It’s the end of Q3 and time for a report card. How’s your social media marketing going?

are you posting at least once a day at 9 a.m., noon, or 5 p.m.? Are you utilizing apps like WordSwag to create fun and engaging content? Whether you’re an A student or someone who needs a little tutoring, I am here to make your life easier.

This month I’ve created a social media calendar filled with fun dates, hashtags, and free images. Yes, freebies.

Lastly, in the spirit of Labor Day, we are putting our social media work gloves on and learning something new. Ever notice the bubbles on top of your Instagram homepage? This is an Instagram story—a fun and effective way of getting noticed.

This month you are going to learn how to create an Instagram story (see below). Because, extra credit.

Best Social Media Dates in September

Sept. 22: Dear Diary Day

Enjoy this fun image on Sept. 22. Insert a call to action, such as “Book your eye exam today.”

Sept. 29: Coffee Day

Celebrate #CoffeeDay with this free image and caption: “Some routines are never meant to be broken.”

Create an Instagram-type story.

Staying on the minds of your existing and potential customers is the name of the game today. Let’s create an Instagram-type story. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it puts you on top (literally). Listen up.

Step 1: From your Instagram homepage, swipe right and select “TYPE.”

Step 2: Choose your typeface and color, and add your (or my) eye-related quote. Resize with two fingers as needed.

Step 3: Select the right arrow at the bottom to accept.

Step 4: Select the happy face icon in the upper-right corner. On the drop-down menu, select “Location.” Search and select your business name.

Step 5: Lastly, select “Your Story” in the lower-left corner to post.

Congrats! Your Instagram story will appear as an option on the very top of your customer’s homepage. Easy to engage, click, find your location, and view your top posts—you’ve just hashtagged the word #winning.

—Tanya N. Gill, O.D.

TANYA N. GILL, O.D., is the owner of Oakland Vision Center Optometry in Oakland, CA. Dr. Gill is obsessed with ocular surface disease, kick-a$$ female entrepreneurship, eating vegetables daily, mountain biking, and skiing. She lives in Oakland with her husband and is the founder of We Love Eyes, a company that makes natural cleansing products for the eyes.