When it comes to social media, Instagram is a fairly easy platform to use. You can post pictures or 1 minute videos, comment and like. That’s pretty much it when it comes to engagement. Over the years Instagram has rolled out new features to help content creators such as IG Stories and IGTV, however, when it comes to engagement it’s been classic Instagram. Yet, there are many things you can do to increase your following. Below is a list of 10 tips we feel work best.
1) Good Photography
The whole point of Instagram is photography. Filters help improve certain defects in your photography skills, but having an eye for framing, color contrast, and subject is still up to you. So to stand out from the rest, I would advise in looking at some online photography tutorials.. You don’t have to be a pro but it’s always good to improve your skills especially if you want to be a serious Instagrammer.
2)Â Share Images That Relate To People
Looking at the most popular Instagram accounts, a common theme can be seen that all their photos are something most people can connect with and relate to. They’re personal, unique, and original. By sharing these types of photos, you’re establishing a connection with your audience, which is the absolute best way to attract people to your account.
Make sure your Instagram account is original and stands out from the rest. Share behind the scenes, the process that goes into making your product, or photos of people who work for the company. That is the best way to connect and relate to other users.
3) Use Popular & Relevant Hashtags
Use Google to find popular hashtags to help organize your photos. Use relevant trending hashtags to gain increased visibility for your photos, which should generate more engagement.
Even though hashtags are important when attracting new followers, don’t use too many. we recommend 3-5 hashtags per photo. Too many could get you shadowbanned!
4) Follow Others
If you want others to follow you, you’re going to have to follow them first. It’s the simple and common social media rule of reciprocation. So, don’t just expect uploading photos for people to come to you, you also have to put an effort and be proactive.
Follow other users and brands that share your common interests and comment, like and share their photos. Following Instagram influencers and engage with them or even just asking for a shout-out can do wonders.
5) Completely Fill Out Your Bio
A complete bio is a must. It should have a call-to-action, branded hashtags, and links. This is where users will discover who you or your brand are and whether or not your’re worth following.
Don’t come off as fake or a scam, be real and authentic. Let users know who you are and why they should follow you. Keep your bio fresh and updated when needed.
6) Connect It To Other Social Media Accounts
Connecting accounts help your friends find you on Instagram and usually will start following you. This is the first thing you should be doing when you sign up, but if you haven’t already, you should do it now. Promoting your Instagram profile with awesome pictures and content on other social media accounts lets your friends and other followers find you, but also what to expect when they do follow you.
7) Post Consistently & Frequently
This is very important and the best thing that you can do for your Instagram page. Your page needs to always look active. Posting frequently looks good to your followers and an active profile makes you more visible on the platform. We recommend at least 20 posts a month.
8) Use The Right Emojis
Emojis’s are a common and popular form of communication in texting and social media. The use of emojis’s is important for your Instagram captions and comments and you should know how to use them correctly. They can function as word substitutes and they also allow for expressions words just may not convey. The best way to use them is to try to substitute at least one word in each sentence with an Emojis. The help your captions be more visual which resonates better with your users. Like hashtags, don’t over use them as it can come across too fake.
9) Engage With Users
With Instagram just posting pictures and videos isn’t enough to engage with users. You need to ask questions in your captions and then respond to their answers. This helps create a more personal connection with your followers. The more people you engage with, the increased willingness of others who want to contribute or comment on your photos too.
Also engage on other people’s accounts who have followers that you want to attract. Leaving valid comments on other account posts will help others get interested in what you have to say and encourage them to visit your account and ultimately follow you if they like your content.
10) Cross Promote Similar Accounts
Lastly, one of the best things that you can do in order to gain more Instagram followers is to cross promote similar accounts. Find similar accounts on Instagram that are a similar size to yours and have followers that you would like to attract to your page. Reach out and see if you can help promote each other’s accounts through mutual shout outs.
Even if your page is different than other pages in size, keep an open mind to cross-promotion. For example, if your target market is females who like fashion, you can find these types of followers on all different types of accounts that are more female-dominated. Experiment with different accounts and see whose accounts help you grow quicker. Build relationships and keep working with these types of accounts.
Conclusion
In order to grow your follower count, you need to make sure you have all the basics covered. Consistent good content which includes captions with proper use of emojis and hashtags, a proper bio, engagement through comments, likes, etc. and cross promotion. Following these steps will put you on the path to success and help you stick out from the millions of other Instagrammers out there.
One Response
Love the fact that you mentioned cross-promotion. I’ve been using it and it’s been working great.