Proven Strategies To Increase IG Followers And Grow Popularity On Instagram

Introduction: How to Grow Popularity on Instagram

No doubt everyone dreams of amassing an impressive following on Instagram - it can give your brand more visibility, credibility and reach! No matter your goal of growing Instagram, there are various strategies you can utilise to gain more followers and build an engaged community around your content. In this post, we'll look at some tried-and-tested approaches for increasing IG followers.

Instagram is one of the world's leading social media platforms, with over 2 billion active users each month. Your competition in Instagram content creation is immense; the challenge lies in standing out and reaching the right audience. Ready to step up your game? Let's discover ways of increase IG followers effectively!

Why Increasing IG Followers Matters

Before we discuss strategies, let's first understand why increasing Instagram followers is necessary. With an engaged, larger audience, you have the potential to:

Boost Brand Awareness: An increase in followers expands your content's reach, helping it reach new users and expand exposure.

Enhance Credibility: Social proof can make an account appear more legitimate and trustworthy, creating the impression of legitimacy and legitimacy for your brand.

Increase Engagement: More followers mean more likes, comments, and shares, which can drive even more followers.

Monetise Your Content: Influencers and businesses often monetise their Instagram accounts through brand partnerships and sponsored posts.

Now that we've covered the importance of a strong Instagram presence, let's look at the best strategies to increase your followers.

Consistency Is Key

One of the most important things you can do to grow your Instagram account is to post consistently. Whether it's once a day or a few times a week, maintaining a regular posting schedule helps you stay visible to your followers and potential new ones. Instagram's algorithm favours accounts that post often and stay active, meaning your posts are more likely to show up on the feeds of your audience.

Be careful to post content that relates to your niche and provides value to your audience. Don't just post for the sake of posting! Aim to create high-quality posts that meet those objectives.

Tips for Consistency:

Utilise Instagram's built-in features, such as Stories and Reels, to diversify your content and maximise viewership.

Create a content calendar to plan posts ahead of time.

Analyse the best times to post by using Instagram insights to optimise engagement.

Utilise Hashtags Effectively

Hashtags are still one of the best ways to increase your visibility on Instagram. When you use relevant hashtags, your posts can show up in hashtag feeds, increasing your exposure to a broader audience. However, using random or overly popular hashtags isn't the best approach. Focus on finding hashtags that are relevant to your audience and niche.

Best Practices for Hashtags:

Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags. Popular hashtags will get you exposure, while niche hashtags help target a more specific audience.

Don't overload your posts with hashtags. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but 5-10 targeted ones are often more effective.

Create a branded hashtag. Encourage your followers to use your custom hashtag, creating a community around your content.

Engage With Your Followers

Simply gaining followers isn't enough. Engaging with your Instagram audience is key to expanding it further. From responding to comments, liking and commenting on other people's posts, and initiating discussions among your followers - engaging is the foundation of building an active following base that keeps coming back for more!

Instagram's algorithm also favours posts that have high engagement, so the more you interact, the more likely your content is to appear in your followers' feeds.

Engagement Tips:

Respond to comments and messages promptly.

Like and comment on other people's posts in your niche.

Use polls, quizzes, and interactive features in Instagram Stories to engage your followers.

Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels

In recent years, Instagram has made a significant push toward short-form video content, particularly through its Stories and Reels features. Stories offer you a way to quickly share behind-the-scenes content, quick updates, or interactive features like polls and questions with followers. Reels allow for sharing creative, short videos that could go viral. Both of these features are excellent tools for boosting engagement and increasing visibility. Reels, in particular, have a much broader reach due to Instagram's current algorithm favouring this format.

Story and Reel Tips:

Post Stories consistently to keep your audience engaged and up-to-date.

Use Reels to create shareable, high-quality video content that entertains and informs.

Add relevant stickers, hashtags, and tags in your Stories and Reels to increase discoverability.

