If you’ve ever wondered how to get more Instagram followers, you’re in the right place. In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll break down the basics of how to get Instagram followers.
Think of Instagram followers like your fan club. The more fans you have, the more people see your posts and engage with your content. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or just someone who loves sharing pictures, gaining followers can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Now, you might be thinking, “How do I actually get more followers?” That’s what we’re here to explore. We’ll cover simple, effective strategies to help you grow your Instagram following, even if you’re starting from scratch. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Instagram followers together.
How to Get Instagram Followers
Getting more Instagram followers is not something of a bed of roses – not necessarily easy, but is possible and here’s how to do it:
Avoid Buying Instagram Followers
When it comes to growing your Instagram presence, remember that it takes time. Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts like buying followers or using bots. Instagram’s rules actually forbid this, and it can harm your account in the long run.
Instagram is smart and often detects fake engagement and accounts. It’s much better to grow your followers organically, even though it might take a bit longer. Organic growth means attracting real followers who are genuinely interested in your content and will stick around.
Show What You’re About
Think of your Instagram profile as a shop. Just as you wouldn’t walk into a store with no idea of what it sells, your Instagram should give visitors a clear idea of what to expect.
This means having a clear “value proposition.” Whether you’re all about fashion tips, inspiring quotes, or delicious recipes, make sure your content reflects your niche. It’s okay to have some variety, but it should still tie back to your main theme.
Create a Visually Appealing Feed
Your Instagram profile is like your online portfolio, resume, and website rolled into one. While it doesn’t have to be perfect, first impressions matter a lot.
You only have a few seconds to grab someone’s attention and convince them to follow you. A cohesive Instagram aesthetic can make a difference.
This means having a consistent look and feel to your posts. You can use tools like Later’s Visual Planner to see how your posts will look together and make sure they create the right impression when someone visits your profile. This is a key ingredient for Instagram’s growth.
Make Your Instagram Bio Count
Your Instagram bio is like a mini introduction for new visitors. You have only 150 characters, so keep it short and informative. Use keywords that describe what you’re all about, so people can find you easily.
For example, if you’re a vegan chef like Lauren Toyota, use “vegan chef” in your name field. Also, remember you only have one external link, so use it wisely.
Caption Your Posts for Better Visibility
You can now search for content on Instagram using keywords, not just hashtags or usernames. This means your captions are super important. Use relevant and descriptive keywords in your captions.
For example, if you’re sharing tips about the best time to post, include keywords like “best time to post” in your captions. This helps more people discover your content, especially on the Explore page.
Harness the Power of Hashtags
Hashtags are like search labels on Instagram. They help people find content they’re interested in. Use relevant hashtags in your posts and stories to get in front of your target audience, even if they don’t follow you yet.
For instance, if you’re sharing skincare tips, use hashtags like #SkincareRoutine and #SkincareTips. If you’re not sure which hashtags to use, try Later’s Hashtag Suggestions tool for inspiration. It provides 30 relevant hashtags to add to your captions.
Stick to a Consistent Posting Schedule
Being consistent on Instagram is crucial for growth. Quality matters more than quantity. It’s best to create content that truly adds value to your audience. If you’re looking to reach new audiences, consider posting more Reels, but ensure they are engaging and relevant.
Find the Best Time to Post
Posting at the right time can significantly boost your content’s visibility. In 2023, the overall best time to post on Instagram is 4 AM (local time across time zones). Early posts benefit from less competition and catch the attention of users during their first scroll of the day. Use your best time to post data to schedule your content effectively.
Make Your Content Accessible
Prioritize accessibility in your social media strategy. Approximately 2.2 billion people have vision impairments or experience blindness. To make your Instagram content more inclusive:
- Add subtitles or text overlays to videos.
- Write descriptive alt text for your posts.
- Describe visual details during stories and videos.
- Capitalize each word in hashtags for proper screen-reader reading.
- Create content that’s screen-reader-friendly by minimizing the use of emojis in captions and text overlays.
Collaborate with Brands, Creators & Influencers:
Partnering with influencers and brands can help you grow. These collaborations can introduce your profile to new followers. You don’t have to work with super-famous influencers; smaller ones often have higher engagement rates.
