How to get more followers on Instagram: the bio basics
If you aim to increase traffic to your Instagram profile and gain more followers, it’s essential to approach it as a landing page and implement optimization strategies. Here’s a guide on how to achieve that.
1. Provide individuals with a compelling incentive to follow you.
Instead of solely showcasing your credentials, slogan, or value proposition in your Instagram bio, offer prospective followers a vivid preview of what awaits them by following you. For instance:
- Follow for expert dog training tips and brace yourself for an abundance of adorable moments.
- Follow me if you’re interested in securing your financial future through binary options.
- Your ultimate source for rapid marketing insights and clever, one-of-a-kind memes.
- Uncomplicated cooking advice for those navigating the world of culinary challenges.
2. Pick the right handle
The initial step is to ensure that your Instagram handle closely mirrors your business name and aligns with your other social media handles. This guarantees that your account is easily memorable, discoverable, and recognizable.
3. Make sure it’s a business profile
Upgrading to an Instagram business profile provides you with analytics that reveal valuable insights about your followers, preferred content, and follower growth. If you haven’t made the switch yet, navigate to the hamburger icon in the top right corner of your bio, click on Settings, and then choose Switch to Professional Account. Select your category, input your business details, and you’ll be ready to benefit from these features.
4. Nix the boring bio link
Consider your Instagram bio as valuable online space. Do you want it merely linking to your homepage? How about infusing some creativity? The most effective Instagram bios regularly update their bio link, directing followers to fresh and engaging content, promo codes, landing pages, and other exciting destinations. For added versatility, tools like Linktree allow you to share multiple links, leading followers to valuable destinations such as website pages, blog posts, and exclusive deals.
An effective link tree can show your value and win over followers.
5. Focus on quality followers
With literally a billion Instagram users, the last thing you need are disengaged onlookers who bring no vitality to your account. Fickle followers who unfollow at the drop of a hat? Not the goal. Instead, you want followers who:
- Comment on, like, and share your posts.
- Appreciate your content, providing a sense of purpose to your efforts.
- Transform into leads and customers.
- Assist in attracting more high-quality followers.
In the analogy of Instagram followers being like candy, the aim isn’t to break open a piñata and scramble for treats. It’s about carefully curating a box of fine chocolates and nurturing a genuine community.
How to get more followers on Instagram with your content
Now that your profile is fine-tuned for a productive and fantastic followership, it’s time to draw more people to it. Here’s a guide on leveraging content and creativity to expand your Instagram follower base.
6. Make use of all the formats
One distinguishing feature of Instagram, setting it apart from other popular social media platforms, is its array of diverse formats. These formats are designed to captivate user attention and enable you to showcase various aspects of your brand. Make the most of:
- Feed Posts: Share high-quality photos and videos.
- Stories: Create short-lived, more spontaneous content (check out Stories hacks here).
- Reels: Craft videos with an extra focus on entertainment (find creative Reels ideas here).
- Lives: Engage in real-time videos, ideal for tutorials and AMAs (learn how to run a great IG Live here).
By utilizing these different facets of your business, you increase the likelihood that individuals will develop an affinity for your brand and choose to follow you. If you’re unsure about how to make the most of these features, or if you’re wondering what to do with all these options, feel free to ask for guidance.
7. Publish great content—consistently
This is crucial for your entire social media marketing strategy, extending beyond Instagram. While the importance of great content is evident, the aspect of consistency is often underestimated. A single outstanding post might initially attract followers, but once you’re in the spotlight, maintaining their interest becomes paramount. If you fail to consistently deliver what initially drew them in, you risk losing their engagement. So, what defines great content on Instagram?
- Useful: Relevant to your industry and the needs of your audience. Tips, facts, news, and ideas.
- Thoughtful: Speaks to their values, lifestyles, and personalities.
- Interactive: Makes you enjoyable to follow! Incorporate polls, questions, Lives, contests, and shareable content.
- Entertaining: Captures and sustains attention through attractive design, movement, emotion, humor, video, and boldness.
In the example of Mailchimp’s account below, there’s a skillful blend of posts covering everything—useful how-tos, thoughtful customer spotlights, and support for small businesses. This multifaceted approach ensures diverse and engaging content that resonates with their audience.
8. Focus on entertainment
The entertainment factor has become increasingly crucial. Last summer, when Instagram disclosed its algorithm, it emphasized a shift toward “full screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video” content. Entertaining content doesn’t necessarily have to be action-packed or hilarious; it just needs to be intriguing, creative, original, and expressive. For insights on creating captivating Instagram videos, you can find tips here.