Run Contests and Giveaways

Everyone loves a good contest, and running giveaways is a great way to increase IG followers. Not only do giveaways encourage new people to follow your account, but they also drive engagement. When running a giveaway, ask users to follow your account, tag friends, or share your content to enter.

Be sure to select an attractive prize related to your niche to attract followers who share this interest.

Giveaway Tips:

Make the entry requirements clear.

Promote your giveaways across multiple platforms to expand your reach.

Ensure the prize aligns with your brand and is appealing to your target audience.

Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with other Instagram users, particularly influencers or businesses within your niche, is an effective way to gain new followers and expand your audience. Through shoutouts, giveaways or joint hosting events, working together can help both parties build up their followings.

Collaborations allow you to tap into another user's following, gaining new followers that otherwise wouldn't have discovered your content.

Collaboration Tips:

Reach out to influencers or brands whose values align with yours and those of your audience.

Propose partnerships that are mutually advantageous, including cross-promotions.

Create joint content that showcases both brands or influencers equally.

Analyse Your Performance

You might think you've mastered the art of increasing IG followers, but are you sure you're getting the results you want? Regularly analysing your Instagram insights will provide you with an in-depth understanding of what works and what doesn't.

Keep track of your follower growth, engagement rates, and post-performance to identify trends and refine your strategy.

What to Monitor:

Follower demographics: Understand who your audience is and tailor your content accordingly.

Post-performance: Identify which types of posts generate the most engagement.

Engagement rates: Track how your followers are interacting with your content.

Stay Authentic and True to Your Brand

One of the most essential tips for gaining and retaining Instagram followers is to be authentic. People follow accounts that feel genuine, relatable, and true to their message. Avoid gimmicks or trying to be something you're not just to gain followers.

Your audience wants to connect with real people and brands. Stay true to your values, and your followers will appreciate you for it.

 

FAQs

How often should I post on Instagram?

It depends on your audience, but posting three to four times a week is a good starting point. Regular interaction through Stories is also beneficial.

 

Can I increase my followers without spending money?

Yes! Organic growth methods, such as using hashtags, posting consistently, engaging with followers, and collaborating with others, are highly effective and free.

 

What are Instagram Reels, and why should I use them?

Reels are short, engaging videos that can be shared with your followers and a broader audience. They're a great way to increase visibility and engagement.

 

Is it okay to buy Instagram followers?

While buying followers may give you a quick boost, it's not a sustainable strategy. These followers are often inactive and won't engage with your content, which could harm your account's credibility.

 

How do hashtags help increase IG followers?

Hashtags allow your posts to be discovered by users who are interested in specific topics. Using the right hashtags can increase your reach and attract new followers.

 

What's the best way to run an Instagram giveaway?

Offer a prize that resonates with your target audience, keep entry requirements simple, and make sure the giveaway is promoted on your account and across other channels.

Conclusion

Increase Ig followers doesn't happen overnight, but with dedication and an effective plan, it can be done. Content that engages audiences, the interaction between yourself and audience members, as well as utilising features like Stories, Reels, and hashtags, will go a long way towards building a loyal audience that stays. Staying true to your identity can also go a long way toward building lasting relationships that drive results for you!

By using these proven strategies, you'll be well on your way to growing your Instagram presence and becoming a part of the ever-growing Instagram community!

 

Stay Authentic and True to Your Brand

One of the most essential tips for gaining and retaining Instagram followers is to be authentic. People follow accounts that feel genuine, relatable, and true to their message. Avoid gimmicks or trying to be something you're not just to gain followers.

Your audience wants to connect with real people and brands. Stay true to your values, and your followers will appreciate you for it.

Analyse Your Performance

You might think you've mastered the art of increasing IG followers, but are you sure you're getting the results you want? Regularly analysing your Instagram insights will provide you with an in-depth understanding of what works and what doesn't.

Keep track of your follower growth, engagement rates, and post-performance to identify trends and refine your strategy.

