Instagram follower growth isn’t impossible. You shouldn’t feel overwhelmed if you’re not gaining new followers. Sometimes it may come down to you missing a few details or not using certain strategies. Below are several things you can do to really attract new followers and build a strong brand.
Respond to all direct messages and comments
If you’ve ever reached out to a brand but didn’t hear back, you probably were frustrated since you may have felt like that brand didn’t care. You can show that you care by responding to all direct messages and comments you receive on Instagram. It’s really easy to do and a little bit of goodwill goes a long way. Don’t hesitate to communicate with your followers. When you respond, you invest in your relationship with your customers. They will be more likely to talk about your brand because they know that you care.
Like and comment on related posts
Engaging with relevant posts is an effective way to get more people to check out your Instagram profile. You can consistently increase your daily profile visits by liking and commenting on related posts. Related posts are posts that are from brands or people who are connected to your business. This connection can often be through either industry or geographic location.
Add hashtags
A simple way to increase your chances of getting discovered on Instagram is by using hashtags. You can include hashtags on your Instagram Stories, posts, and IGTV posts. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. You might be tempted to only share a 2-5 hashtags but don’t. Sticking to a handful of hashtags reduces your chances of new Instagram users finding your account. Be sure to use hashtags that are specific to your industry. You’re more likely to be found by users who will buy from you.
Share user-generated content
User-generated content will help you quickly increase follower loyalty when you use it. It makes the creator of the content happy and it shows other people the benefits of your products/services. The reason it’s so effective is because someone else is doing the talking for you. You’re not having to speak for yourself. Remember to ask your fans for permission to share on your feed! This simple courtesy goes a long way.
Collaborate
Another way to find new followers and grow your community is by collaborating with relevant accounts. There is a lot of power in collaboration because you’re combining your efforts with the efforts of another brand. Here are a few ideas you can tailor to the needs of your brand:
Stylized shoot with a model, wedding dress designer, wedding photographer, and floral designer
Fitness instructional IGTV series with a nutritionist and yoga instructor
A three-part series of Instagram posts with a tax accountant and financial planner on saving for retirement
One of the benefits of collaborating with other brands is you are able to earn the attention of the followers who love the brands you are partnering with. Are there any brands you’re thinking about and want to reach to? Go for it! The worst thing that can happen is you get turned down.
Post consistently
If you want to be forgotten, don’t post consistently. If you want to build a brand and increase sales, post consistently. It’s really easy to do. Posting on a regular basis has never been easier thanks to the creation of scheduling tools for Instagram. In fact, you can use Facebook’s new Creator Studio for Instagram to plan and schedule posts. Creator Studio allows you plan out posts for your feed and upload IGTV videos ahead of time so you’re not sitting on your phone waiting for the right time to post.
By posting consistently, you’ll give yourself more chances to be discovered and more opportunities to generate sales.
Now that you’ve finished reading this blog post, you’re guaranteed to gain more followers by following the tips above! Do you have any questions about social media marketing? Email Josh at josh@jamiascreative.com!