The key is to find mutually beneficial partnerships. For example, Glossier collaborated with content creator Patricia Zhou on a Reel to promote their product. Nano and Micro-influencers can also be effective and budget-friendly partners for growing your audience.
Certainly, let’s simplify these points:
Create Instagram Reels for Greater Reach
Instagram Reels are an excellent way to reach new audiences. They have a special spot on the Explore page and the home feed navigation bar, making them easy to discover. Reels are like Instagram’s version of TikTok, and they can be seen by people who don’t even follow you. To get the best results:
- Use keywords and hashtags in your Reels captions.
- Use trending sounds.
- Keep your Reels short and engaging.
- Create original content.
- Add text for viewers who watch without sound.
- Aim for high-quality video footage (avoid TikTok watermarks).
Optimize Your Instagram Stories Highlights
Even though Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, you can save them to your Highlights. Creating high-quality Highlights helps increase brand awareness, attract new followers, and showcase your best Stories content to new visitors.
Create Shareable Content, Including Memes
To reach new audiences organically, focus on creating content that people want to share. This can include inspirational quotes, informative carousels, and trending memes.
Memes, in particular, have the potential to go viral. Find the right balance between trending visuals, audience sentiment, and your brand’s niche to create successful memes.
Embrace User-generated Content (UGC)
Encourage your community to share UGC related to your brand. You can do this by using branded hashtags or encouraging users to tag your brand. UGC raises brand awareness and grows your following. Always ask for permission from the original creator, even if they use your specific UGC-focused hashtag.
Of course, let’s make these points more straightforward:
Host an Instagram Giveaway for Faster Growth
If you want to quickly grow your Instagram following, hosting a giveaway can be a highly effective strategy. It helps you reach many potential new followers while fostering a sense of community around your brand.
To do it right, set clear entry requirements that align with your growth goals, like tagging a friend, sharing Instagram Stories, and following your account. Collaborating with a creator or brand that shares a similar target audience can also boost the success of your giveaway.
Promote Your Instagram on Other Platforms
To further expand your Instagram following, consider promoting your account on other platforms like TikTok. Connect your Instagram to TikTok and create TikToks that encourage viewers to visit your Instagram profile.
If TikTok isn’t your thing, you can direct people to your Instagram from your website, email newsletters, podcasts, or other social media platforms.
Analyse Your High-Performing Content
Keep an eye on your Instagram performance, especially the “reach” metric, which shows how many unique accounts have seen your posts. Analyse posts with higher or lower reach to gain insights for future content.
Consider factors like hashtags used, the effectiveness of your call-to-action in the caption, posting times, and content type. Tools like Later’s Instagram Analytics can help you track your performance effectively.
Engage With Your Community
Building an engaged Instagram community is crucial for growth. Respond to direct messages (DMs) and comments regularly. Engage with your audience in real-time through Instagram Stories or Live sessions.
For instance, content creator Alexandra Nikolajev uses Stories for Q&As to connect with her community. As you engage with your followers, your relationship with them will strengthen.
When people trust and believe in your content, they’re more likely to share it with their followers, helping you grow your audience over time.
By following these 18 tips and strategies, you’ll be on your way to building a strong and engaged Instagram community, even though overnight success isn’t guaranteed.
Bottom line
In a nutshell, to grow your Instagram following effectively:
- Have a clear strategy that aligns with your business goals.
- Understand your target audience and create content that resonates with them.
- Maintain a consistent brand identity in your posts.
- Use relevant keywords and hashtags for discoverability.
- Optimize your Instagram bio to convey your brand identity.
- Post consistently and consider the best times for your audience.
- Make your content accessible and inclusive.
- Collaborate with influencers and brands for mutual growth.
- Create engaging Instagram Reels.
- Host giveaways and promotions to attract new followers.
- Cross-promote your Instagram on other platforms.
- Analyse high-performing content for insights.
- Engage with your community to build trust and loyalty.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to growing a successful and engaged Instagram following. Remember, building a genuine audience takes time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.
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