The Top Must-Do Methods For Growing Your Instagram Following

How to grow your following on Instagram and social media:

Must-do strategies for growing your Instagram following

Introduction

Starting an Instagram account for your business is nearly a strict requirement these days.  Your social media channels are long term audiences who care about what you do, and are your best source of potential customers.

You put a lot of work into building your social media audience – but the power of that asset you’ve built will help fuel your business for many many years. 

Applying tried-and-true strategies to audience building is the best method and we’re gonna spill all the best things you can do to build your Instagram following.

Whether you’re a startup owner, a social media manager, or an entrepreneur looking to extend your digital footprint, this guide will help you understand how to grow your following effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Why Growing Your Instagram Following is Important
2. Method 1: Creating High-Quality Content
3. Method 2: Using Relevant Hashtags
4. Method 3: Engaging With Your Followers
5. Method 4: Running Contests and Giveaways
6. Method 5: Promoting Your Account Through Other Channels
7. Method 6: Consistent Posting and Scheduling
8. Method 7: Collaborating with Influencers
9. Method 8: Instagram Ads and Sponsored Posts
10. Method 9: Optimizing Your Bio and Profile
11. Method 10: Using Instagram Analytics
12. Conclusion: Growing Your Instagram Followers
13. Next Steps You Can Take to Get Started

Why Growing Your Instagram Following is Important

A growing Instagram following can be a game-changer for your business. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the potential opportunities that come with a large and engaged audience. By growing your Instagram followers, you’re building a community that appreciates your brand and what it stands for. They’re not just followers; they’re potential customers, brand advocates, and an invaluable source of feedback on your products or services.

But how exactly can a larger Instagram following benefit your business?

1. Boosts brand visibility: The more followers you have, the more visible your brand becomes. It’s simple math. When you post content, it gets exposed to a wider audience. This not only increases the likelihood of engagement on your posts but also the chances of your content being shared, further expanding your reach.
2. Enhances credibility: A business with a substantial Instagram following often appears more credible to potential customers. It signals that your brand is popular and trusted by many.
3. Drives website traffic: With the right strategies, your Instagram account can serve as a significant traffic source for your website. You can guide your followers to your site via the link in your bio, promoting blog posts, products, or any other content that requires a deeper dive.
4. Provides a platform for customer interaction: Instagram is not just a platform for sharing photos and videos; it’s a social network where you can engage with your audience. The more followers you have, the more opportunities you have to interact with customers and build relationships.

As you see, growing your Instagram followers isn’t just about boosting your social media presence; it’s a strategic move that can have far-reaching benefits for your business. Now, let’s dive into the top must-do methods for growing your Instagram following.

Method 1: Creating High-Quality Content

On a platform like Instagram, content is king. The quality of your content can be the make-or-break factor in attracting and retaining followers. But what does ‘high-quality content’ mean, and how can you achieve it?

High-quality content is visually appealing, engaging, and provides value to your audience. It’s content that resonates with your target audience and encourages them to engage with your brand. Here’s how you can create such content:

• Know your audience: Understand who your followers are and what they want to see on their feeds. Use Instagram Insights to learn more about your audience’s demographics, behaviours, and interests.
• Consistency in style: Keep your visual style consistent. This includes filters, color schemes, and overall aesthetic. A cohesive visual identity makes your brand easily recognizable and sets you apart from the competition.
• Value-added content: Whether it’s entertaining, educational, or inspirational, your content should provide some sort of value. Think about how your posts can solve a problem, answer a question, or simply brighten someone’s day.
• Use high-resolution images: Instagram is a visual platform, so make sure your images are high quality. Blurry or pixelated images can turn off followers.

Remember, creating high-quality content isn’t a one-time task. It’s a continuous process that needs regular evaluation and adjustment based on your audience’s feedback and engagement levels. And, with good marketing strategies, your high-quality content can reach a larger audience and attract more followers.

Method 2: Using Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags are a simple yet effective tool for increasing the visibility of your posts. By using relevant hashtags, you can categorize your content and make it discoverable to users interested in those specific topics. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should use them all. The key lies in choosing the right hashtags.