9. Do your Instagram SEO
The importance of the entertainment factor has grown significantly. Last summer, when Instagram unveiled its algorithm, it underscored a pivot towards “full screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video” content. Entertaining content doesn’t have to be action-packed or hilarious; it simply needs to be intriguing, creative, original, and expressive. For guidance on crafting captivating Instagram videos, you can discover helpful tips [here](link not provided).
10. Cross-promote your account
Effectively promoting your Instagram account involves strategic cross-promotion. Incorporate links to your social profiles in various touchpoints, such as your website footer, email templates, and signatures. Display your handle in a framed format in your office for visibility. Inform your Facebook page visitors about your Instagram presence. Additionally, cross-promote your branded hashtag on receipts, in print ads, and at relevant events to enhance your online presence.
Rather than assuming people will stumble upon your Instagram account or hashtag, actively guide them to it. Provide clear directions and calls-to-action to encourage engagement and discovery.
11. Develop your own Instagram style for Instagram followers
The beauty of design lies in its infinite possibilities for uniqueness. Select a style that is distinctly yours, ensuring that your posts are instantly recognizable in the newsfeed. Users are drawn to accounts whose content they can experience, not just see. Oatly provides an excellent example of this approach:
To cultivate your distinctive style, ensure that your overall brand is well-developed. Your positioning, voice, brand colors, audience, and offerings should all contribute to shaping your Instagram aesthetic. Alignment with your broader brand identity enhances cohesiveness and reinforces your unique visual identity on Instagram.
12. Write good captions
The image may take center stage in a post, but your Instagram caption can often be the deciding factor in its impact on potential followers. What defines a good caption? Originality. What makes something original?
- Wit
- Humor
- Inspiration
- Meaningful stories
- Self-deprecation
- Relatability
- Storytelling
- Intrigue
For instance:
- National Geographic’s Storytelling: National Geographic excels in blending storytelling with its Instagram photos, fostering engagement and sharing.
- Consistent Style: Whatever style you choose, strive to maintain consistency. This helps in retaining your followers, as they become familiar with and appreciate your unique approach.
There are endless opportunities for originality. Stay away from generic wallpaper captions and paint something that pops. Here are some lists to help you out:
13. Run Instagram giveaways for Instagram followers
These are possibly the ultimate Instagram follower magnets. Firstly, who doesn’t love freebies or recognition? Announcing regular giveaways is bound to attract followers. Secondly, participating in the contest often involves following you or tagging a friend. Ensure that the prize is something particularly appealing to your ideal customers. Keep in mind that your goal is to attract a high-quality following.
And would ya look at that. We’ve got just the post for you >> How to Use Instagram Giveaways to Grow Your Following
14. Get local
Absolutely, here are some strategies to gain followers through content that resonates both with your ideal customers and your local community:
- Showcase Local Culture:
- Highlight local events, traditions, or landmarks.
- Feature local artists, businesses, or community figures.
- Use Local Hashtags:
- Incorporate popular local hashtags to increase discoverability.
- Create your own branded local hashtag to foster community engagement.
- Collaborate with Local Influencers:
- Partner with influencers from your community for shoutouts or collaborations.
- Support and showcase local influencers who align with your brand.
- Feature User-Generated Content:
- Encourage followers to share their local experiences with your products or services.
- Repost user-generated content to strengthen community connections.
- Promote Local Events and Causes:
- Share information about local events, fundraisers, or community initiatives.
- Demonstrate your commitment to local causes by actively participating.
- Engage with Local Trends:
- Stay updated on local trends and incorporate them into your content.
- Participate in challenges or discussions that are relevant to your community.
- Highlight Local Testimonials:
- Share positive reviews and testimonials from local customers.
- Feature success stories of individuals within your community.
By weaving these local elements into your Instagram strategy, you create a sense of familiarity and connection that resonates with both your target audience and the local community.
How to get more followers on Instagram through hashtags
Absolutely, hashtags on Instagram are versatile tools that serve various purposes. They convey information, inject humor, categorize posts, and weave a web of content that can guide users towards your follow button. Here’s how to optimize hashtags to increase your followers:
15. Use a mix of hashtag types for Instagram followers
Absolutely, hashtags on Instagram are versatile tools that serve various purposes. They convey information, inject humor, categorize posts, and weave a web of content that can guide users towards your follow button. Here’s how to optimize hashtags to increase your followers:
- Use Relevant and Specific Hashtags:
- Choose hashtags directly related to your content and target audience.
