Building a substantial social media following is essential for businesses in today's digital age. With the prominence of the internet and mobile devices, engaged followers can drive more traffic to your website, boost sales, and expand your brand's reach. Among all social media platforms, Instagram stands out as the optimal choice for businesses due to its high user engagement. If you're wondering how to grow your Instagram following, fear not! I have you covered with five proven techniques to attract a larger audience:
1. Optimize Your Profile
To entice people to follow your profile, it's crucial to make it visually appealing. Consider the following steps:
Set your profile to "Public" instead of "Private" in the Options menu. This allows more users to discover your posts, increasing visibility.
Choose a recognizable username. If your business name isn't available, incorporate it into the first half of your username to make it easier to find in searches.
Add your full business name in the Options menu.
Use your brand logo as your profile picture to enhance brand recognition.
Craft a creative and informative bio that showcases your business effectively.
2. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are a powerful tool for expanding your audience. By using the right hashtags, you can make your posts appear in the Discover page and users' searches. Some popular hashtags include #love, #instagood, #photooftheday, #beautiful, and #tbt, among others. Research industry-specific hashtags and incorporate them strategically in your posts.
3. Post Consistently and at Optimal Times
Maintaining an active presence on Instagram is crucial for promoting your business. However, it's important to strike a balance. Here are a few tips:
Post a maximum of three pictures per day to avoid overwhelming your followers.
Determine the optimal times to post by converting your profile into a business profile. This feature reveals when your followers are most active.
Utilize online tools to track and analyze your Instagram statistics.
4. Prioritize Post Quality
High-quality posts attract more attention and engagement. Invest effort into creating visually appealing content by:
Learning photography techniques.
Applying appropriate filters.
Experimenting with different creative approaches to enhance your posts' visual appeal.
5. Harness the Power of Competition
Your competitors' followers are potential customers who require the same products or services you offer. Leverage this opportunity by:
Building good relationships with your competitors. Collaborative posts can benefit both parties by increasing followers.
Engaging with your competitors' followers by following them or liking their posts.
By optimizing your profile, utilizing relevant hashtags, posting consistently and at optimal times, improving post quality, and leveraging your competition, you can attract more followers and expand your business's reach. I hope you find these strategies useful on your Instagram journey.
If you need help with your Instagram strategy, book a free discovery call with me here!
Phaon K. Spurlock, MBA
Marketing Consultant, Speaker + Entrepreneur