Here are some tips for using hashtags effectively:

• Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags: While popular hashtags can get your post in front of a large audience, they can also mean more competition. Niche hashtags, on the other hand, can help you reach a more targeted audience that is more likely to engage with your post.
• Create brand-specific hashtags: You can create a unique hashtag for your brand or for specific campaigns. This not only helps in categorizing your content but also encourages your followers to use it in their posts, increasing your brand’s visibility.
• Keep them relevant: Irrelevant hashtags can make your posts seem spammy. Make sure the hashtags you use are relevant to your post and your brand.

Hashtags are powerful when used correctly. But, like all good things, they should be used in moderation. Remember, Instagram is about building authentic connections, and you can’t achieve that by spamming hashtags.

Method 3: Engaging With Your Followers

Instagram is a social network, and being social is a big part of growing your following. Engaging with your audience shows that you value their interaction and are keen on building a relationship with them. Here are some ways to engage with your followers:

• Respond to comments: Take the time to reply to comments on your posts. It shows your followers that you appreciate their feedback and encourages further interaction.
• Comment on other posts: Don’t just wait for users to engage with your content. Be proactive and interact with other posts, especially those within your niche. However, make sure your comments are genuine and add value to the post.
• Ask for feedback: Encourage your followers to share their thoughts and ideas. You can do this through captions, polls, or Instagram Stories’ “Ask Me Anything” feature.

Engagement is a two-way street. By engaging with your followers, you’re not only fostering a sense of community but also making your followers feel valued and heard. And when followers feel valued, they’re more likely to stick around and even recommend your account to others.

Method 4: Running Contests and Giveaways

Who doesn’t love a good contest or giveaway? They are not only a great way to attract new followers, but also an excellent strategy to boost engagement. People love the idea of winning something for free, and they’re likely to share your contest or giveaway with their own followers, further boosting your reach.

Here are some tips for running successful contests or giveaways:

• Choose a relevant prize: The prize should be something that your target audience will value. It could be one of your products, a discount coupon, or even a collaboration with your brand. The key is to offer something that aligns with your brand and is appealing to your target audience.
• Keep the rules simple: If your contest is too complicated, people might not participate. The rules should be clear, easy to understand, and easy to follow.
• Promote your contest: Use all your platforms and marketing channels to promote your contest. The more people know about it, the more participation you can expect.

Running a contest or giveaway can give you a quick boost in followers and engagement, but remember, the goal is to retain these followers even after the contest ends. This is where the other methods like creating high-quality content and engaging with your followers come into play.

Method 5: Promoting Your Account Through Other Channels

If you want to grow your Instagram following, you need to make your account easily discoverable. And one of the ways to do this is by promoting your account through other channels. These can include your other social media accounts, your website, email newsletters, or even offline platforms like packaging or print ads.

Here are some ways to promote your Instagram account:

• Integrate with other social media: If you have a following on other social media platforms, make sure they know about your Instagram account. Share your Instagram posts on your other accounts or use cross-promotion strategies.
• Add to your website: Your website is a great place to promote your Instagram account. Add an Instagram feed to your website or include a call-to-action encouraging website visitors to follow you on Instagram.
• Include in your email marketing: If you have an email newsletter, include a link to your Instagram account or showcase your latest Instagram posts.

Promoting your account through other channels not only makes it more discoverable but also taps into an audience that is already interested in your brand or products.

Method 6: Targeting the Right Audience

Growing your Instagram followers isn’t just about numbers; it’s about getting the right followers. Having thousands of followers won’t benefit your business if they’re not interested in your brand or products. The key to growing your following effectively is targeting the right audience – people who are interested in your niche and are likely to engage with your brand.

Here are some strategies to target the right audience:

• Use Instagram ads: Instagram’s advertising platform allows you to target your ads to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. It’s a great way to reach potential followers who are likely to be interested in your brand.
• Collaborate with relevant influencers: Influencer marketing is a powerful tool on Instagram. By collaborating with influencers in your niche, you can reach their followers, who are likely to be interested in your brand.
• Engage with relevant accounts: Be proactive and engage with accounts that are relevant to your niche. Like and comment on their posts, and follow them. This not only puts your account in front of their followers but also signals to Instagram that your account is related to this niche.

Remember, the goal of growing your Instagram following should be to build an engaged and loyal community around your brand. And that starts with targeting the right audience.

