Instagram is the muse of so many manufacturers’ social presence. Instagram marketing has confirmed to drive visitors, assist gross sales and have interaction clients.

However when you’re not thrilled together with your Instagram development and engagement, you’re not alone.

Competitors on the platform is fierce. And cracking the code of Instagram’s algorithm could be difficult.

Factor is, taking steps to develop your viewers is totally price it. That’s as a result of the larger your viewers, the extra alternatives to please your clients.

Able to tweak your presence and discover ways to get extra followers on Instagram? This publish breaks down how you can make it occur.

Bounce to a tip: 

1. Optimize your Instagram account
2. Keep a consistent content calendar
3. Schedule Instagram posts in advance
4. Engage with customers, brand advocates and influencers
5. Avoid fake Instagram followers
6. Showcase your Instagram everywhere you can
7. Post content that followers actually want to see
8. Make meaningful conversation with your audience
9. Find hashtags where your followers hang out
10. Take steps to delight your Instagram followers
11. Use geo-tagging to attract local followers
12. Leverage short-form video content
13. Partner with influencers in your niche
14. Organize stories as highlights
15. Go live on Instagram

15 methods to get extra Instagram followers

Earlier than we get into the nitty-gritty, this publish is about constructing an natural following.

And sure, the excellence issues!

Some manufacturers wish to take shortcuts in the case of making an attempt to get extra Instagram followers. We don’t fake that pay-for-play websites exist.

That stated, these companies aren’t price it for manufacturers long-term. The Instagram algorithm weeds out low-quality accounts and phony engagement from paid bots.

However we’ll chunk: there’s undoubtedly some legwork concerned in rising your viewers authentically.

Doing so is completely price it, although. Learn or watch the video under for our greatest tips about getting extra Instagram followers the suitable approach.

1. Optimize your Instagram account

Earlier than you are concerned about how you can get followers, think about how your Instagram business profile is about up first.

Ask your self: does your profile “look the half?” For starters, think about your:

• Your Instagram bio (together with your slogan, tagline and/or a branded hashtag)
• Your profile image
• Your bio hyperlink (and the place it factors to)

These particulars outline your brand identity on Instagram. Extra importantly, they affect your account’s discoverability. Constructing a follower-friendly account means:

• Having a search-friendly username. Persist with both your model identify or no matter’s closest to your present social handles. In case your identify is just too lengthy, shorten it to a variation your viewers would acknowledge (ex: Chilly Stone Creamery’s account is @coldstone).
• Making your profile image skilled. An appropriately-sized emblem is right. Any textual content in your profile image needs to be legible on a smartphone display.
• Minding the place you level your bio hyperlink. That is essential for turning Instagram followers into significant visitors or clients. It’s your solely method to funnel social visitors to your web site and promotions.

Linking to your homepage is okay however not all the time very best. To encourage extra significant interactions, a social touchdown web page that factors to a number of hyperlinks can assist.

This provides your viewers complete management of how they interact your online business subsequent. Meaning a greater expertise to your followers.

One of the simplest ways to optimize your account is to observe a confirmed Instagram advertising technique. Obtain our free information to get began.

2. Hold a constant content material calendar

Momentum issues on Instagram. In different phrases, you seemingly gained’t get followers on Instagram when you publish at random.

Creating content material and offering worth is what builds your viewers. Doing so persistently is what helps you retain them. Don’t let your Instagram account collect cobwebs.

That’s why sticking to a regular posting schedule is essential.  By way of when and the way a lot to publish, you don’t have to stay to a set-in-stone quantity. Most manufacturers publish every day or close to every day. This tracks our personal analysis on how often to post as effectively.

For reference, under is a breakdown of the best times to post to Instagram.  “Optimum” engagement is throughout the mid-to-late morning and early afternoons throughout the week.

In the event you’re nervous about your posts not getting seen sufficient, we get it. Take into account how options like Tales can get extra eyes in your content material if it wasn’t seen the primary time.

3. Schedule Instagram posts upfront

There’s no denying that manufacturers are on the mercy of the Instagram algorithm for attain. Nonetheless, posting on the proper occasions can nonetheless give your posts extra visibility. Something you are able to do to maximise engagement is a plus.

This speaks to the worth of scheduling Instagram content. With Sprout’s latest instruments, manufacturers can schedule Tales, Carousels, Reels and Posts.

