Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s rare to find someone who hasn’t been influenced by it, unless they have been living under a rock, of course. Not a single day goes by without checking our feeds and losing ourselves in endless scrolling.
Did you know that Instagram has 2 billion active monthly users who spend an average of 12 hours a month on the app?
Given this level of activity, businesses have the opportunity to capitalize on it, capture attention, and build a community. Establishing a presence on Instagram can prove to be more fruitful for small businesses that are just starting out. It provides visibility to a broad audience and helps create meaningful connections. In this blog, you will learn some tips and tricks on how to increase Instagram followers. There is no sure-shot way of achieving this but being consistent and following simple guidelines surely makes the journey smooth.
How To Grow Instagram Followers?
Instagram personalizes the experience for each user based on the posts they engage with or like. It analyzes user behavior and customizes each user’s feed to show a mix of posts from accounts they follow and ones they might be interested in. So, the more people engage with your posts, the more likely Instagram will suggest your content to potential followers.
Here are some key points to take care of to boost Instagram followers:
1. Instagram Bio
First things first! Getting your basics sorted always helps in building a robust online presence. Your Instagram bio introduces your account to your target audience. You have 150 characters to concisely convey to viewers what your business is all about. Use it wisely! An optimized bio helps portray your business as a genuine brand, making it more appealing to potential followers.
Here’s a checklist to keep in mind while optimizing your Instagram profile:
| Profile Picture | Use a high-quality, recognizable image. For businesses, a logo is often the best choice. |
| Username | Keep it simple and related to your brand. Add keywords and avoid unnecessary characters. |
| Name | This should be your brand or personal name. Include keywords if possible. |
| Bio | Clearly state who you are and what you do. Include relevant keywords. |
| Link | Use this to direct traffic to your website or an ongoing campaign. |
| Contact Info | Make it easy for followers to reach you. |
2. Set up a Mood Board
The next thing you need to plan on is setting up a mood board for your posts.
Social media is all about building a memorable brand presence. A mood board helps establish a consistent aesthetic by associating specific colors, themes, and styles with your brand. This visual consistency not only makes your profile more attractive but also enhances brand recall, making it easier for followers to recognize and remember your brand.
By consistently using specific colors and themes, your posts become instantly recognizable, encouraging more engagement and followers. Additionally, a mood board can inspire content creation and ensure you maintain a cohesive brand image.
The more consistent and recognizable your posts are, the higher the likelihood of increasing your Instagram followers.
3. Post When Your Followers Are Active
Well, there’s no point in posting if your content goes unnoticed. Instagram allows you to check the times of day when your followers are most active. Use these analytics to post at optimal times, ensuring your followers and potential ones see your updates. You can also use a hit-and-trial method to determine which times yield the most engagement, refining your posting schedule for maximum visibility.
4. Content Calendar
Posting regularly is key to staying relevant on Instagram.
However keeping pace with a posting schedule can be a hassle, which is why planning your content calendar in advance is crucial. Not only does it free up your time to focus on other aspects of your business but it also ensures your followers receive regular, engaging posts. A well-organized content calendar helps maintain consistency, a key factor in retaining and attracting followers.
Having said that, coming up with original, creative content day in and day out can be exhausting. That’s where Practina steps in. Its AI-powered content generation lets you create, plan, and schedule content months in advance. This allows you to focus on running your business while ensuring your followers stay updated with the latest posts, keeping them engaged and more likely to stick around.
5. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags categorize content on social media, making it easier for users to find posts based on their interests and search patterns. Using the right hashtags tailored to your post helps you reach your target audience more effectively. Combine industry-specific and generic hashtags to broaden your reach and attract a wider audience, increasing your chances of gaining new followers.
6. Respond to Comments
As a rule of thumb, the more engagement, the better the reach. Responding to comments builds credibility and fosters a sense of community. When you engage with those who interact with your content, you come across as a genuine business, keen on building a loyal community around your brand and increasing your following.
Instagram comments allow you to interact with your customers and address any issues they may be facing with your products or services. This interaction not only helps resolve their concerns but also shows potential followers that you are attentive and responsive, enhancing your brand’s reputation and trustworthiness.
