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Starting a New Instagram Account? Here’s what your first 9 posts should be

Starting a new Instagram account can feel… a little awkward.

You’re staring at a blank grid. You’ve got big ideas, a beautiful brand, and a lot to say — but what do you post first? And second? And third?

Whether you’re launching a brand-new business, rebranding an existing one, or just starting fresh with your Instagram content strategy, this post will walk you through your first 9 grid posts so your account looks intentional and welcoming from the start (not random or rushed).

✨ Bonus: You can post these all at once to set up your feed right away, or drip them out one by one if you want to ease into showing up.

Let’s make that blank grid feel exciting instead of stressful, shall we?

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Why Posting Reels Is Still Worth It (Even If You Don’t Go Viral)

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If you’ve ever stared at your Instagram grid and cringed at the random Reels thumbnails… you’re not alone.

Between awkward freeze-frames and inconsistent visuals, it’s easy for even the best content to look meh on your profile.

The fix? A custom Reels cover — and you don’t need a design degree (or hours of time) to make one. Canva makes it easy, especially if you’re using templates.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:
👉 How to create Reels covers in Canva step-by-step
👉 What makes a Reels cover actually good
👉 Where to get 20 free customizable templates so you can stop starting from scratch

You’ve probably heard it before: “You need branded Reels covers!” But what does that even mean?

Do you need to make every Reel look like a magazine cover? Does it have to be aesthetic? Will it tank your views if you get it wrong?

Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what actually makes a good Reels cover — one that’s easy to make, on-brand, and gets people to click.

Spoiler: You don’t need a graphic design degree. You just need a few smart tips (and some ready-to-go templates — more on that in a sec).

How to Make a 3-Part, 6-Part, or 9-Part Puzzle or Grid Image for Instagram (That Works with the New 2025 IG Layout)