Scheduling content material upfront ensures management and group. Instagram scheduling instruments in the end enable you to hit that cadence we talked about earlier. The flexibility to crosspost content material from different networks helps right here, too.

You too can use Sprout’s ViralPost characteristic to nail down your timing, too. Our platform analyzes your engagement historical past and identifies the perfect occasions to publish.

Excellent your Instagram content material plan with Sprout Social

Along with scheduling an entire image of your Instagram content material calendar, Sprout affords much more options to good your model’s feed.

Share IG-approved visuals together with your crew utilizing our Asset Library, or take a look at out our grid preview characteristic to ensure each facet of your presence is true to your model model.

Get a hands-on take a look at these options and extra with a 30-day free trial of Sprout.

4. Have interaction with clients and model advocates

Determining how you can get extra Instagram followers means partaking your viewers.

And among the finest methods to do this is thru responding to and republishing their posts.

Enter the ability of user-generated content. UGC campaigns construct social proof by exhibiting followers you’re invested in them. For instance, Drunk Elephant commonly regrams their followers’ posts. They collect content material with their #BareWithUs and #DrunkBreak hashtags.

5. Keep away from pretend Instagram followers

There’s a giant distinction between pretend and bonafide followers on Instagram.

We get it, too. For the sake of fast development, it is perhaps tempting to buy followers.

However the drawbacks outweigh the advantages 100%. Why? As a result of pretend Instagram followers…

• Confuse your potential natural followers. An inactive, low-engagement account with a giant following is suspicious. This is usually a turn-off for followers that’d in any other case observe you and have interaction.

• Present no financial worth to your online business. Give it some thought. Your bot followers can’t purchase your stuff, can they? 

• Generate no buzz: In case you have 10,000 pretend followers, what number of are going to interact together with your posts? Does it actually even matter in case your posts are brimming with spam feedback?

For instance, Lush Cosmetics takes the time to reply questions and have interaction followers on a regular basis. This ends in clients commonly returning to share shout-outs and optimistic feedback.

6. Showcase your Instagram in every single place you may

Don’t be shy about promoting your Instagram if extra followers are your objective.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all method to selling your ‘gram, both. Listed below are a number of concepts:

• Add social media icons to your web site and advertising emails. Social media icons make it simpler for individuals to search out your online business and enable you to join with clients.
• Function an Instagram feed in your homepage or product pages. Many e-commerce manufacturers have devoted UGC feeds on-site (see under).
• Re-share Instagram-specific content material or bulletins on different social channels. For instance, you could possibly discuss an upcoming IG Reside by way of TikTok or Fb.

7. Publish content material that followers really wish to see

Simpler stated than achieved, we all know.

Filters. Captions. Content material varieties. Publish occasions. That doesn’t even scratch the floor.

There are such a lot of variables to think about, proper? It doesn’t assist that Instagram’s algorithm is fickle. What works for one model may not work for the following when it comes to format and timing.

For instance, some manufacturers swear by Carousels. Others are all-in on Reels. Each approaches can work. You’ll rapidly discover on Instagram that some content material gets more likes than others. That is why testing is so necessary.

Instagram’s native analytics are surprisingly highly effective. That stated, investing in Instagram analytics tools will take issues to the following degree.

For instance, Sprout makes it simple to benchmark and analyze Instagram content material throughout accounts. Reasonably than second-guess what’s working and what’s not, our reporting spells it out for you.

Be assured in your content material technique by analyzing these variables we talked about earlier.

And when you’re not sure the place to start out, strive analyzing your opponents. A staggering 90% of manufacturers say that social media information helps them sustain with competing social accounts.

You clearly shouldn’t copycat your opponents. That stated, you may take notes on what they’re doing or posting that drives engagement.  Sprout’s Instagram Competitors report can present a breakdown of what’s working in your {industry}. A little bit aggressive analysis can go a good distance.

Oh, and maintain your ear to the bottom with new Instagram trends. That approach you gained’t miss out on platform-wide alternatives to hop on trending content material codecs.

8. Make significant dialog together with your viewers

Meals for thought: 60% of entrepreneurs use Instagram as a service channel.

The platform is ideal for going forwards and backwards with followers. Likewise, many standard post ideas focus on asking questions and interesting in a dialogue for a purpose.