Do you find it hard to respond to not-so-positive comments? Try Practina’s review widget to get personalized AI-generated responses and convert any negative comment into an opportunity to showcase excellent customer service and build your community.
Stepping It Up!
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to amp up your Instagram game. Here are some advanced strategies to boost Instagram follower count.
7. Reels Rule the Heart, Content Rules the Mind
Quality content is what keeps your followers coming back for more and attracts new ones.
Instagram Reels are a fantastic way to attract new followers. With increasingly short attention spans, capturing your audience’s attention with engaging reels can help you gain followers quickly. Reels often have higher reach and engagement than regular posts, boosting your visibility significantly.
To maximize your impact, balance your content between reels, images, and carousel posts. This variety caters to different preferences and keeps your feed diverse. High-quality, consistent content keeps your followers engaged and attracts new ones, as varied and interesting posts appeal to a broader audience.
8. Make The Most of Trends
One of the best ways to gain more Instagram followers is to capitalize on trends. Get creative and put a unique twist on popular trends that align with your brand. Participate in trending challenges or start your own. While keeping up with trends can be tough, it’s a fun way to connect with your followers and show your brand’s playful side.
Imagine an Instagram profile filled only with posts about your product or service. Boring, isn’t it? Spicing it up with fun reels, challenges, and trends like photo dumps and one-second reels adds to your brand value, making it more genuine and relatable. This diversity in content can attract more followers and keep them engaged.
9. Promote Your Account on All Channels
Building a social media following means establishing your presence across all platforms. Cross-promote your Instagram account on different channels. Showcase your Instagram on your website, and share snippets on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
Each platform has a different audience. While Instagram is popular with Gen Z, Facebook attracts more boomers, and millennials tend to use multiple platforms. Promoting your Instagram across various channels ensures you reach a broader audience and attract more followers.
10. Brand advocates
Marketing through word of mouth has been around for ages and remains highly effective, especially in the digital world. Collaborate with creators who are influential in your industry and have them promote your brand on their social media. They will have a follower base that may be interested in your product or service. This way you not only promote your brand but also reach potential followers.
11. Keep an Eye Out for Competitors
Gaining an edge on Instagram involves monitoring your competitors. See what they are doing and aim to do it better. This can also provide insights into trends and help refine your approach. But make sure that your content remains authentic and true to your brand.
12. Get a Blue Verification Badge
The blue verification badge boosts your credibility and attracts more followers. It signifies that your account is authentic and trustworthy. To get verified, ensure your profile is complete, adhere to Instagram’s guidelines, and consistently engage with your audience.
Now, Time for Some Don’ts!
After going through all the tricks on how to get Instagram followers, let’s focus on what you should avoid doing.
13. Don’t Buy Fake Followers
Think about it—buying followers might boost your numbers, but do they contribute to your account’s growth? Having a large number of followers who don’t engage with your posts can harm your account’s authenticity and engagement rate. Bots or fake comments detract from the credibility of your account, making it less appealing to genuine users.
14. Don’t Post Inauthentic Content
Authenticity resonates with followers, so give your posts a genuine touch. Get real. Show what actually goes on behind the scenes to build trust with your audience. Create content that directly speaks to your audience, engaging them with what truly matters.
15. Don’t Rush the Process
Focusing solely on increasing your follower count can make you lose perspective. Building a robust Instagram presence is a process that takes time. Slow and steady wins the race—consistently work towards engaging more people and building a community around your brand. Success in the long run requires both patience and determination.
16. Don’t Do It All on Your Own!
Let Practina AI take over!
Managing tasks from generating new ideas to posting at the right time requires a lot of effort. And, handling this on various platforms is challenging. But, having a reliable partner can make a big difference!
Practina AI helps you come up with creative ideas, schedule posts across multiple platforms from a single dashboard, reply to reviews with custom AI-generated responses, and much more. This support allows you to maintain a consistent and engaging presence without feeling overwhelmed. Try Practina AI today!
Conclusion
Increasing your Instagram followers demands a thoughtful strategy, time, and consistent effort. Stop pondering over how to get Instagram followers and start optimizing your bio, engaging with your audience, posting quality content, and leveraging tools like Practina to build a strong and thriving Instagram community. Remember, the key to success is consistency and authenticity.
