In a world where followers and likes are seen as the benchmark of success, it’s easy to feel pressured to achieve an ideal number. But with over 700 million monthly users, Instagram is too big of a platform for brands to ignore. In this blog post, we’ll be diving into the ins-and-outs of growing your account in a way that doesn’t compromise your brand or ideals. Let’s dive in!
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Know your content preference
Instagram users usually prefer either visual posts or written posts. Visual posts include photos, videos, and GIFs, while written posts are limited to just text. Ideally, you want to post a variety of visual and written content throughout the week to appeal to a wider range of your followers. This can be done by posting several times a day, or by rotating between your different post types throughout the week. If you’re posting visual content, you want to make sure you’re posting at the right time. Posts made between 2 and 3 PM tend to get the most engagement, with the highest engagement occurring at 2 PM. You also want to make sure you’re posting during the right season so your posts aren’t lost in the shuffle. For example, posts made during the winter tend to have lower engagement than posts made during the summer.
Build a solid foundation
Before you start posting, you need to make sure that your account is set up for success. This includes filling out your account’s bio, posting a profile picture, choosing a good username, linking your Instagram to your website, and joining a few relevant groups on Instagram. Let’s start with the basics. Your Instagram bio is an important piece of real estate, so it’s crucial that you fill it out with relevant information. It’s a good idea to start off by including your website URL in your bio so you can drive more website traffic. Next, you want to write a short but compelling description of who you are, what you do, and why your followers should be following you. Place an emphasis on your brand’s core values and what sets you apart from the competition. For example, if you’re a travel blogger, you may want to include a line about being a budget-friendly travel expert.
Use high-quality photos and videos
Instagram is a visual platform, so it’s important to use high-quality visuals to inspire your followers. Try using either a DSLR or a smartphone that has a good camera. From there, edit your photos using one of the many free photo-editing apps like VSCO or Snapseed. You also have the option of hiring a professional photographer to take photos for you, but this can get expensive depending on how many photos you want. When it comes to videos, you have two options: creating a looping GIF or recording a video. If you’re going the GIF route, you want to find a short clip that loops seamlessly while also conveying your brand’s message. Alternatively, you can simply record a short video with a smartphone or a video camera. From there, upload your video to Instagram, and you’re good to go!
Add value with your posts
Instagram is all about sharing inspiration, so you want to make sure your posts add value to your followers. Instead of solely posting about your brand and sales, try to take a broader approach and post relevant, inspiring content. For example, if you’re a travel blogger, you may want to post images and videos of beautiful destinations around the world. While your posts should be relevant to your brand, they don’t have to be overly promotional. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for posts, you can use a content calendar to help keep you on track. A content calendar is a great tool for organizing your posts in advance so you don’t have to think of ideas on the fly. Plus, it makes it easier to have a consistent posting schedule.
Utilize your blogger network
There are many ways you can grow your Instagram following. One of the best ways is to connect with other Instagrammers in your niche. You can do this by joining various Instagram groups, visiting bloggers’ bios, and commenting on other people’s posts. When you comment on other people’s posts, be sure to engage with them and share your own content at the same time. While you don’t want to go overboard with your interactions, you should aim to engage with at least 10 other people per day. This will help build your network and encourage followers to engage with your account. By connecting with other Instagrammers, you’re likely to receive a few follows back, which will help your account grow. Plus, you may even make a few new friends along the way!
Make use of hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to increase your post’s visibility, but only if you use them correctly. You want to make sure your hashtags are relevant to your post, and you want to use a limited amount to avoid spamming your content. For example, if you’re a travel blogger, you may want to use #travelbloggers, #travel, and #travelgram. By using these three hashtags, your post will be visible to a larger audience, and you’ll have a better chance of appearing on some Instagram Explore pages. However, don’t use these hashtags verbatim. Instead, include them in your caption to make your post more appealing to your readers.
Summary
Instagram is a powerful platform that can be leveraged for both personal and business growth. Since this is a visual platform, you want to make sure your account is visually appealing, but you don’t want to sacrifice your brand’s identity. To grow your account, you want to start by knowing your content preference and building a solid foundation. This includes using high-quality photos and videos and adding value with your posts by linking them to relevant hashtags. From there, you want to build your blogger network and engage with other Instagrammers to grow your account.