In 2024, Instagram is expected to reach 1.4 billion users.
As a business, it is natural to want to build up a healthy follower account on all your social media profiles. But as one of the most visual platforms, Instagram is especially ideal for ecommerce stores which want to sell their products directly on social media.
With still images and reels to choose from, there is a lot that businesses can do to expand their follower count, reach, impressions and their resulting web visits from Instagram.
That said, building genuine followers on Instagram takes a good strategy along with patience. So here are our top pointers to boost your Instagram follower count today.
Understand The Differences Between Personal Profiles & Instagram For Business
Different profile types exist whether you have a personal Instagram account or if you run an account on behalf of a business.
By selecting a business account, you’ll receive access to lots more features to help sell your products directly through Instagram, as well as build a loyal customer following.
But beyond the formalities, there is also a difference to consider in terms of posting content that will appeal to your customers, rather than personal content you want to share for your own interests.
It sounds simple enough, but users will follow accounts if they find the content relevant to their needs. Therefore, a business Instagram account really needs to engage with customers not least in terms of curated content.
Work On Your Profile
Your Instagram profile should succinctly introduce your brand and be written in a compelling way to attract followers.
Having a link to your website makes your Instagram profile look credible, and also encourages shoppers to click through to your website. In terms of growing followers, filling in such details adds more context and relevance for users so that they can get to know your brand.
If you have a physical store, then the location should also be listed in your profile. The profile picture should also represent your branding or company image so that potential followers can instantly understand what your business is about.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are one of the oldest tricks in the book to gain followers on Instagram. That’s because people actively search for keywords and phrases in the ‘Explore’ tab. So it makes sense to use as many (relevant!) hashtags as possible if you want your business to be found.
If you are a local business, then you should also be adding location-based hashtags to your content as well as tagging your location in images.
You can also use the ‘explore’ tab to connect with others in your area to build an online presence with those physically located near your business.
Create Valuable Content
Building followers on Instagram requires a solid strategy. That’s why there should be prior planning of your images, video and copy to ensure it will be a hit with your audience.
There’s always room for spontaneous lives or photoshoots. However, every piece of content needs a purpose along with a clear sense of positioning so that you understand who it’s speaking to and what it’s trying to achieve.
Consider all the ways you can create value for your audience including how-to guides and similar tips and tricks relevant to your business.
Post Regularly
Your Instagram feed is not going to grow itself. That means it’s not enough to post a few times and then not check your account for six months!
There’s no set formula as to how often you should post on Instagram. But if building followers is your aim, posting daily is for the best. Every post should be part of a strategy and include relevant hashtags and all the other good stuff to maximise reach.
Use Paid Ads
PPC is not just for Google, as you can also use paid ads on Instagram too.
If you have created a new account, are in a competitive market or are struggling to get organic traffic to your page, then paid ads can offer a lifeline. However, it’s essential to create targeted campaigns so that your ads reach the right audience, rather than targeting everyone which is less effective.
Similar to PPC for websites, using paid ads alongside organic methods of building traffic can be very effective. This is especially the case if you use either technique to counteract any weaknesses in the other to create an overall strong strategy.
Run Giveaways Or Contests
All of us get our heads turned at the thought of winning something we would really like, whether that’s a pair of shoes or a holiday. Whatever your business does, there is definitely something you can give away (even if it’s a gift voucher) that will encourage comments, likes, shares and ultimately follows of your profile.
Monitor Analytics
When all is said and done, you have to be constantly monitoring the performance of your Instagram profile and individual posts. Doing so will allow you to see what’s working, along with eliminating any techniques which just aren’t bringing in the followers. Put the effort in to refine your strategy and success will follow.
Imaginaire – Social Media Marketing Agency Nottingham
Is your business struggling to build a following on Instagram? Whether you are building a brand from scratch or need to revive an existing Instagram page, the social media experts here at Imaginaire are here to help.
We’re based in Nottingham and work with businesses across the UK. Head to our digital marketing page to see the types of services we offer to help you acquire more customers.
Want to chat with our social team directly? Please drop us a message or give us a call on 0115 697 1541.