding your Instagram aesthetic or planning your grid? Drop us a DM, and let’s make magic happen!