With more than 1 billion active users every month, Instagram continues to dominate and be one of the most popular websites. It is no surprise to see so many brands investing resources and trying to establish themselves as niche authorities on the platform.
Trying to compete as a newcomer is always tricky. Those who have had a head start on Instagram have the advantage, but that should not be something to discourage you from trying. Use the following methods, and you will notice how the number of followers on your Instagram profile starts to grow.
Method #1 – Post Video Content
Instagram was nothing but pictures at first. However, it was only a matter of time before developers introduced another type of content.
Instagram might not overtake YouTube as the most popular video platform, but the Instagram video views continue to grow.
Some profiles even use a video downloader to download videos from all over the internet and use them as their own. Anything that has the potential to go viral and attract more followers is good enough for some. And if you feel like this method can also benefit your profile, go for it.
Method #2 – Like Other Photos
Liking photos of other profiles will attract engagement, especially from newcomers like yourself. Brands are likely to reciprocate if they notice that you are engaging in their every post.
It does not mean that you should go around liking every piece of content you can find, but if there is some free time, it will help grow your Instagram account by engaging other people’s posts.
Method #3 – Create a Unique Hashtag
A unique hashtag is one of the best indicators that you are doing well on Instagram. Hashtags help people find your posts, and you should not be surprised to see so many profiles putting multiple hashtags in their posts.
It takes time to think of something that stands out, especially given how many hashtags already exist on Instagram. But if you want to be different from others and dominate the niche, a unique hashtag will have to happen sooner or later.
Method #4 – Engage with Your Audience
Show your audience that you are a real person. Even if it is a simple response to a comment, it will still do a world of good in indicating that you care about your followers.
Method #5 – Organize Giveaways
Giveaways and contests are one of the easiest methods to get more followers on any social media platform, Instagram included. People love free stuff, and they will be more than happy to enter as long as the fee is leaving a comment or liking the post.
Such pieces of content tend to go viral rather quickly, and if you are lucky, the number of followers will grow by quite a bit after the contest or giveaway is over.
Method #6 – Use Instagram Stories
Instagram stories are still a relatively new feature, but they can become a powerful marketing tool. Since stories last for only 24 hours, more and more brands are taking advantage of them by teasing exclusive stuff or even organizing limited giveaways or discounts.
Keep in mind, though, that abusing stories and posting them every day will cheapen the effect. So while they can be of great value, do not take things too far.
Method #7 – Collaborate with Other Brands
It would be difficult to think of a better method than working with influencers and brands if you want to excel with the follower numbers when starting on Instagram.
Even a simple shoutout, when it is provided by a relevant influencer, will send followers your way. Of course, you cannot expect free advertisement. You will need to reciprocate by paying them money or offering free stuff.
Method #8 – Post Consistently
Keeping up with the schedule is another imperative aspect of running a successful Instagram profile. Brands that fail to provide content consistently are bound to lose numbers.
You should try to post at least once every day, and in a time frame that gets the most engagement. Use automation tools that allow you to schedule posts in advance if you cannot post them live.
Method #9 – Share User-Generated Content
Speaking of content, if you are running out of ideas, incentivizing your followers to send you some ideas is a good piece of advice.
Tell them that you will share their creations on your channel. It will give exposure to artists with fewer followers and provides you with more content.
Method #10 – Follow Trends
Keep up with the trends so that you are aware of what is happening in your industry and can take advantage of that. People are more likely to react to the most important events. Whenever there is a chance to create a post, or even share your ideas about the current situation, do not hesitate and do it.