How To Get More Followers On Instagram

Real engagement—followers who interact with your posts and become customers—is key to success.

The Challenge of Growing Instagram Follower Count

Growing your follower count on Instagram is tough. Even viral hits might not lead to new followers. For instance, in 2022, an Instagram Reel got 5.5 million views but gained only a few new followers.

Instagram has over 2 billion users each month. Standing out requires more than just good content; engagement is key. Without regular interactions, posts won't appear on the Explore page or attract brand collaborations.

Standing out requires more than just good content.

Types of Instagram Followers

Instagram followers come in many types. Understanding them helps boost your follower count and engagement.

Fake Followers

Fake followers are bots or dummy accounts. These accounts lack profile pictures, posts, and real followers. They also often have spammy usernames. Fake followers do not engage with your content.

Having fake followers affects your engagement metrics negatively. This can lower how often the Instagram algorithm shows your posts to others. It's best to avoid buying fake followers for short-term gains but focus on organic methods instead.

Characteristics and Impact

Fake followers often lack profile pictures, posts, and a significant follower count. These accounts have spammy usernames. They can harm engagement metrics on Instagram by making your account appear less credible.

Credibility takes years to build but seconds to destroy.

Ghost followers do not interact with your content. They may follow you but never like or comment on your posts. This lowers overall engagement rates and impacts Instagram SEO negatively.

Ghost Followers

Ghost followers are real users, but they do not engage with your content. They can hurt your Instagram growth. They make your engagement rate drop and discourage new followers.

For example, if you have 10 active fans out of 1000 followers, it looks bad to others. Clean up ghost followers by using tools or auditing the list yourself. Ensure more organic interaction for better reach.

Organic Followers

Organic followers engage with your content. They often share, comment, and like your posts. These followers include customers who have bought from you and influencers ready to collaborate.

Having organic followers increases Instagram engagement. For example, a past customer who loved their purchase can bring in new buyers by sharing your post. Influencers with 10K-75K followers might also bring more attention to your brand through joint efforts or shoutouts on social media platforms like Instagram Stories or Reels.

Categories and Importance

Fake followers can hurt your business. They are often bots or inactive accounts. These fake followers do not engage. Engagement is key for better Instagram insights.

Organic followers bring real value. They can be past customers who love your brand, influencers with 10 to 75K followers, or new fans keen on your posts. Getting organic followers helps boost social proof and discoverability on social networks like Instagram and Facebook.

Strategies to Get More Followers on Instagram

Grow your follower count with smart tactics and solid content. Focus on engaging, diverse posts and active participation in trends for the best results.

Have a dedicated content creator or personality

Followers engage more with real people than faceless brands. HubSpot’s Instagram, featuring Auberth and Javi, shows this well. Seek team members who love creating content. Provide them with training and tools to boost their skills.

Experienced creators can post regularly and keep the audience hooked. They will share educational carousels, join trends, and use filters effectively. These actions help in growing your follower count fast.

Share educational content through carousels

Share educational content through carousels. Carousel posts have high engagement, often three times more than solo images. They make up only 19% of posts but are powerful.

Grammarly uses carousels well by teaching grammar tips in slides. Businesses can do the same to educate their audience on various topics, such as social media marketing or customer service best practices.

Be mindful of diversity and inclusion in content

Carousels with educational content reach a wide audience. Diversity and inclusion in your Instagram marketing strategy help you connect deeper with followers. Show different backgrounds, skin tones, abilities, and ages in posts.

Urban Decay Cosmetics does this well; they highlight varied individuals using their products.

Celebrate diverse cultures and experiences to make everyone feel seen. This approach boosts brand awareness and helps grow organic followers who value inclusivity. Use user-generated content (UGC) from various demographics to show real-world use of your product or service.

Engage authentically by celebrating what makes your audience unique on Instagram Live sessions or stories.

Post consistently

Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. Aim for optimal times: 12-3 PM and 6-9 PM. Use a social media management tool to schedule posts. Friday is the best day for engagement.

Regular posting helps you stay on followers' minds. Share high-quality content that is relevant to them. This increases visibility and attracts more organic followers to your Instagram account.

Diversify content mediums

Explore various content types beyond static images or Reels. Use Stories, short-form videos, single photos, carousels, and graphics to keep your audience engaged. For example, Airbnb mixes these forms well.

Consider the diverse interests and backgrounds of your target audience in Hawaii. Sharing educational content through carousels and engaging templates can attract more followers. Using different mediums helps you reach a broader demographic—each group prefers different types of content on social media platforms like Instagram.

Engage in trends and current events

Engage with trends and current events to stay relevant. Use popular memes in your posts. People love relatable humor!

Post during holidays like Halloween or Christmas. Seasonal content grabs attention. Look at how Dollar Shave Club uses holiday themes effectively. Follow Instagram trends using hashtags—this can help you go viral fast.

By including keywords like "memes" and "holiday-themed," you speak the language of your audience, making your content more engaging and shareable.