- Include niche or industry-specific hashtags to attract users with similar interests.
- Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags:
- Combine trending hashtags with more specialized ones.
- This broadens your reach while still targeting a specific audience.
- Create a Branded Hashtag:
- Develop a unique hashtag for your brand that followers can identify with.
- Encourage your audience to use it when engaging with your content.
- Research Trending Hashtags:
- Stay updated on popular and trending hashtags in your industry.
- Utilize them in your posts to tap into larger conversations and increase visibility.
- Incorporate Location-Based Hashtags:
- Include hashtags specific to your location or target audience’s region.
- This can enhance local discoverability and engagement.
- Limit the Number of Hashtags:
- While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, aim for a balanced mix.
- Focus on quality over quantity to avoid appearing spammy.
- Encourage User-Generated Hashtags:
- Prompt your followers to create and use their own hashtags.
- Repost content with these hashtags to foster a sense of community.
By strategically using hashtags that align with your content and audience, you can effectively guide users towards your Instagram profile and encourage them to hit the follow button.
16. But don’t take them too seriously
Indeed, the extensive lists of hashtags commonly seen at the bottom of posts serve a purpose, but should they be included in every one of your posts? Not necessarily, especially if you want to avoid overwhelming your followers or giving the impression of desperation. Instead, be selective with your hashtags. Vary the number you use in each post, and have fun with them. Some hashtags might be purely aesthetic, added for humor, or to reflect your brand voice. Others may have no direct connection to your brand but add an element of enjoyment or playfulness. Finding the right balance ensures that your use of hashtags remains engaging rather than monotonous for your audience.
For example:
- #twothingsthatdontmix
- #oneoftheseisnotliketheother
- #mylifeinanutshell
- #youhadonejob
- #neveragain
17. Have an intriguing or actionable branded hashtag for Instagram Followers
Absolutely, creating a follower-friendly branded hashtag is a fantastic way to engage your audience. Instead of relying solely on your business name or a behind-the-scenes hashtag, develop something that encourages your followers to actively participate in their posts.
An excellent example is UPS’s Instagram account, which features the brilliant #upsdogs hashtag. This hashtag invites anyone to contribute, fostering a sense of community. The more posts with your hashtag, the greater the exposure, leading to increased followers. It’s a fun and interactive approach that not only enhances engagement but also expands your reach on the platform.
How to get followers on Instagram with other users
There are three types of Instagram users that can help you to get more followers: influencers, your customers and followers, and your competitors. Let’s explore.
18. Go all in on influencer marketing for Instagram followers
Absolutely, leveraging three key types of Instagram users can significantly boost your follower count. Let’s explore how each group—influencers, your customers and followers, and your competitors—can contribute:
- Influencers:
- Collaborate for Shoutouts: Partner with influencers in your niche for shoutouts.
- Co-Create Content: Collaborate on content creation, reaching a broader audience.
- Leverage their Following: Tap into the influencer’s existing followers who align with your target audience.
- Your Customers and Followers:
- User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage customers to share their experiences with your products or services, using a branded hashtag.
- Contests and Giveaways: Run contests where followers can participate and share, increasing your visibility.
- Engagement: Respond to comments, direct messages, and engage with your existing audience to foster a sense of community.
- Your Competitors:
- Audience Insights: Analyze your competitor’s followers to understand their interests.
- Engage with Competitor Followers: Engage with individuals following your competitors, providing an opportunity to showcase your unique value.
- Learn from Competitor Strategies: Analyze what works for your competitors and adapt successful strategies to your own approach.
By strategically engaging with these three user groups, you can tap into different networks, enhance your visibility, and attract a diverse range of followers to your Instagram account.
19. Encourage user-generated content
As good as a business may be, its own promotional content will never be as powerful as that of its customers. Enter user-generated content—posts from other users that tag your handle and/or location or mention your business name in the captions or hashtags.
Absolutely, user-generated content (UGC) can significantly enhance your credibility and increase the likelihood of gaining new followers. Here’s how to encourage more UGC:
- Fun-to-Use Branded Hashtag:
- Create a unique and enjoyable branded hashtag that encourages followers to share their experiences.
- Instagram-Friendly Location:
- Design a location that’s Instagram-friendly, providing followers with appealing photo opportunities.
- Engage and Repost:
- Actively engage with your audience and repost their content on your account. This not only acknowledges their contributions but also showcases your community.
- Contests with Product or Service Usage:
- Run contests where participants share pictures of themselves using your product or service. This not only generates UGC but also promotes your offerings.