Method 7: Posting Consistently

Consistency is key on Instagram. The more frequently you post, the more likely you are to get visibility and engagement. A dormant account rarely attracts new followers. Make a posting schedule and stick to it. This will not only keep your current followers engaged but also improve your chances of attracting new ones.

• Create a content calendar: A content calendar is a schedule of what you’ll post and when. It helps you plan your content in advance and ensures you’re posting regularly and consistently.
• Find the best time to post: Not all times are equal on Instagram. There are certain times when your audience is more active, and posting during these times can get you more engagement and visibility. Use Instagram’s insights to find your best times to post.
• Use scheduling tools: Managing your Instagram account and posting consistently can be time-consuming. Tools like Later or Hootsuite can help you schedule your posts in advance, saving you time and ensuring you stick to your posting schedule.

Method 8: Collaborating With Others

Collaborations are a great way to grow your Instagram following. By partnering with another account, you can tap into their audience and get your account in front of new potential followers. These collaborations can take the form of guest posts, Instagram takeovers, or even a joint product or service.

• Find relevant accounts to collaborate with: Look for accounts in your niche or related niches that have a similar follower count. You want to make sure the collaboration is beneficial for both parties.
• Reach out for collaborations: Once you’ve identified potential accounts to collaborate with, reach out to them with your collaboration idea. Be clear about what you’re proposing and what they can expect in return.
• Promote each other: Once you’ve agreed to collaborate, promote each other on your respective accounts. This could be through posts, stories, or even live videos.

Method 9: Utilizing Instagram’s Features

Instagram is always adding new features, and utilizing these features can help you stand out and attract more followers. This can include things like Instagram Stories, IGTV, Instagram Live, or even the newer features like Reels and Guides.

• Instagram Stories: Stories are a great way to share behind-the-scenes content, quick updates, or engage with your followers through polls or questions. They may not directly help you gain new followers, but they keep your current followers engaged and more likely to share your account with others.
• IGTV and Instagram Live: Longer videos on IGTV or live videos are a great way to share more in-depth content and interact with your followers in real-time. This can help build a stronger connection with your followers and make them more likely to engage with your content.
• Reels and Guides: Instagram’s newer features, Reels and Guides, are prominently featured on the Explore page, increasing your chances of being discovered by new potential followers. Reels are short, engaging videos, and Guides allow you to share longer-form content like articles or tips.

Utilizing these features not only keeps your content fresh and engaging but also signals to Instagram that you’re an active and engaged user, which can help boost your visibility on the platform.

Method 10: Encouraging User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is content created by your users or followers. It’s a powerful form of social proof, showing that your customers or followers love your brand or products. It also gives you additional content to share on your account, and who doesn’t love that?

• Encourage UGC: Encourage your followers to share their own content featuring your products or brand. This could be through contests, features on your account, or simply asking your followers to share their experiences.
• Share UGC: Once your followers start sharing UGC, share it on your own account. Make sure to always give credit to the original creator.

UGC not only gives you additional content to share but also builds a community around your brand and increases your trust and credibility.

Method 11: Adding a Call-to-Action

Adding a call-to-action (CTA) to your posts can encourage your followers to engage with your content, which in turn helps increase your visibility and attract more followers. Your CTA could be asking your followers to like your post, leave a comment, tag a friend, or even click the link in your bio.

• Add a CTA in your captions: Adding a CTA in your captions encourages your followers to engage with your posts. This could be asking a question, encouraging your followers to tag a friend, or asking your followers to share their thoughts in the comments.
• Use the link in your bio: Instagram doesn’t allow links in post captions, but you can direct your followers to the link in your bio. You can use this link to direct your followers to your website, a new blog post, a product page, or anything else you want to promote.

Method 12: Using Instagram Analytics

Instagram’s in-built analytics tool, Instagram Insights, provides a wealth of information that can help you understand your audience, measure your performance, and optimize your strategy to attract more followers.

• Understand your audience: Instagram Insights provides data on your follower demographics, such as their age, gender, location, and the times they’re most active on Instagram. Understanding who your audience is can help you create content that appeals to them and post at the right times to maximize engagement.
• Measure your performance: Insights also gives you data on your post performance, including reach, likes, comments, saves, and shares. This can help you understand what types of content are performing best and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Optimize your strategy: Based on your audience and performance data, you can optimize your strategy to attract more followers. This could involve posting more of the content that your followers love, experimenting with different types of content, or adjusting your posting schedule to reach more of your audience.