Create engaging templates, filters, and “add yours” stickers

Making engaging templates, filters, and “add yours” stickers can boost your Instagram following. These interactive elements help users share their own content while promoting your brand.

For example, the app VSCO features user-created content on its profile.

Use Instagram's tools to create fun and unique effects. Filters can make photos pop. Templates allow followers to join in challenges or trends. The "Add Yours" sticker invites users to share their own stories, creating a community feel around your brand.

Utilize Stories stickers

Share engaging templates, filters, and "add yours" stickers on your Instagram Stories. Use Stories stickers to increase engagement. Add LINKS in stories to direct users to external content like your website or a landing page.

Insert an “ADD YOURS” sticker—prompt viewers to create their own stories and interact with your brand.

Use HASHTAGS in stories to draw attention to branded hashtags or campaigns. Engage followers by adding polls, questions, and countdowns in Stories. This keeps the audience involved and encourages more interaction with your posts.

Go Live on Instagram

Go Live on Instagram to connect with your audience in real-time. Use this feature for virtual press conferences, announcements, and live Q&A sessions. You can host up to four accounts in one broadcast, making it easy to collaborate with others.

Going live builds personal connections through candid interactions. Engage with viewers by asking questions and addressing their comments right away. This boosts engagement and attracts more followers interested in genuine interactions.

Collaborate with influencers and creators

Connecting with your followers through a live stream on Instagram can be powerful. Yet, working with influencers and creators can boost your reach even more. About 69% of consumers trust influencers over brands and this makes influencer marketing crucial.

For example, Bevel collaborates with Selvyster Brewster, who has 1.4 million followers. This gives the brand access to Brewster's large audience and boosts its visibility. Collaborate with local Hawaiian influencers for similar impact!

Organize contests or giveaways

Next, organize contests or giveaways. Offer appealing prizes to attract more followers. For example, The Freebie Guy uses this strategy well. Ask users to follow your Instagram account and tag friends for a chance to win.

Prizes should be relevant and valuable. This method can boost engagement and build a loyal audience.

Use hashtags and geo-tags related to your giveaway. These tools help reach a broader audience outside of your follower base. Promote the contest on other social media accounts like Twitter or Facebook for extra exposure.

A successful contest can grow your Instagram following quickly.

Use relevant hashtags and geo-tags

Use popular hashtags to attract new followers. Research top hashtags in your niche using Instagram's Explore tab. For example, Hawaiian businesses can use #HawaiiLife, #AlohaSpirit, and #IslandVibes.

Geo-tags are also helpful. Tag your posts with specific locations like "Waikiki Beach" or "Maui." This makes your content visible to locals and tourists interested in those places.

Both tactics increase exposure and engagement on the platform.

Consider Instagram promotions and ads

Use relevant hashtags and geo-tags to increase your visibility. To reach a specific audience, use Instagram promotions and ads.

Instagram ads can help you gain more followers quickly. You can target certain groups using the Facebook Ads network. These tools allow businesses in Hawaii to attract local customers effectively.

Boost high-performing content with these ads for better results. Lead generation from these promotions will grow your follower count fast. Try experimenting with different ad campaigns to see what works best for your brand's goals on this social platform.

Share your profile link on external platforms

Using Instagram promotions and ads can boost visibility. But don't stop there. Share your Instagram profile link on other platforms.

Include the link in email newsletters, YouTube channels, or websites—any place you reach your audience. Also, print it on business cards and signs for extra exposure. This broadens your audience pool beyond just Instagram users.

Tips for Optimizing Instagram Profile

Choose a clear username and use a high-quality profile picture. Use your name field wisely to describe your business or offerings.

Choose a clear, recognizable username

Choose a username that is easy to remember and identify. Use examples like @thejournalshop, @onepeloton, or @lornajaneactive for inspiration. Your Instagram username should be short and related to your brand.

Avoid using numbers or special characters. They make it hard to find you in search engines. Keep the name consistent across all social media platforms for better branding. This helps you build a loyal following on Instagram.

Use a high-quality, on-brand profile picture

Use a clear, high-quality photo for your Instagram profile. This helps people recognize and trust your brand. Make sure the picture matches your business's colors or style.

Using a strong profile photo will attract more followers. It shows you care about details and quality. Now, let's look at using the name field effectively.

Utilize the name field to describe the business or offerings

Add clear keywords in your Instagram name field. For example, if you own a bakery in Honolulu, write "Honolulu Bakery – Fresh Pastries Daily." This tells users what you offer right away.

You can also use this space to add important details. Add words like "delivery" or "custom orders." This makes it easy for people searching on Instagram to find your business services quickly.

Showcase personality and value in the bio

Show your brand's spirit in the Instagram bio. Use simple words that reflect who you are and what you offer. For instance, @cheekbonebeauty highlights their story and mission clearly.

Add details about your business in a fun way. Use emojis to make it lively—like @oreo does with cookies! Mention what makes your brand special or different, such as being eco-friendly or community-focused.

Keep it brief but powerful. State your value using keywords like "personal brand" and "instagram captions." Examples include adding links through LinkTree for easy access to various sites.

