How to Increase Instagram Followers For Your Business
Growing an Instagram following can be a powerful way to boost brand awareness, connect with potential customers, and strengthen your online presence. For businesses, a larger follower base on Instagram means more people engaging with your content, sharing your message, and ultimately, becoming customers. If you're ready to expand your Instagram reach, follow these proven strategies to gain more followers and build a loyal community around your brand.
1. Optimise Your Profile for Searchability
Choose a Descriptive Username and Bio: Make sure your username and bio include keywords relevant to your industry so users can find you more easily.
Use Keywords and Hashtags in Your Bio: Select one or two popular keywords that describe your business and add them to your bio for increased discoverability.
Make Your Contact Information Clear: Including your website, email, or phone number helps users easily connect with you.
Example: A local bakery might use "handcrafted bakery" in its bio to attract users searching for fresh, artisanal pastries in the area.
2. Create High-Quality, Consistent Content
Focus on Visual Quality: High-quality photos, graphics, and videos make your profile more appealing, encouraging new users to follow.
Establish a Consistent Style: Use the same filters, fonts, and colours to maintain a cohesive aesthetic that reflects your brand.
Plan a Posting Schedule: Regular posting, ideally at least three times a week, keeps your content fresh and visible.
Example: A fitness brand could post motivational quotes, exercise tutorials, and success stories following a weekly theme that inspires followers to stay engaged.
3. Use Relevant Hashtags Strategically
Mix Broad and Niche Hashtags: Combine popular industry-wide hashtags with more niche hashtags specific to your brand to reach both large and targeted audiences.
Create a Branded Hashtag: Encourage followers to use it in their own posts for a sense of community and increased exposure.
Avoid Overloading on Hashtags: Stick to about 5-10 relevant hashtags per post to maintain a clean and professional look.
Example: A travel agency might use broad tags like #TravelGoals alongside niche ones like #HiddenGemSpots to connect with both general and targeted audiences.
4. Engage with Your Audience Regularly
Respond to Comments and Messages: Actively engage by responding to comments and DMs to build a connection with your followers.
Use Interactive Story Features: Use polls, questions, and quizzes in Stories to encourage followers to engage directly with your brand.
Show Appreciation for Followers: Like and comment on followers' posts occasionally to strengthen community ties.
Example: A restaurant could ask followers in Stories to vote on upcoming menu items, involving them in the creative process.
5. Collaborate with Influencers or Brands
Partner with Influencers in Your Niche: Find influencers who share your target audience and collaborate on posts, stories, or giveaways.
Run Cross-Promotions with Brands: Partnering with complementary businesses exposes both of your audiences to a new brand.
Offer Exclusive Promo Codes: Create a promo code unique to the influencer or partner brand to encourage followers to engage.
Example: A skincare company might partner with a wellness influencer to showcase products in a routine, reaching followers likely interested in self-care and skincare.
6. Create Valuable Reels and Short Videos
Post Engaging Reels Regularly: Reels are an effective way to reach a larger audience as Instagram promotes them heavily.
Use Trending Sounds: Trending audio can give your Reels an algorithmic boost, reaching more viewers.
Showcase Tutorials and Tips: Teach followers how to use your products, offer quick tips, or give insights into your industry.
Example: A fashion boutique could post a Reel with outfit styling tips, using popular music and showing how to style pieces from their collection.
7. Run a Contest or Giveaway
Encourage Follows and Shares: Make following your account and tagging friends a requirement to enter, which increases visibility.
Offer an Appealing Prize: Choose a prize that aligns with your brand and appeals to your target audience.
Promote the Giveaway Across Platforms: Share your giveaway on Stories, in posts, and even across other social channels to maximise exposure.
Example: A coffee shop could give away a “coffee lover’s basket” to people who follow the account, tag friends, and share the post on their Stories.
8. Leverage Paid Advertising
Experiment with Instagram Ads: Targeted ads can introduce your brand to users who aren’t yet following you.
Use Lookalike Audiences: Reach people similar to your current followers or website visitors for effective targeting.
Promote Top-Performing Posts: Boost posts that are already performing well to increase reach and gain new followers.
Example: A tech accessories store could promote a popular post showcasing its latest product, targeting people interested in similar products.
9. Monitor Analytics and Adjust Your Strategy
Use Instagram Insights: Track which content performs best and when your audience is most active.
Analyse Follower Demographics: Understanding age, location, and interests helps you tailor your content more precisely.
Continuously Optimise Your Approach: Refine your strategy based on what’s working best to keep follower growth steady.
Example: A fitness app might find that posts at 8 pm get the most engagement, prompting them to post more around that time to increase reach.
Conclusion
Growing your Instagram followers takes time and a consistent approach, but by focusing on quality content, strategic engagement, and well-planned promotions, you can steadily expand your audience. If you’re ready to take your Instagram presence to the next level, PRINTFOLD can help with tailored strategies, professional content, and marketing expertise. Start building a loyal, engaged community on Instagram today!