What to Monitor:

Follower demographics: Understand who your audience is and tailor your content accordingly.

 

Post-performance: Identify which types of posts generate the most engagement.

 

Engagement rates: Track how your followers are interacting with your content.

 

Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with other Instagram users, particularly influencers or businesses within your niche, is an effective way to gain new followers and expand your audience. Through shoutouts, giveaways or joint hosting events, working together can help both parties build up their followings.

Collaborations allow you to tap into another user's following, gaining new followers that otherwise wouldn't have discovered your content.

Collaboration Tips:

Reach out to influencers or brands whose values align with yours and those of your audience.

Propose partnerships that are mutually advantageous, including cross-promotions.

Create joint content that showcases both brands or influencers equally.

Run Contests and Giveaways

Everyone loves a good contest, and running giveaways is a great way to increase IG followers. Not only do giveaways encourage new people to follow your account, but they also drive engagement. When running a giveaway, ask users to follow your account, tag friends, or share your content to enter.

Be sure to select an attractive prize related to your niche to attract followers who share this interest.

Giveaway Tips:

Make the entry requirements clear.

Promote your giveaways across multiple platforms to expand your reach.

Ensure the prize aligns with your brand and is appealing to your target audience.

Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels

In recent years, Instagram has made a significant push toward short-form video content, particularly through its Stories and Reels features. Stories offer you a way to quickly share behind-the-scenes content, quick updates, or interactive features like polls and questions with followers. Reels allow for sharing creative, short videos that could go viral. Both of these features are excellent tools for boosting engagement and increasing visibility. Reels, in particular, have a much broader reach due to Instagram's current algorithm favouring this format.

Story and Reel Tips:

Post Stories consistently to keep your audience engaged and up-to-date.

Use Reels to create shareable, high-quality video content that entertains and informs.

Add relevant stickers, hashtags, and tags in your Stories and Reels to increase discoverability.

Engage With Your Followers

Simply gaining followers isn't enough. Engaging with your Instagram audience is key to expanding it further. From responding to comments, liking and commenting on other people's posts, and initiating discussions among your followers - engaging is the foundation of building an active following base that keeps coming back for more!

Instagram's algorithm also favours posts that have high engagement, so the more you interact, the more likely your content is to appear in your followers' feeds.

Engagement Tips:

Respond to comments and messages promptly.

Like and comment on other people's posts in your niche.

Use polls, quizzes, and interactive features in Instagram Stories to engage your followers.

Utilise Hashtags Effectively

Hashtags are still one of the best ways to increase your visibility on Instagram. When you use relevant hashtags, your posts can show up in hashtag feeds, increasing your exposure to a broader audience. However, using random or overly popular hashtags isn't the best approach. Focus on finding hashtags that are relevant to your audience and niche.

Best Practices for Hashtags:

Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags. Popular hashtags will get you exposure, while niche hashtags help target a more specific audience.

 

Don't overload your posts with hashtags. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but 5-10 targeted ones are often more effective.

 

Create a branded hashtag. Encourage your followers to use your custom hashtag, creating a community around your content.

 

Now that we've covered the importance of a strong Instagram presence, let's look at the best strategies to increase your followers.

Consistency Is Key

One of the most important things you can do to grow your Instagram account is to post consistently. Whether it's once a day or a few times a week, maintaining a regular posting schedule helps you stay visible to your followers and potential new ones. Instagram's algorithm favours accounts that post often and stay active, meaning your posts are more likely to show up on the feeds of your audience.

Be careful to post content that relates to your niche and provides value to your audience. Don't just post for the sake of posting! Aim to create high-quality posts that meet those objectives.

 

Tips for Consistency:

Utilise Instagram's built-in features, such as Stories and Reels, to diversify your content and maximise viewership.

Create a content calendar to plan posts ahead of time.

Analyse the best times to post by using Instagram insights to optimise engagement.