By implementing these strategies, you not only stimulate UGC but also foster a sense of community and engagement with your brand, leading to increased credibility and a higher chance of gaining new followers.
20. Analyze your competitors
Got a rival that you just can’t seem to catch up to? Do a little social media competitive analysis and find out what they post, how often, when, and in which formats. Follow them closely for a week so you can catch any nuanced strategies they employ. You just might get ideas on what, how, and the best time to post on Instagram to get more followers.
Tools to help you get more followers on Instagram
Absolutely, managing multiple social media accounts for your business can be challenging, especially as your follower count grows. Here are some free tools that can assist you in scaling your Instagram strategy:
- Hootsuite:
- Schedule posts in advance across multiple social media platforms, including Instagram.
- Monitor and engage with your audience from one dashboard.
- Buffer:
- Schedule posts for Instagram and other platforms.
- Analyze post performance to optimize your content strategy.
- Later:
- Plan and schedule Instagram posts in advance.
- Use the visual content calendar to maintain a cohesive posting schedule.
- Canva:
- Create visually appealing graphics and images for your Instagram posts.
- Access a wide range of templates and design tools.
- Unsplash:
- Find high-quality, royalty-free images for your Instagram posts.
- Enhance the visual appeal of your content.
- Linktree:
- Share multiple links in your Instagram bio, directing followers to various destinations.
- Optimize the use of your bio link for enhanced user experience.
- Repost for Instagram:
- Easily repost user-generated content on your Instagram account.
- Maintain a consistent flow of engaging content.
By incorporating these tools into your Instagram strategy, you can efficiently manage and scale your efforts across multiple social media accounts, saving time and ensuring a cohesive and effective approach.
21. Social media management tools
Absolutely, while automation might initially seem contrary to genuine engagement, social media management tools are designed to help streamline and enhance your personalized strategy. They offer several advantages, allowing you to:
- Stay on Top of Conversations:
- Monitor comments, mentions, and direct messages in real-time, ensuring timely responses and engagement with your audience.
- Consistent Posting Through Scheduling:
- Schedule posts in advance, ensuring a consistent and well-timed content strategy across multiple platforms.
- Competitor Monitoring:
- Track your competitors’ activities, understand trends in your industry, and adapt your strategy accordingly.
- Deeper Insights:
- Gain comprehensive analytics and insights into your performance, audience demographics, and post engagement, often surpassing what native platforms offer.
By incorporating these tools into your social media management, you can strike a balance between automation and genuine engagement, ensuring that your strategy is both efficient and personalized. This approach helps you save time, maintain consistency, and derive deeper insights for continuous improvement.
22. Design and photo editing tools
Instagram offers its own set of filters, stickers, stamps, and special effects so your visuals can look their best, but external design and editing tools can help you achieve the unique look you want. Plus, you can templatize things to ensure consistency and make more great content efficiently. My number one recommendation here is Canva, but there are other free tools out there like Afterlight and Facetune.
23. Instagram advertising for Instagram followers
This is the only paid strategy of this post. Organic reach on Instagram has always been considered high. But don’t get too excited, we’re talking 9%. Meaning that your posts will only reach 9% of your full following.
Advertising, on the other hand, gives you the power to get in front of thousands of relevant users. And in addition to your ad’s CTA button, viewers can also view your bio right from your ad. Now, you shouldn’t advertise just to get more followers, but if the platform is right for you, it’s an added bonus for instagram followers.
How to get more followers on Instagram for free [recap]
The secret to getting more quality followers on Instagram that will help your business grow? Patience. It takes time, trial and error, and effort to find your niche and cultivate a community—but it is well worth it. To recap, here are the 23 best ways to get more Instagram followers:
- Pick the right handle
- Make sure it’s a business profile
- Give people a reason to follow you
- Nix the boring bio link
- Focus on quality followers
- Make use of all the formats
- Publish great content—consistently
- Focus on entertainment
- Cross-promote your account
- Do your Instagram SEO
- Develop your own Instagram style
- Write good captions
- Run Instagram giveaways
- Get local
- Use a mix of hashtag types
- But don’t take them too seriously
- Have an intriguing or actionable branded hashtag
- Go all-in on influencer marketing
- Encourage user-generated content
- Analyze your competitors
- Social media management tools
- Design and photo editing tools
- Instagram advertising
Trying to decide between Instagram vs Facebook for marketing? We break down everything you need to know to decide here! Above were the ways to get Instagram followers with a quick way.