Be sure to align this with consistent colors and typography for better identity recognition--use tools like DropBox if needed.

By showing personality and clear values, potential followers will find reasons to trust and follow you.

Add a LinkTree to share multiple links

Add a LinkTree to share multiple links on your Instagram profile. It lets you connect different social media services, websites, or payment options like PayPal and Apple Pay in one link.

This tool helps guide followers to key content.

With LinkTree, business owners can promote various products or services at once. For example, a restaurant in Honolulu could link its menu, online ordering system, and Yelp reviews all from one spot.

Using this feature makes sharing easier and keeps the profile organized.

Establish a unique brand identity with consistent colors and typography

Choose specific colors that match your brand's voice. Use these colors in every post and story. Instagram accounts like @the.plottery show how a consistent visual style stands out.

Also, pick one or two fonts to use in all captions and graphics. This helps to build recognition among followers.

Consistency is key for strong branding. Make sure your logo, profile picture, and highlight covers align with the same color scheme and typography. These efforts will create a cohesive look across your Instagram feed.

Importance of Developing a Cohesive Voice and Look

A cohesive voice and look build trust with your audience. It helps your brand feel familiar.

Maintain a natural and consistent voice across different content types

Keep your voice steady across all content. This means videos, captions, comments, and DMs should sound alike. Engage like you would in person—friendly yet professional. Use the same tone on Instagram Reels as in Stories or ads.

Your brand needs a clear voice that matches its personality. For example, if your brand is fun and quirky, keep jokes or emojis consistent in posts and replies. A natural voice builds trust with followers and shows authenticity.

Utilize templates for a consistent visual look

Templates help keep your Instagram feed looking neat. They ensure all posts have the same style, colors, and fonts. This makes your brand easy to recognize.

Using templates saves time. You don't need to create a new design for every post. Instead, tweak a few things on your template, and you're set!

Utilizing Instagram Insights and Interactive Content

Use Instagram Insights to track how well your posts perform and make engaging content like "Add Yours" stickers. You can learn a lot from the numbers and stay ahead of trends.

Monitor Instagram Insights with a business profile

Track your engagement metrics with Instagram Insights. This tool shows views, likes, and follower growth. You can see what content works best. Use this data to plan better posts.

Check the times when your followers are most active. Post during these peak times for more visibility. Adjust your strategy based on Insights to reach your target demographic.

Incorporate trends, memes, and current events into content

Stay relevant by adding trends, memes, and current events to your Instagram posts. For example, use popular hashtags like #ThrowbackThursday or #FridayFeeling. This makes content relatable and timely.

Post memes that fit your brand voice. Memes can show humor and make people share your content more often. Use current events sparingly but smartly; tie them to your product or message in a respectful way.

Avoid controversial topics unless they align with your brand values.

By connecting to what's trending, you'll increase engagement and attract organic followers who are interested in the same things.

Create interactive content like “Add Yours” stickers and templates

Use “Add Yours” stickers in Instagram Stories. They prompt users to share their own content based on a theme. For example, ask followers to show their favorite Hawaii beach.

Create custom templates for users. These can be used in posts and Stories, encouraging more interaction. Use bright colors and relevant hashtags like #HawaiiLife or #AlohaSpirit. Employ these strategies to boost engagement and follower count significantly.

Use diverse mediums next.

Importance of High-Quality Visuals and Captions

High-quality visuals and captions can make your Instagram posts stand out. Great photos and engaging words attract more eyes, boosting likes and follows.

Invest in learning photography best practices

Invest in photography best practices to improve your Instagram page. Follow the rule of thirds and center subjects for balance. Seek symmetry and capture details for engaging photos.

Proper lighting is key. Take photos during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—for the best results. Use editing tools like Lightroom or Snapseed to enhance your images further.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll create content that stands out, drives engagement, and attracts more organic followers.

Utilize photo editing apps for improved aesthetics

Photo editing apps can improve your Instagram aesthetics. Use Canva, Photoshop Express, or VSCO Cam to enhance images. These tools help adjust colors, brightness, and contrast. Your photos will look more professional and appealing.

Canva is user-friendly. Create templates to keep a consistent look on your feed. Photoshop Express offers powerful editing options in simple steps. VSCO Cam provides unique filters that make images stand out.

High-quality visuals attract followers and boost engagement.

Incorporate personality, humor, emojis, and questions in captions

Make your captions fun and lively. Use humor to connect with your audience. For example, “Caught mid-dance move! 💃 Who else loves a good dance party?” Add emojis; they catch the eye and make text pop 🌟.

Ask questions to engage followers. Post educational content like, "Did you know about these 3 Instagram tips? 🤔 Share your thoughts!” According to Adobe's 2022 Emoji Trend Report, 50% of emoji users respond more often when messages have emojis.

So mix these elements for higher engagement!

Conclusion

To get more followers on Instagram, focus on quality content and be consistent. Use hashtags and engage with your audience through comments and messages. Collaborate with creators and run giveaways to attract new followers.

Monitor analytics to see what works best. Make sure your profile looks great too!

FAQs