Started out as a fun photo-sharing app, Instagram soon evolved into a great social media platform. Today, it has become an essential digital marketing channel. According to Statista, by the end of June 2018, Instagram’s network of active users reached the 1 billion mark. The mobile photo-sharing app has grown exponentially since its launch in 2010.
Brands have realized the potential Instagram holds for digital marketing and are utilizing each hack and technique from hashtags, live stories, captions, stunning logo design, social graphics, and much more to gain the most out of it.
In today’s technology-oriented era, Instagram showcases a brands personality as well as sheds light on the products and services, just like a portfolio or brochure design. This makes Instagram one of the most critical digital marketing mediums where you can gain great engagement, substantial followers. The key is to achieve real and relevant followers before you start creating paid campaigns.
Here are ten tips that will help you get real Instagram followers:
1. Master the art of hash-tagging
Hashtags and Images are the heart and soul of Instagram. Make sure you are not only using the one-word popular hashtags, but also long-tailed hashtags. These could be funny, heart-touching, ironic, or even outrageous; just make sure they stand out.
Check out what others are using, many great brands have specific iconic and hilarious hashtags which convey their brand message. Check how many times a hashtag has been used to know if it can attract a large number of users.
2. Build your own unique Instagram style
While most companies focus on reaching out to people, the smarter way is to develop great content and establishing a unique style, so that the users follow you based on what they see instead. This is one of the most efficient as well as sustainable technique to find real followers and keep them with you.
It is also critical as your distinctive style will help you stand out, and users can identify your post in the newsfeed and will start looking forward to finding your updates when they use the app.
3. Create a killer profile
The profile should be as remarkable as a solid handshake in an interview after all this is what tells users more about your brand. Start with a stunning and awe-inspiring logo design and provide information not just for the sake of it but to leave an impression in the minds of the user.
Craft a strong bio with which the user can connect. Since you have only 150 characters, use them judiciously. You can add your one or maybe two most relevant hashtags so your profile can feature in search results. Add links to your other social media accounts and even website.
4. Cross-promoting your exclusive hashtag is a must
Ever wondered why some brands/influencers put their Facebook or Instagram handle on their promotional literature. Today, your Instagram handle tells a lot about the brand just like your logo.
While logos are critical in creating initial impressions and recall, an Instagram handle on a pamphlet/business card can help the user find and follow you on Instagram. If you have a WordPress website, you can even add a plugin and display a glimpse of your Instagram feed as part of the online web design.
5. Join and create communities
When you join communities, you can interact with other users, increasing your visibility. Another great technique is to create a community. Find common ground and like-minded people.
Encourage users to submit their content in a particular format by either tagging or using particular hashtags which can give them a chance to be featured. At the same time, be active and participate through likes, comments, and original content.
6. Make the most of influencer marketing
Stay updated with what the influencers of your industry or space are doing. Turn on the notifications for their profiles so that you don’t miss their content. Remember, they are influencers for a reason, and their posts can provide you with an insight as well as inspiration to gain more genuine followers.
7. Interact with the audience
The key to getting real followers is participating in conversations. Keep commenting, liking and sharing posts consistently. Always respond to the comments and keep looking for like-minded people and pages to follow.
Other great ways are creating content in collaborations or Instagram takeovers; this helps both parties in benefiting from each other’s audience and attracting new followers.
8. Add photos which are relatable
Being a photo-sharing app, Instagram is all about the visual. Some brands even create a series of posts so that a new user visits their profile. The images from a series of posts come together forming a whole image using apps such as 9Cut or Photo split for a stunning effect.
9. Organize contests or giveaways
Hosting Contests and giveaways is probably one of the oldest forms of attracting users. This method has proven to be a success in both offline and online marketing. Make sure you are offering something relevant to your industry as gratification so that you attract the right audience.
Also, encourage your users to tag friends and follow your page, this helps in not only getting new followers but also increase the visibility.
10. Always add a Call to Action
More exposure means more chances of acquiring real followers. One of the most popular yet more effective technique is adding “Double-tap to Like” at the end of the caption. This helps to engage the user and tells them what you want them to do.
Some posts would perform better with tagging or re-posting as a CTA. Remember Instagram is a social channel and not broadcasting medium. Figure out a smart CTA which makes it an interaction between you and the user.
The bottom line
The golden rule is – the more exposure means more engagement which gives you more opportunities to get more followers. Try out these ten tips with your social media strategy, and you will notice a significant influx of followers.
Include the different tips, hacks, techniques; and figure out which ones work for you the best. Make Instagram stats your new best friend to identify which posts, hashtags or CTA gets you more engagement and followers!
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