The most efficient way to get followers on Instagram

Instagram is one of the best social media platforms for businesses to be a part of. It is the second-most downloaded free app on the Apple app store. According to Hootsuite, 75.3% of U.S businesses will use Instagram in 2020. Instagram is another way for you to reach your target audience. Some businesses find it frustrating to gain followers. However, it is possible whether you do it organically or in paid methods. Here are a few things to consider:

Organic:

• Content The quality of the content you put out is extremely important. Here are 3 things to consider:

  • Bio - The first impression is most significant. Your bio should include a brief description of your business. What can you offer them? Give users a reason to follow you. Don’t forget to include your website link, if applicable.

  • Posts - Make sure your posts align with your brand image. Apart from creating rich content, I suggest creating a consistent look. For example, you may incorporate a color scheme to your content. Always remember to be bold, creative, and original.

  • Captions - You must write a caption for every post! Make sure that it is bold and attention-grabbing. First, include a short description of your photo. What is happening in the post? Next, add an open-ended question. This will help spark up conversations in your comment section. Don’t be afraid to include your Call-To-Action. Lastly, add hashtags. Include relevant hashtags, as well as your own branded hashtags to your caption.

• Posting Consistency: Consistency is key to a successful social media profile. You’ve probably heard this before, and it’s because it is true. Users tend to follow business profiles whose content is updated frequently. I suggest you plan out your posts in advance. Figure out your post frequency goals. Whether you choose to post one picture 3 days a week, or once every day, it is entirely up to you. However, make sure your content is valuable. DO NOT POST JUST TO POST. What do you bring to the table?

• Engage, engage, engage! Your job does not end after posting content. It is vital that you engage with your followers. Like their comments and reply to them. Let them know that you acknowledge their support (in better wording, of course). In terms of gaining followers, you can follow hashtags related to your business. As you scroll down the feed, like some of the pictures that coincide with your niche. You may even comment on their posts. This will give them a reason to view your profile, which could result in a follow! Another way to boost engagement is by using IG Stories. Tools that will increase follower engagement include polls, quizzes, questions, and challenges. This will allow you to hear back from your followers.

Paid:

• Giveaways: Hosting a giveaway will lead more users to your profile. The fact is, incentives seem to attract everyone. To take advantage of this method, assign rules which will drive traffic to your profile. For example, “To participate: 1) Follow us @yourbusinesshandle 2) Tag 2 friends below in the comments and 3) Share this post in your story and tag us!” Shortly after, you will be receiving many comments and follows.

• Influencer Marketing: Research potential influencers with whom you can work with. Work with someone who has the desired target audience as your business. Two ways small businesses can work with influencers include: sponsored posts, in which they will feature your product or service in their feed and stories. Second, they may do product or service reviews.

• Ads: The most obvious…paid advertising! You may sponsor your posts, which can reach a larger audience. There are also story ads, video ads, and carousel ads. This will drive awareness to your profile.

Remember, the number of followers you have is not as important as the level of engagement you are receiving. Some brands and businesses have 10k+ followers, but only receive 50 likes and 2 comments. The most important tip is to improve engagement. Instead of gaining followers, you will gain customers.

Writer: Antonio Thorton