Instagram is a noisy place. Every day millions of posts are fighting for attention, vying for likes, comments and followers. How do you stand out? How do you get people to hit that little follow button and stick around? The good news is there are strategies – ones that work not just for celebrities or influencers but for anyone who’s willing to put in the work. Building a following is an art but it’s also a science.
Competitions are a great way to get people talking about your account. A simple giveaway can create a ripple effect and get people talking about your profile from parts of Instagram you didn’t even know existed. Offer something your audience wants – something simple like a free Visa gift card – and watch as people flock to enter. The rules can be simple: follow your account, like the post and tag a friend or two. It’s engagement gold and the kind of trick that turns casual scrollers into loyal followers.
Content is Still King
At the heart of Instagram success is content. That’s not a secret but it’s often misunderstood. Content isn’t just about posting pretty pictures or trendy reels – it’s about value. What do your followers gain from following you? Maybe it’s advice, inspiration or entertainment. Maybe it’s just the thrill of something new.
Start with a niche. Broad topics get lost in the algorithm but specific ones rise above. Whether it’s DIY crafts or vegan recipes be the go-to for that subject. Quality matters here too. Grainy photos and half-baked captions won’t cut it. Take the time to learn the basics of photography, lighting and editing. You don’t need an expensive setup – a good smartphone, natural light and a clear idea are often enough.
Consistency Breeds Familiarity
Posting sporadically is like shouting into a void. You’ll get lost in the noise of accounts posting daily or at least regularly enough to stay in the memory of their audience. It’s not just about frequency though – it’s about timing. Know when your audience is online and show up when they’re scrolling.
Scheduling tools can help. Apps like Later or Buffer take the guesswork out of timing your posts and let you plan weeks worth of content in one sitting. By showing up consistently, you’ll not only grow your audience but keep them engaged. People like to know what to expect.
Make Friends, Not Just Followers
The follow-for-follow game is dead and good riddance. Growing an audience on social media today means building a community. Reply to comments, slide into DMs (professionally) and engage with your followers like they’re friends.
But don’t stop at your own posts. Go explore hashtags related to your niche. Like, comment, follow accounts that resonate with you. This isn’t about commenting “Great post!” on every photo – it’s about making real connections. Be real and people will remember you. They might even return the favor.
Use Stories and Reels
Instagram isn’t just a feed anymore. Stories and reels are where the magic happens. Stories let you connect in a more casual, behind the scenes way, and reels let you show off or teach something quick.
For stories, think of them as a way to get intimate. Polls, quizzes and “Ask Me Anything” stickers encourage interaction. Behind the scenes peeks make followers feel like they’re part of your world.
Reels are your ticket to discovery. Instagram’s algorithm loves reels and often pushes them to users who don’t already follow you. Short, snappy and visually-driven content works best here. Trends are worth watching, but don’t copy- put your own spin on them.
Hashtags: A Tool, Not a Crutch
Hashtags are another Instagram staple you can’t ignore. Done well they can bring new eyes to your posts. Done poorly they make your account look spammy.
Choose your hashtags wisely. Use a mix of popular, moderately popular and niche tags. Too many broad tags will bury your post, too many obscure ones won’t bring in enough traffic. Don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your strategy as you see what works.
Collaborate to Level Up
You’re not alone on Instagram. Thousands of creators, brands and small businesses are doing what you’re doing. Collaboration isn’t just a growth hack – it’s an opportunity to learn and share audiences.
Find accounts in your niche with a similar or slightly bigger following. Offer cross promotions, co-hosted lives or shoutouts. Mutual benefit is key. Both sides should get exposure and value from the partnership.
Analytics: Know Your Stuff
Flying blind on Instagram is a recipe for disaster. Analytics exist for a reason – use them. Look at what works, when your audience is most active and what content drives the most engagement.
Instagram’s built-in tools are a good start but platforms like Sprout Social or Hootsuite give you even more insight. Numbers tell a story. They tell you what your audience wants and help you refine your approach over time.
Patience
Growing an Instagram following isn’t overnight. It’s a long game. There will be slow days, weeks, even months. Don’t let the numbers – or lack thereof – get you down. Celebrate small wins, learn from mistakes and keep going.
The best strategies are the ones that are tailored to you. Don’t follow trends – adapt them. Don’t mimic big accounts – carve out your own space. In time the followers will come not just for what you post but for the person or brand behind the account.
