Today, we’re going to talk about one of our favourite subjects, growing your Instagram following. We believe it’s one of the most important things for any brand or business in the digital age: Instagram. With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram has become a powerful platform for reaching and engaging with audiences of all kinds. But with so many users out there, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd and grow your following. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our 8 tips to help you do just that! From optimizing your profile to creating killer content, we’ve got you covered.
So, sit back, grab a coffee, and let’s get started on your journey to Instagram success.
Tip #1 – Don’t Buy Instagram Followers! 💰
If you’re looking to grow your Instagram account, don’t be tempted to take shortcuts like buying followers or bots. Even if you get a surge in followers and engagement initially, it’s against Instagram’s Terms of Use and can harm your account in the long run. The platform’s algorithm is smart and often detects fake engagement and accounts.
Instead, focus on growing your audience organically. While it may take some time, attracting genuine followers who will engage with your content and stick around is worth the effort. So, unless you’re lucky enough to have Lizzo mention you in a song, don’t buy Instagram followers.
Tip #2 – Have a Strong Personal Brand and Value Proposition 🦸♀️
Creating a strong personal brand and value proposition is important if you want to attract and keep followers on your Instagram account. Think of it like walking into a shop – if you don’t know what it sells, you probably won’t go in.
So, it’s a good idea to have a clear idea of what your account is all about. Maybe you’re all about styling tips, inspiring quotes, or cooking content – whatever it is, make sure it’s easy to see what visitors can expect when they come to your page.
Of course, you don’t want to post the same thing over and over again. A great way to mix things up is to focus on 3-5 content pillars related to your niche. This will give you some variety while still staying true to your core values.
Tip #3 – Create an aesthetic Instagram feed 🤩
Your Instagram page is the ultimate reflection of your brand, serving as your resume, portfolio, and website all in one. That’s why it’s essential to make a great first impression! With just a few seconds to capture your audience’s attention and convey your brand personality, having a strong Instagram aesthetic is crucial. (Pssst – That’s where a Martin Hopkins can help! We can assist you in creating an Instagram feed that is not only visually appealing but also cohesive with your brand identity. Click here to learn more about our social media retainers).
Tip #4 – Optimise your bio 🔗
When someone new lands on your page, your bio is the first impression they have of you and your brand. So, why not use it to your advantage?
With a limit of just 150 characters, it’s crucial to keep your bio short, sweet, and to the point. Make sure to convey who you are and what you offer in a clear and concise way. Use targeted keywords that your audience is searching for to help increase your visibility on the app.
Also, if you’re directing your users to your website or app, you should add value to your profile by setting up a link in bio profile (Psst, this is another thing that falls under our Social Media Retainer package!)
Tip #5 – Find the best hashtags for your followers #️⃣
Hashtags are one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. They help boost your visibility and can put you right in front of your ideal audience, whoever that might be. By using relevant and targeted hashtags on your posts and stories, you can increase your chances of showing up in Instagram’s search results and Explore page. This means that even if someone hasn’t connected with you yet, they can still discover your content and become a new follower!
Tip #6 – Consistency is key 🔑
Creating a consistent posting schedule is an excellent, and proven, way to increase your following. In 2022, the social media management company Later, analysed over 22 million Instagram posts and found that posting more Reels with smart hashtag and keyword usage is a great way to reach new audiences and boost engagement rates.
But here’s the thing – the quality of your content matters too! It’s important to create posts that provide value to your audience. So, while posting often is helpful, it’s always better to prioritize quality over quantity. That might mean that for your business, you can only post 1-2 times a week, and that’s fine! If you keep a consistent schedule that works for you, that’s what matters.
Tip #7 – Make sure your Instagram content is accessible 🦮
You didn’t think you could make it through a Martin Hopkins blog without us mentioning accessibility, did you?! The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 2.2 billion people have vision impairments or experience blindness. That’s a lot of people!
By not prioritizing accessibility, you could be missing out on potential clients, customers, or connections who are unable to engage with your content. To make your Instagram account more accessible and inclusive, make sure you follow these 5 rules:
- Add subtitles or text overlays to video content (including Instagram Stories and Reels)
- Write descriptive alt text for your Instagram posts
- Verbalize visual details during stories and videos
- Capitalize each word in Instagram hashtags. This helps screen-readers read them aloud properly
- Create content that’s screen-reader friendly by limiting the use of emojis in captions and text overlays
By creating inclusive content, you are opening up your account to a wider audience, which can result in more engagement, new followers, and an overall better experience for everyone on Instagram.
Tip #8 – Start creating Instagram Reels 🎥
Instagram Reels are unique because they have a special spot on the Explore page and a dedicated tab on the home feed navigation bar. This means they’re easy to find, which is great news for anyone hoping to get discovered on the app.
Just like TikTok’s ‘For You’ page, the Reels feed features content from both people you follow and those you don’t, which can lead to increased engagement. This makes it easy for your Reels to reach beyond your existing follower list and help you grow your audience.
If you want to create Reels that really stand out, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Make sure to use keywords and hashtags in your captions that accurately describe your video content.
- Use trending sounds
- Keep your Reels short and snappy to encourage repeat views.
- Create original content
- Add on-screen text for viewers watching without sound
- Don’t upload content with a Tik Tok watermark!
Growing your Instagram following takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. By implementing the 8 tips and strategies we’ve shared, you’ll be able to build a community of engaged followers who love your content and are eager to support your brand.
Remember, there are no shortcuts to success on Instagram, so be patient and stay consistent with your efforts. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals and take your brand to new heights!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to get started, Martin Hopkins, your friendly design and marketing agency is here to help! We can help to boost your Instagram presence and help you reach your target audience.
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Written by Alice-Rae Pringle
Digital Content Manager
