Instagram is one of the leading social media platforms. With around 2 billion users, it offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to extend their reach.
However, if you have had an Instagram profile for a while now, you have probably already realized that building a successful following takes hard work.
The good news is that there are certain strategies that you can adopt to speed up the process and ensure your growth. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top five leading organic strategies that you can use to unleash your potential.
How to Grow Your Following Organically
Instagram (and other social media platforms) use algorithms to get users to stay on the app longer. They do this by showing them content that piques their interest. Fortunately, content creators can use these algorithms to their advantage and improve their online presence.
Here are five foolproof ways to get more Instagram followers:
1. Optimize Your Profile Bio
The truth is that your Instagram profile is one of the first things users will see when they land on your page, so it’s important to pay attention to it. Make sure that you have a clear and engaging profile photo that accurately represents you or your brand.
You’ll also need to include contact information that allows users to get in touch with you if they have any questions.
However, perhaps the most important part of your profile is your bio. Here are some of the most important elements to include here:
A description of you or your business and what you do,Text that conveys your brand personality,A call to action, andOne clickable link.Keep in mind that Instagram bios are a maximum of 150 characters long, so make sure that the content you put here is impactful.
2. Post High-quality Content
In the land of social media, content is king, so if you are not paying attention to what you post, you will likely struggle to gain followers.
Instagram users typically use the platform for entertainment and useful tips and tricks. You will need to conduct your research to see what your target market is interested in to ensure a targeted approach.
Make sure that you are posting reels and short-form content regularly to increase engagement and improve your online visibility.
You must also ensure that the content you put out there is educational and adds value to the user’s life. However, do not lose sight of your brand values and voice when producing content. Don’t forget that there should always be consistency.
3. Engage with Followers
Engaging with your followers is another powerful way to grow your following and establish a sustainable community on Instagram. The truth is that consumers don’t want to interact with robots but real people.
When you reply to comments, share feedback that you received from customers, respond to direct messages, and more, you show your human side, which is more likely to help you score points with your target audience.
To improve engagement, you can use polls, stories, Q&A sessions, and more. Another great way to encourage a sense of community and attract new followers is by hosting competitions and giveaways. You can offer prizes in exchange for people referring a friend or taking a desired action.
4. Use Relevant Hashtags
Instagram hashtags offer brands a great opportunity to expand their reach. Hashtags are not just a new trend but a categorization system that social media platforms use to make content more accessible. They are useful tools that users utilize to find similar content.
Suppose someone is interested in cake decorating. In that case, they can use “#cakedecorating” to find similar videos. If you run a bakery and offer this service, you can reach users by including this hashtag in your content.
Make sure that you are using popular hashtags to ensure that your content is viewed by as many people as possible.
5. Collaborate with Influencers
If you want to improve your visibility on Instagram, one of the best ways to do this is to partner with prominent influencers and content creators. These individuals will likely already have a large following and can provide reviews and recommendations that encourage their followers to view your brand in a positive light.
Data from Statista indicates that the influencer market value was 21.1 million in 2023. This is a testament to the effectiveness of this method to obtain followers organically.
A word of advice, though. Choose your influencers wisely. Ideally, your target market should be found amongst the content creator’s followers.
Organic vs. Inorganic Methods
Now that we have discussed the top five organic methods to help grow your following, let’s talk about the difference between organic and inorganic practices.
When you acquire followers organically, you do so naturally by producing engaging content. These methods are focused on attracting your target market and creating a community that is genuinely interested in your brand.
It’s also important to note here that Instagram and other social media platforms favor organic methods, as these profiles tend to get more engagement, but they take much longer to produce the desired results.
Inorganic practices, on the other hand, involve buying followers to grow your following faster.
If you are looking for long-term sustainability, it’s important to use organic methods to create a community. However, inorganic practices used strategically can supplement your approach and help you enjoy more reliable growth.
However, when buying Instagram followers, it’s important to choose a reputable company. Some service providers use bots, which could result in you being penalized, as this is against Instagram’s policy. Instead, choose platforms like Twicsy for reliable, high-quality followers.
The Bottom Line
The importance of pursuing organic practices to grow your Instagram following cannot be stressed enough. However, it’s important to remember that this approach will take time, resulting in delays. This can cost you!
To speed things up and enjoy long-term benefits, we recommend supplementing your organic methods with inorganic strategies.
