In 2022, I achieved the unimaginable – a viral Instagram Reel. This Reel has garnered over 5.5 million views, 173K shares, 99.5k likes, and 14.6 bookmarks. However, the number of new followers was minimal. Although gaining followers wasn’t my initial goal, this experience prompted me to ponder on how to increase Instagram followers. With over 2 billion monthly active users and features such as shoppable posts, Instagram presents a plethora of opportunities for various businesses. But the reality is, unless you’re a well-known brand, growing a following can be a daunting task. That’s where I come in to help.
Let’s delve into some proven strategies that can help you increase your Instagram followers, whether it’s your first 1000 or your next. Before we get into the details, it’s crucial to understand the three main types of followers you may encounter on Instagram: fake followers, ghost followers, and organic followers. Fake followers are typically bots or dummy accounts that inflate follower counts. Ghost followers are inactive users who don’t engage with your content. On the other hand, organic followers are your real, active audience who interact with your content and are potential customers. Out of these three types, organic followers are the ones you want to focus on gaining.
To attract more organic followers, here are some actionable strategies you can implement:
1. Have a dedicated content creator/personality to humanize your brand.
2. Share educational content with Instagram carousels to provide value to your audience.
3. Be mindful of diversity and inclusion in your content to reach a wider audience.
4. Post consistently to keep your audience engaged.
5. Diversify your content mediums to cater to different preferences.
6. Lean into trends and current events to stay relevant.
7. Create templates, filters, and “add yours” stickers to encourage user engagement.
8. Follow photography best practices to ensure high-quality visuals.
9. Start a conversation with your captions and comments to engage your audience.
10. Encourage and post user-generated content to showcase customer appreciation.
11. Use Stories Stickers to create interactive content.
12. Go Live on Instagram to engage with your audience in real-time.
13. Collaborate with influencers and creators to expand your reach.
14. Run a contest or giveaway to incentivize followers to engage with your content.
15. Use relevant hashtags, geo-tags, and other features to increase discoverability.
16. Try Instagram promotions and ads to reach a broader audience.
17. Share your profile link externally to promote your Instagram presence across different platforms.
By following these strategies and focusing on creating valuable, engaging content, you can organically grow your Instagram followers and build a loyal and active community around your brand. Remember, authenticity and genuine connections are key to building a strong following on Instagram. So, put in the effort, be consistent, and watch your follower count grow steadily over time.