Method 13: Using Paid Promotion

While all the methods we’ve discussed so far are organic strategies, you can also use paid promotion to grow your Instagram following. Instagram ads allow you to reach a larger and more targeted audience, and if done right, can be a quick way to boost your follower count.

• Choose the right ad format: Instagram offers several ad formats, including photo ads, video ads, carousel ads, and stories ads. Choose the format that best fits your campaign objectives and content.
• Target your audience: One of the biggest advantages of Instagram ads is the ability to target your audience. You can target users based on demographics, interests, behavior, and more to ensure your ads are being seen by the right people.
• Optimize your ads: Instagram provides analytics for your ads so you can see how they’re performing and optimize them for better results. This could involve testing different ad creatives, adjusting your target audience, or tweaking your bid strategy.

Method 14: Leveraging Instagram Tools

There are many tools available that can help you manage your Instagram account more efficiently, analyze your performance, and grow your following. Tools like Buffer, Later, and Hootsuite can help you schedule your posts, track your analytics, manage your comments and DMs, and much more.

• Scheduling tools: Scheduling tools allow you to plan and schedule your posts in advance, saving you time and ensuring you post consistently.
• Analytics tools: While Instagram Insights provides a lot of useful data, third-party analytics tools can provide more in-depth analytics and help you track your performance over time.
• Management tools: Management tools can help you manage your comments and DMs, monitor your brand mentions, and stay on top of all your Instagram activity.

Method 15: Influencer Collaboration

Collaborating with influencers in your niche can be a great way to reach a larger audience and attract more followers. This can involve partnerships, shout-outs, sponsored posts, or even co-hosting Instagram Live sessions.

• Partnerships: A partnership involves a longer-term collaboration with an influencer, where they regularly feature your products or services in their posts. This can provide ongoing exposure for your brand and help you attract more followers over time.
• Shout-outs: A shout-out involves an influencer mentioning your brand in one of their posts or stories, helping you reach their audience. This is usually a one-time collaboration, but can still provide a significant boost in followers.
• Sponsored posts: A sponsored post involves paying an influencer to feature your product or service in their post. This can provide instant exposure for your brand and help you attract more followers quickly.
• Co-hosting Instagram Live: Co-hosting an Instagram Live session with an influencer can provide an interactive way to engage with their audience and attract more followers. Plus, the live session can be saved and shared on your Instagram profile for additional exposure.

Method 16: Creating Engaging Instagram Stories and Reels

Instagram Stories and Reels are powerful tools for engaging your audience and attracting new followers. They allow for more interactive and creative content compared to regular posts.

• Instagram Stories: Instagram Stories are short, disappearing videos or photos that can be enhanced with text, stickers, filters, and more. They are a great way to share behind-the-scenes content, updates, and interactive content like polls or Q&As.
• Instagram Reels: Instagram Reels are short, 15-second videos that can be set to music. They are a fun and creative way to showcase your brand personality, share tutorials or tips, and reach a wider audience as they can be discovered by users who don’t already follow you.

Next Steps You Can Take to Get Started

Now that you know the top methods for growing your Instagram following, it’s time to put them into action. Here are some actionable steps you can take to get started:

1. Create a Content Calendar: Start by planning your content in advance with a content calendar. This will help you stay consistent with your posting and ensure you have a good mix of content types.
2. Research Hashtags: Spend some time researching relevant hashtags in your niche. Make a list of popular and less competitive hashtags to use in your posts.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Set aside some time each day to engage with your audience. Respond to comments on your posts, like and comment on other people’s posts, and engage with your followers’ content.
4. Run a Contest: Plan and run a contest or giveaway to engage your audience and attract new followers. Make sure to follow Instagram’s rules for promotions.
5. Experiment with Different Strategies: Experiment with different strategies, such as collaborating with influencers, using paid promotion, or leveraging Instagram tools, to see what works best for your brand.
6. Analyze Your Performance: Regularly check your Instagram Insights to track your performance and adjust your strategy as needed. Look at which posts are getting the most engagement and try to understand why, so you can create more of the content that your audience loves.

Growing your Instagram following isn’t an overnight process, but with patience, consistency, and the right strategies, you can build a strong and engaged following that can help grow your business. Good luck!