Instagram is one of the most popular social networks for brands. But, that means there’s a ton of competition. There are over 200 million businesses that use Instagram.
So, if you’re going to compete, you’ll need to work strategically to build your followers. Not just any followers, though. A tribe of the right people who care about your brand and what you have to offer them.
That’s easier said than done, of course. So, it’s a good thing you’re here. This post will share 20 different tactics you can use to get tons more Instagram followers.
How To Get Way More Instagram Followers With 20 Easy Tactics
You might know CoSchedule is an all-in-one marketing management platform that helps teams get organized. But, did you know it can schedule Instagram posts and publish directly to Instagram alongside all your other social media? Stop forgetting to post to Instagram already, and instead do it with just a couple of clicks. Go from spontaneous to strategic with CoSchedule’s Instagram scheduling.
Get started for free! Or schedule a free, customized demo with a CoSchedule expert.
As we welcome the Instagram direct posting integration, we want to help you grow your Instagram following. With hard work and these tools, you can stand out amidst the 2.4 billion monthly users on Instagram. Yes, that’s quite the challenge, but we believe in you and have 20 easy ways to get there.
20 Tactics To Grow Your Instagram Following
Alright, now let’s get down to business.
1.) Optimize Your Profile
You can optimize your Instagram profile by making your profile look visually appealing. This means ensuring you have a clear profile picture and a compelling, organized bio with your interests, personality, and what followers can expect from your profile.
2.) Start Posting Consistently
Develop a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Try to aim for roughly 3-5 posts per week. This may seem like a lot depending on what you’re posting about. Some viewers might get annoyed by the amount of posts, so if you notice engagement dropping, it might be time to reevaluate your strategy. Monitor your engagement rates to find your ideal frequency— after all, how to grow your Instagram following is as much about quality as it is about quantity.
3.) Create Quality Content
The best way to grow your followers and keep existing ones is to create and post visually appealing, high-quality content. You can use Instagram’s features like Stories, IGTV, and Reels.
4.) Use Hashtags Strategically
Research and include relevant hashtags in your posts. Mix popular and niche hashtags to reach a broader audience.
5.) Engage with Others
On Instagram, it is simple to engage with your followers or friends. You can respond to comments on your posts, and like, and comment on other users’ content in your niche. You can also send and receive posts via direct message on Instagram, which can help your engagement.
6.) Collaborate with Others
Partner with other users for shoutouts or collaborations.Cross-promotion is a powerful tool in how to grow your Instagram following. Cross-promote each other’s content to reach new audiences. Take pictures with others, tag them on Instagram, and have them do the same for you.
7.) Instagram Stories and Highlights
Share behind-the-scenes content on your Stories. Create Highlights for important content to keep it easily accessible.
8.) Run Contests and Giveaways
Encourage user participation by hosting contests or giveaways. Ask participants to follow, like, and share to enter.
In this example, you can see that the company is ready to give away some great items. Followers can enter this giveaway by liking the post, following two other accounts, tagging a friend in the comments, and reposting it on their stories if they want an extra entry! This is a great way to bring traction to not only your post but your account as well.
9.) Post User-Generated Content
Posting user-generated content (UGC) on Instagram can grow your following by:
- Building community engagement.
- Encouraging participation.
- Expanding your reach.
- Showcases a product or service in real contexts
- Taps into user creativity
- Humanizes your brand
- Creates a sense of belonging
It’s important to share content created by your followers and give them credit. This fosters a sense of community while growing engagement at the same time.
10. Instagram Ads
Instagram ads can play a significant role in growing your Instagram following by using the platform’s advertising features. Instagram ads can help you:
- Increase visibility
- Target your audience
- Promote your product/content/service
- Sponsor influencer posts
- Grow your engagement and bring in revenue
By strategically using Instagram ads, you can not only increase your visibility but also attract a targeted audience that is more likely to engage with your content and become long-term followers.
11. Caption Creatively
One of the best ways to bring in traffic and followers is by writing engaging and relevant captions for your posts. If captions aren’t your strong suit, you can make your life easier by using CoSchedule’s Free Instagram Caption Generator. CoSchedule is your ally in how to grow your Instagram following.
