Growing Instagram followers is an essential goal for businesses and influencers looking to expand their online presence. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram offers unparalleled opportunities for brand visibility and audience engagement. But simply having an account isn’t enough—you need a solid strategy to attract and retain followers.
Here are the best practices for growing Instagram followers in 2024:
1. Optimise Your Profile
Your Instagram profile is the first impression new visitors have of your brand. Make sure your bio clearly communicates who you are and what you offer. Use relevant keywords and a link to your website or landing page. A high-quality profile photo, such as your logo, also helps establish brand recognition. Ensure your profile is public so new users can easily find and follow you.
2. Post Consistently and at Optimal Times
Consistency is key to growing Instagram followers. Posting regularly keeps your content top of mind for your current audience and signals to Instagram’s algorithm that you’re an active account. However, it’s not just about frequency—it’s also about timing. Use Instagram Insights to determine when your followers are most active and schedule your posts accordingly. Posting when your audience is online increases the chances of your content being seen, liked, and shared.
3. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content
Content is the cornerstone of growing Instagram followers. Focus on creating high-quality visuals that resonate with your target audience. Whether it’s product photos, behind-the-scenes videos, or user-generated content, ensure it aligns with your brand’s message. Engaging content that prompts likes, comments, and shares helps increase your post’s visibility and encourages new followers.
4. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are still one of the most effective ways to increase your content’s reach. By using relevant and targeted hashtags, you make your posts discoverable to users who are searching for those specific topics. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but it’s best to stick to 5-10 highly relevant hashtags. Mix popular hashtags with niche-specific ones to attract the right audience and help in growing Instagram followers.
5. Collaborate with Influencers and Brands
Partnering with influencers or complementary brands is a great way to grow your Instagram followers. When you collaborate with someone who already has a large, engaged following, you expose your account to potential followers who are interested in your niche. Sponsored posts, giveaways, or shout-outs can all help you tap into new audiences and grow your follower base.
6. Engage with Your Audience
Engagement is a two-way street. Responding to comments, liking your followers’ posts, and participating in conversations is a simple yet effective way to foster relationships with your audience. When users feel connected to your brand, they’re more likely to follow you and recommend your account to others. Encourage interaction by asking questions or running polls and quiz through Instagram Stories.
7. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels
Instagram Stories and Reels are powerful tools for growing Instagram followers. Stories keep your audience engaged with behind-the-scenes content or daily updates, while Reels allow you to create viral, short-form videos that can be featured on Instagram’s Explore page. Incorporating these formats into your Instagram strategy increases your chances of being discovered by new users and converting them into followers.
In Conclusion: Growing Instagram followers takes a combination of consistency, high-quality content, and strategic engagement. By optimising your profile, posting at the right times, using relevant hashtags, and collaborating with others, you can steadily increase your follower base. Keep experimenting with content types like Stories and Reels to stay fresh and relevant, and most importantly, foster meaningful connections with your audience for long-term success.