Off-the-cuff questions, transport considerations or reward for merchandise are all truthful sport from followers. Take a look at how Cometeer responds to all the above on their Instagram posts:

Being supportive and responding promptly exhibits individuals that you just care.

You’d be shocked at how your Instagram followers improve when you begin appearing extra personable. Our Index analysis exhibits that 89% of shoppers will purchase from a model after following them on social. Each interplay counts.

Once more, strive to answer as many questions or feedback as attainable. Doing so may make or break somebody changing into a long-term follower or a buyer.

9. Discover hashtags the place your followers hang around

Instagram hashtags have been a staple of the platform, like, eternally.

That stated, they don’t maintain as a lot weight as they used to.

Dumping hashtags into your posts isn’t going to web you any new followers. Particularly when there’s a lot noise on the platform.

Be proactive by specializing in industry-specific hashtags related to your clients. For instance, Lashify commonly posts content material to the #LashEducation hashtag. Tags are much less normal and aggressive than #magnificence. Turning into extra seen inside these kind of tags is significant for manufacturers in the suitable area of interest.

Understanding how your hashtags carry out on Instagram is vital. With Sprout Social’s hashtag analytics tools, you may have direct entry to in-depth efficiency and utilization information. Determining which hashtags to make use of is just some faucets away.

10. Take steps to please your Instagram followers

Whenever you make your Instagram followers joyful, you’ll see the payoff in viewers development. The very best Instagram accounts have followers and communities (trace: not simply followers).

For a lot of accounts, this implies building customer relationships. Content material that highlights your persona and the people behind your model is a plus. This contains:

• Inspirational content material
• Humorous content material
• Re-sharing UGC with distinctive captions
• Storytelling posts
• Behind-the-scenes images and movies
• Posts that elevate consciousness for social causes

Additionally, be sure your content material aligns together with your brand voice and values. Keep away from coming throughout as needy, solely sales-driven or robotic in any respect prices.

11. Use geo-tagging to draw native followers

Instagram introduced again location tales final yr. However now, users can find them on a map. This characteristic helps individuals seek for prime posts and tales in particular areas, similar to a espresso store or a shopping center.

And the way do you get your content material to point out up on the map? By tagging the placement, after all. Geo-tagging your posts and tales makes your content material seen to individuals within the neighborhood or customers testing the place the place your picture or video was taken.

Questioning how you can tag the placement in your Instagram story? Merely use the placement sticker and sort within the location you wish to tag.

12. Leverage short-form video content material

Sprout’s information exhibits that 66% of consumers wish to see extra short-form movies from manufacturers. This implies Reels needs to be in your radar.

Reels are enjoyable, snappy they usually’re algorithm gold. Assume tutorials, product highlights and even fast behind-the-scenes peeks.

And because you solely have a number of seconds to seize consideration, get artistic. Use the built-in instruments like stickers, cuts, filters, music, voice-overs and transitions to craft stylish, eye-catching Reels.

Cherry on prime? These bite-sized movies can simply be cross-promoted on platforms like TikTok, serving to you attain new audiences and entice extra followers.

13. Associate with influencers in your area of interest

Partnering with influencers with a longtime following is one other method to develop your individual viewers. Content material creators can get your model in entrance of your audience and construct ongoing consciousness to your merchandise.

Begin by discovering the suitable influencers. You should use Sprout’s listening instruments to determine related influencers in your area of interest.

Seek for creators that align together with your model’s values and aesthetic, and boast an engaged (not simply giant) following.

Then, determine the way you wish to companion with them. There are a number of methods to go about this:

• Paid sponsorships: That is essentially the most simple kind of partnership. You pay the influencer to advertise your services or products. Be certain that to agree on the specifics, just like the variety of posts, kind of content material and any explicit messaging or hashtags you wish to embrace.
• Product exchanges: As an alternative of financial compensation, some influencers are joyful to obtain free merchandise in change for a overview or a characteristic on their Instagram.
• Affiliate & model ambassador applications: Arrange a program for smaller influencers who genuinely love your model and are keen to market it over time. Reward them with factors, reductions, commissions and different perks in change for a long-term relationship.
• Collaborative content material: Create content material collectively. Whether or not it’s a joint Instagram Reside, a giveaway or co-created posts and tales, collabs can supply contemporary views and enable you to attain a broader viewers.

