Instagram Followers - How to Increase Your Followers on Instagram
Summary
- Introduction
- Types of Instagram Followers
- Strategies to Increase Your Subscribers
- Optimizing your Instagram Profile
- Conclusion
Introduction
Instagram Followers - I did the impossible: I had an Instagram Reel video go viral. So far, it has generated over 5.5 million views, 173,000 shares, 99,500 likes, and 14.6 bookmarks. However, the number of new followers it gained? Minimal. This experience got me thinking about the best way to get more followers on Instagram.
With over 2 billion monthly active users and features like shoppable posts, Instagram represents a huge opportunity for a variety of businesses. However, unless youâre a well-known brand, growing your followers takes a lot of work. Iâm here to help you with proven, actionable strategies to help you get more Instagram followers, whether itâs your first 1,000 or the next few.
You can find our article about Instagram certification here
Types of Instagram Followers
Before diving into strategies, itâs crucial to understand the current Instagram landscape and the different types of followers you might encounter:
Fake Subscribers
Fake followers are usually bots or fake accounts that artificially inflate their follower count. They are often identified by the absence of profile pictures, posts, followers, or by spammy alpha-numeric usernames.
Ghost Subscribers
Ghost subscribers are inactive users who donât engage with your content. They skew your stats without actually contributing to your engagement.
Organic Followers
Organic followers are your real, active audience. They visit your profile, interact with your content, and can become potential customers. They can be customers, competitors, or influencers.
Strategies to Increase Your Subscribers
Have a Dedicated Content Creator
People are more likely to follow and engage with people rather than faceless brands. Having a dedicated content creator gives your audience someone to connect with and recognize, humanizing your brand.
Sharing Educational Content with Carousels
Carousel posts on Instagram have the highest engagement rate of any content type. Share educational carousels that provide value to your audience to encourage more engagement.
Being Attentive to Diversity and Inclusion
Instagram is a global platform that reaches people from all walks of life. Take an inclusive approach to your marketing to reach a wider audience.
Post Regularly
To keep your followers engaged, you need to post high-quality, relevant content regularly. Use a posting schedule to stay consistent and plan ahead.
Diversify Content Media
Donât limit yourself to just one type of content. Experiment with static images, short videos, Stories, carousels, and graphics to reach more of your audience.
Optimizing your Instagram Profile
A complete profile is essential to attract new subscribers. Here are some best practices:
- Choose a clear username : Your username should be recognizable and easy to search for.
- Have a profile picture that matches your brand : Use a high-quality photo of your face or logo.
- Add details next to your name : Use this field to add details about your business or what you offer.
- Share your value and personality in your bio : Use the 150 characters in your bio to tell people why they should follow you.
- Add a LinkTree : Use LinkTree to guide people to your website and other platforms.
How to Grow Your Instagram Account
Struggling to get your first 1,000 followers on Instagram? With over 1 billion monthly active users, standing out on Instagram can be a challenge. Here are some effective strategies to help you grow your Instagram account and build an engaged community.
1. Publish high-quality content regularly
Consistency is key to growing your audience on Instagram. Posting high-quality content regularly keeps your audience engaged and attracts new followers. Try to post at least once a day and use Instagram Stories to keep your audience updated and involved.
2. Have a strong personal brand and value proposition
Would you walk into a store without knowing what they sell? Probably not. The same principle applies to your Instagram account. Having a clear value proposition (whether itâs style tips, inspirational quotes, or food content) is essential to converting visitors into followers. However, that doesnât mean all your content has to be exactly the same. For more branding tips, check out our free course: How to Get Your First 1K Instagram Followers .
3. Create a consistent Instagram feed
These days, your Instagram page is a resume, portfolio, and website all rolled into one. And while it doesnât have to be perfect, first impressions still count. With only a few seconds to introduce yourself and convey your brandâs personality, a strong Instagram aesthetic can be the difference between a visitor subscribing or moving on.
To create a visual identity that supports the look and feel of your brand, use an Instagram feed planner like Laterâs Visual Planner. This way, you can see how your posts fit together and what impression they make when a visitor lands on your profileâitâs the perfect recipe for growth on the platform! Preview your feed before you post with Laterâs Visual Instagram Planner! Sign up for free today.
4. Optimize your Instagram bio
Your Instagram bio is often the first point of contact for new visitors, making it the perfect opportunity to communicate who you are and what you offer right off the bat. And with only 150 characters to set the tone, itâs important to keep your bio short, informative, and include relevant keywords to make your account more discoverable. For example, instead of simply using âchef,â creator Lauren Toyota includes âvegan chefâ in the name field.
5. Use relevant hashtags
Hashtags are a powerful tool to reach a wider audience on Instagram. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags relevant to your content to increase visibility. Remember to research trending hashtags in your niche and use them strategically in your posts.
6. Engage with your audience
Engagement is crucial to building a loyal audience. Respond to comments on your posts, engage with your followersâ content, and participate in conversations in your niche. Hosting contests, Q&A sessions, and live videos are great ways to engage with your audience and foster a sense of community.
7. Collaborate with influencers and brands
Collaborations can greatly increase your reach and credibility. Partner with influencers and brands in your niche to create content that appeals to both of your audiences. This can help you gain exposure to a wider audience and attract new followers who are interested in your content.
8. Use Instagram Stories and Reels
Instagram Stories and Reels are great tools to reach a wider audience. Use these features to share behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, and other engaging content that showcases your personality and brand. The more creative and authentic your Stories and Reels are, the more likely they are to be shared and gain traction.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively grow your Instagram account, attract more followers, and build a strong and engaged community. Happy Instagramming!
Conclusion
Growing your Instagram followers takes time, strategy, and consistency. By understanding the different types of followers, optimizing your profile, and following effective content strategies, you can attract and engage an organic and loyal audience. Remember to experiment with different techniques and monitor your analytics to see what works best for you.