Type in your Topic, Audience, and Tone to instantly generate great caption ideas for your Instagram posts.
12. Promote Your Instagram on Other Platforms
Promoting your Instagram on other social platforms can be a powerful strategy to expand your reach and attract more followers. By leveraging the existing audience on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or X, you tap into diverse user bases who might not be aware of your Instagram presence.
Share engaging snippets, teasers, or highlights from your Instagram content on these platforms, directing users to follow your Instagram account for more. Additionally, utilize cross-promotional tactics, such as sharing exclusive content or promotions on Instagram, and enticing your followers from other platforms to join your Instagram community.
Consistent promotion fosters cross-platform synergy, maximizing your visibility and creating a seamless transition for users to become your followers on Instagram.
13. Follow Relevant Accounts
Following relevant accounts often prompts users to visit your profile, especially if they notice your engagement in their content. This increased activity on your profile can lead to more followers from users interested in your content.
14. Optimize Posting Times
Optimizing posting times on Instagram is essential for reaching and engaging with your target audience. Start by analyzing your Instagram Insights to understand when your current followers are most active. Identify peak engagement hours and days, considering factors like time zones and the demographics of your audience.
By strategically timing your posts, you increase the likelihood of your content appearing in your followers’ needs, attracting more engagement, and ultimately growing your follower base.
15. Create Shareable Content
Creating shareable content on Instagram involves crafting visually appealing and engaging posts that resonate with your audience. Here are some tips to help you create content that users will be eager to share:
- Understand your audience
- Create high-quality visuals
- Tell a story
- Incorporate humor
- Create interactive content
- Engage with the trends
The key is to create content that users find valuable, entertaining, or relatable enough to share with their followers.
16. Host Instagram Live Sessions
You can go live to connect with your audience in real-time. The best way to do this is by announcing your live sessions in advance to build anticipation. The nice thing about going live on Instagram is that all of your followers will get a notification that you’re live, which will make them more likely to join.
17. Utilize Instagram Reels
Utilizing Instagram Reels can rapidly grow your following by tapping into the platform’s algorithm favoring this content format. Reels offer a dynamic, short-form video experience that users love, often appearing on the Explore page. Using creative and engaging Reels can draw in a broader audience, extending your reach and making your content more visible to new users.
18. Monitor Analytics
Monitoring Instagram analytics helps you understand when your audience is most active, what content they engage with, and which hashtags are effective. By adjusting your posting times, creating content based on preferences, and using relevant hashtags, you can increase visibility and attract more followers.
19. Educational Content
Posting educational content on Instagram can attract followers by providing valuable and informative content that meets the needs of your audience. When you share knowledge or insights, users are more likely to engage with and appreciate your content, leading to increased visibility and potential follower growth.
20. Be Authentic
Being authentic on Instagram is crucial for growing your following because authenticity builds trust, fosters genuine connections, and resonates with users in a crowded and often curated online space. Authenticity involves showcasing the real and relatable aspects of your life or brand, allowing followers to connect with you on a personal level.
In a world where users seek authenticity and transparency, genuine content stands out and creates a more meaningful impact. When people feel a connection to your authenticity, they are more likely to engage with your content, trust your brand, and become loyal followers.
There You Have It, 20 Ways On How To Grow Your Instagram Following
Instagram might seem intimidating initially, but if you start with just one of these tactics and continue to do as much as you can, you’ll notice a huge difference. Think about the story you have to tell, develop a habit of posting consistently with CoSchedule, and then make your account as visible as possible. You’ve got this!
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide On How To Use Instagram For Business, How To Get More Followers On Twitter
P.S. Have you tried out CoSchedule’s new Instagram scheduling and posting!? Yes, you heard that right! Quit forgetting to post on Instagram, and instead do it with just a few clicks.
Not only that but now you can see your Instagram schedule alongside everything else in your all-in-one CoSchedule calendar! Get started free today, and check it out for yourself. If you struggle to write catchy Instagram captions, check out our free Instagram caption generator!