Lastly, don’t neglect to trace the effectiveness of your influencer campaigns. Take a look at metrics like follower development, engagement and ROI to resolve if it’s price pursuing a long-term relationship with a specific influencer.

14. Manage prime tales as highlights

Ever created a killer story that you just want may stay in your profile eternally? With story highlights, it could possibly.

Highlights are teams of choose previous (expired) tales. You may set up them by theme or subject, similar to Q&As, ideas or occasions — making it simpler for individuals to search out related tales.

They’re additionally positioned on the prime of your profile, which makes customers extra prone to test them first earlier than scrolling right down to your posts. Consider Highlights as a curated portfolio that showcases the perfect of your model.

15. Go stay on Instagram

Host Instagram Reside classes to work together together with your viewers straight. This helps foster real-time engagement and construct a way of group.

For instance, you could possibly host digital occasions like product launches, present fast tutorials or just have candid chats and Q&A classes. In the event you’re an e-commerce retailer, customers may even store your merchandise in real-time.

Plus, you may share these Reside streams as tales that final for twenty-four hours, permitting followers who missed out to catch up later.

Easy methods to take advantage of your present Instagram followers

So that you’ve acquired an honest following on Instagram—excessive 5!

However let’s be actual, it’s not simply concerning the numbers. It’s about making a buzzing group that’s as enthusiastic about your posts as you’re.

Listed below are 5 methods to maintain your present followers hooked to your content material:

• Have interaction with followers: Instagram isn’t for monologues — it’s a spot for dialog. Reply to these feedback, ask your followers what they assume and encourage user-generated content material.
• Provide constant worth: Whether or not it’s killer how-to guides, unique promo codes or only a good giggle, be sure each publish provides worth to your followers’ feeds. The objective is to maintain them coming again for extra.
• Present your human aspect: Individuals join with people, so drop the company masks. Present your followers the true faces and tales behind your model. Possibly it’s a day-in-the-life of your superior cafe or worker spotlights.
• Keep on prime of traits: Instagram is all the time altering. What labored yesterday may not work tomorrow. Whether or not it’s a preferred filter, a viral problem or a brand new characteristic — bounce in and provides it a strive. It retains your feed contemporary and your followers intrigued.
• Observe analytics: Control these metrics to see which posts your followers are loving, what’s not doing so effectively and once they’re most energetic. This information can assist you refine your technique and create extra partaking content material.

Easy methods to get extra Instagram followers (the mistaken approach!)

Disclaimer: Sprout Social doesn’t endorse buying Instagram followers. We don’t advocate companies that promote followings or “Likes.” 

Because the social area turns into extra crowded and aggressive, manufacturers are keen to take dangers for the sake of instantaneous outcomes.

We’ll say it once more: manufacturers shouldn’t purchase Instagram followers. No person ought to!

Why you shouldn’t purchase followers on Instagram

Listed below are some the reason why shopping for followers to develop your account is a critical mistake.

Your actual followers know what pretend followers appear like

Social shoppers are getting savvier. Privateness considerations and social scammers have made individuals hyper-aware of bizarre exercise. Briefly, individuals right now are spam-detectors.

A sudden follower spike is a crimson flag. To not point out having bots stink up your account with infinite spam followers. This all damages your fame and retains you from rising an genuine Instagram following.

Pretend followers convey nothing to the desk

You’re in all probability nervous about your Instagram metrics and understandably so.

That stated, your follower depend doesn’t imply a lot in case your “followers” don’t drive engagement. You would possibly look “greater” at a look however who cares? Take into account how your engagement price on the platform will undergo in case your follower depend is inflated.

If nothing else, shopping for Instagram followers violates TOS

No surprises right here.

Take into account how Meta has taken direct motion towards shopping for engagement up to now. They’ve gone so far as to shut down companies that sell likes. That’s as a result of this apply violates the platform’s phrases of service:

Assist us keep spam-free by not artificially amassing likes, followers, or shares, posting repetitive feedback or content material, or repeatedly contacting individuals for industrial functions with out their consent.

How are you rising your Instagram following?

Hear: getting extra followers on Instagram isn’t going to occur by chance.

And regardless of what you might need heard, there’s no silver bullet resolution for making it occur.

The information above can assist you construct the muse for an natural following that truly engages with you. Placing the following pointers into motion is a lot simpler with a robust publishing and analytics software like Sprout.

Need to see our suite of instruments in motion? Start a free trial right now and see for your self!