How to Get More Instagram Followers: 12 Proven Growth Hacks

Whether you’re using Instagram to connect with your audience or to grow your business, the more followers you have, the more impact you can make. But how can you gain followers organically, without resorting to paid advertising?

This article will reveal 12 proven Instagram growth hacks that you can use to boost your follower count and build a loyal audience. From leveraging Instagram Stories and Reels to understanding the Instagram algorithm, we'll guide you through a comprehensive strategy to maximize your reach and grow your brand on Instagram.

Understanding the Instagram Algorithm

The Instagram algorithm is a complex system that determines which posts are shown to users. By understanding how it works, you can optimize your content to get seen by more people. Here are the three main aspects the algorithm considers:

• Interest: Instagram prioritizes content that aligns with a user's past interests.
• Relationship: The algorithm favors posts from accounts a user regularly interacts with.
• Timeliness: Recent posts are shown first, as users prefer fresh content.

12 Instagram Growth Hacks to Build Your Follower Count

Now, let’s explore 12 actionable strategies to increase your Instagram followers:

1. Utilize Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are a powerful tool for increasing your engagement and building a human connection with your audience. Share behind-the-scenes content, run Q&As or polls, and be authentic in your storytelling. This helps you stand out from the competition and build trust with your followers.

2. Keep it Reels

Instagram Reels offer a unique opportunity to showcase your brand's personality and skills through engaging video content. Create compelling Reels that add value to your audience and aim for the Discover page. With 60 seconds of creative freedom, you can delve deeper into topics and differentiate your brand with compelling short-form content.

3. Influencers who truly influence

Leverage influencer marketing to gain exposure and reach a wider audience. Consider partnering with microinfluencers in your niche, who have a loyal following but are often more affordable than larger influencers.

• Find influencers through relevant hashtags and recommended accounts.
• Reach out to influencers with a personalized message outlining your brand and offer.
• Make sure influencers tag you in any posts or stories they share.

4. Instagram collabs

Collaborate with other brands in your space to expand your reach and tap into each other's audiences. Look for brands that offer complementary products or services and consider offering special package deals.

• Identify aligned brands that share a similar target audience.
• Create co-branded content that benefits both brands.
• Promote the collaboration to your respective audiences.

5. Get engaged

Engage authentically with your followers, your target audience, and other brands in your industry. Respond to comments and messages, like posts you find interesting, and participate in relevant conversations. This will improve your engagement rate and make your content more visible.

• Reply to every comment and message on your posts.
• Engage with followers who are actively interacting with your content.
• Follow relevant brands and accounts in your niche.

6. #Use #hashtags #wisely

Hashtags are essential for making your Instagram content discoverable. Utilize relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience. Experiment with different hashtag strategies, such as including them in your captions or comments, to determine what works best for your brand.

• Use a mix of branded, general, and niche hashtags.
• Research popular hashtags in your industry.
• Avoid using too many hashtags, as it can look spammy.

7. Encourage user-generated content (UGC)

User-generated content is a powerful tool for building trust and authenticity. Encourage your followers to share their experiences with your brand and feature this content on your page. This will give potential customers social proof and demonstrate the value of your products or services.

• Create a branded hashtag for your followers to use.
• Run contests or giveaways that encourage UGC.
• Re-post user-generated content that showcases your brand positively.

8. Create scroll-stopping content

Don't settle for "that'll do" content. Craft high-quality, engaging content that captures attention and delivers value to your audience. This means creating visually appealing content, utilizing unique angles, and making sure your posts are relevant to your target audience.

• Develop a content calendar that includes a mix of formats, such as photos, videos, and Stories.
• Utilize trending topics and challenges to create relevant content.
• Use high-quality images and videos to make your content stand out.

9. Identify your dream customer

Take the time to understand your ideal customer. What are their interests, pain points, and motivations? This will help you tailor your content to resonate with them and build a stronger connection.

• Conduct surveys or polls to gather feedback from your audience.
• Analyze your existing followers and identify common traits.
• Use Instagram analytics to track the performance of your content.

10. Create a highlights reel

Use Instagram highlights to showcase your best content and provide valuable information to new visitors. Organize your highlights into different categories, such as product showcases, services, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.

• Create eye-catching covers for your highlights.
• Feature your most popular or relevant content in your highlights.
• Update your highlights regularly to keep them fresh.

11. Get physical with your audience

Use QR codes to connect your offline events or pop-ups with your Instagram account. This will make it easy for people to follow you and stay connected with your brand.

• Create QR codes that link directly to your Instagram profile.
• Place QR codes at events, pop-ups, or on marketing materials.
• Offer incentives for following your account through QR codes.

12. Get chatty

Engage in conversations with other accounts and brands in your niche. This is a great way to gain exposure, build relationships, and generate buzz around your brand.

• Leave thoughtful comments on posts that are relevant to your niche.
• Participate in industry-specific conversations.
• Host collaborations with other accounts.

Grow your brand on and off social media

Building a strong and engaged following on Instagram is an important part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. By utilizing the tips outlined in this article, you can effectively grow your audience and build a loyal following on the platform. Remember, the key to success is creating valuable and engaging content, understanding the Instagram algorithm, and connecting with your audience in a genuine way.