How To Get More Followers On Instagram In 2024

In today’s digital age, social media platforms such as Instagram have become powerful tools for individuals and businesses to connect, share and engage with a vast audience. A large Instagram following can be beneficial whether you’re a business owner, influencer or just looking to expand your social circle.

With over 1 billion users on the platform, the path to gaining a substantial follower base may seem daunting. In this article, we’ll explore proven techniques and best practices that will help you get more followers on Instagram.

1. Determine Your Target Audience

The first step is to identify your target audience. Analyze your existing customer base and understand their demographics, interests and behaviors. You can also collect information from surveys, focus groups and social media listening platforms.

Social media tools such as Sprout Social, Hootsuite and Buffer can help you determine trends and patterns among your customer base. Also, you can look at your demographics analysis to control the characteristics of your potential followers. From there, create buyer personas representing different customer segments and adapt your tactics accordingly.

2. Switch to an Instagram Business Profile

Switching to an Instagram Business Profile is a savvy strategic move that can propel your brand to new heights. For one, this account type gives you access to Instagram Insights, which provides critical information on account performance, audience demographics, post analytics, discovery metrics and much more.

If you have the budget, you’ll be able to create sponsored Instagram posts and targeted promotions that fuel brand growth.

3. Choose an Instagram Aesthetic

An impressive Instagram aesthetic is a visual representation of your brand’s personality. A well-curated and compatible aesthetic can attract followers, enhance engagement and ensure your profile stands out from others.

When deciding on an Instagram aesthetic, consider the impression you want to evoke in your audience. Do you want a minimalistic, vibrant, vintage or luxurious look and feel? Explore Instagram profiles of competitors or brands for visual inspiration.

A good tip is to select a color palette to create a cohesive color scheme for a harmonious and recognizable feed. You can also utilize photo editing tools or filters to create a consistent look for your images.

Being Frenshe’s feed uses soft neutral tones to create a soothing atmosphere. The serene images of time spent in nature help to evoke a sense of relaxation and self-confidence. Because Being Frenshe celebrates self care and embraces a “less is more” approach, its Instagram feed showcases fresh-faced models in natural poses, often without heavy makeup.

4. Plan Content With a Social Media Calendar

A social media content calendar is a valuable tool for planning, organizing and executing your social media content strategy. Not only can it help save time, but it can also streamline your social media workflow. More importantly, it allows you to create and prepare content in batches, schedule posts in advance and automate certain aspects of your posting process.

Social media content calendar tools including CoSchedule and Later can help you organize posts. You’ll get an overview of upcoming posts and strategically mix promotional content to keep your feed interesting. If you work with a team, these tools can be a central reference point for coordination and communication.

5. Add Links to Your Instagram Bio

Sure, an Instagram bio provides a brief description of what your business is about. However, it is the only section where you can add personalized links to your website, blog posts and promos—so use it wisely.

A decent tip is to use tools such as Linktree, which lets you create a customized page with links to your blog, website, blog, donation pages, social media profiles, and other external destinations. Instead of changing links in your Instagram bio every time you wish to promote something new, update your Linktree page instead.

6. Optimize Your Instagram Account for SEO

While Instagram is primarily a visual platform, implementing SEO strategies can help increase the discoverability of your profile and posts, driving more organic traffic and engagement

Here are some vital elements of Instagram SEO:

• Username and Display Name: Choose a username that reflects your brand or identity
• Bio: Craft a compelling, keyword-rich bio that accurately describes your account or business
• Captions: Write engaging and informative captions that incorporate relevant keywords
• Alt Text: Add alt text to your images to help search engines understand the content of your posts

Geotagging: If your content is location-specific, use geotags to reach users searching for content related to a particular location

7. Reply to Comments, Messages and Mentions

Prompt responses demonstrate that you are engaged and interested in what your audience thinks. When you consistently reply to people, it helps spark conversations and fosters a sense of community with your followers. More importantly, it can increase loyalty, trust and brand advocacy.

Instagram’s algorithm also considers engagement metrics when determining the visibility of posts in users’ feeds. More engagement means that your content is valuable and relevant. As a result, you can attract more attention from a wider audience.

8. Encourage User-Generated Content

People trust the feedback of other people, not businesses. That’s why user-generated content is an effective way to build social proof and consumer confidence. When potential followers see content featuring satisfied customers, it builds trust and credibility. They are more likely to perceive your brand as authentic, reliable and worth following.

User-generated content also has the possibilities to attract a wider audience. When users or influencers share content featuring your brand, their friends may be interested to check out your brand too. Forbes reports 60% of consumers believe content from a family or friends can impact their purchasing decisions.

For example, the #ShotOniPhone campaign encouraged iPhone users to share visually stunning photos captured by their devices. The campaign proved that the iPhone can capture professional-level photographs.

9. Collaborate With Influencers and Brands in Your Niche

Influencers and brands often have niche audiences with specific interests, demographics or lifestyles. They have also built a community of like-minded individuals who trust their recommendations. Collaborating with these folks ensures your message reaches people more likely to be interested in and engaged with your brand.

Successful collaboration requires carefully selecting influencers whose values align with your brand.

For example, Benefit Cosmetics partnered with influencer Manny MUA for the #benefitofcrocschallenge. The campaign encouraged participants to show beauty routines while wearing Crocs on their hands on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

10. Optimize Posts With Hashtags

Identify hashtags that are relevant to your content. Use Instagram’s search feature or explore popular hashtags in your industry to find the most suitable options.

Look for a mix of broad and niche hashtags to improve discoverability. Explore a hashtag’s “Top” and “Recent” sections to see how frequently it’s used and the level of engagement it generates.

11. Host an Instagram Contest

Instagram contests allow users to expand your reach. Some games require you to follow their accounts to participate, which leads to a considerable increase in followers. By offering an enticing incentive or prize, you can simply attract individuals who may not have been aware of your account and easily convert them into your long-term followers.

12. Post Interactive Instagram Stories

Stories appear at the top of the user’s feed, making it prime real estate for branded content. Unlike a curated feed, it offers a casual way to share spontaneous and relatable content.

Most brands use this content format to showcase behind-the-scenes footage, live updates and in-the-moment experiences. Usually, it also comes with a wide range of interactive features such as polls, quizzes, question stickers and swipe-up links.

For example, Vogue’s account has stories promoting its podcast, events, the Met Gala and the #VogueWorld live stream.

Although Instagram Story Highlights and Stories seem similar, it’s important to account that there’s a clear difference between them. Stories have a 24-hours life span. Meanwhile, highlighted stories appear between your Instagram bio and photo feed.

13. Apply for Verification

The blue verification badge proves an account represents a notable figure, celebrity, brand or public figure. Applying for verification builds trust because users know that they are interacting with a legitimate account rather than a fake or impersonated one.

14. Use Instagram Live

Instagram Live allows you to interact with your audience in real time. The unscripted and genuine experience enables brands to share unedited and spontaneous moments with their audience. It also provides a nice contrast since the social media platform is typically known for its polished and curated posts.

When hosting an Instagram Live, respond to comments, answer questions and acknowledge your viewers. If you foster a connection and make them feel valued, you can encourage them to follow your account for future Live sessions.

15. Use a Branded Hashtag

Using a branded hashtag can enhance your brand recognition. Beyond using your brand’s name, consider phrases encapsulating your brand’s values, mission or campaign. Aim for a hashtag that is easy to remember. Whichever you pick, ensure it is a hashtag distinctly associated with your brand.

For example, the #MyCalvins hashtag encouraged people to share photos of themselves wearing Calvin Klein underwear.

16. Create AR Filters

AR filters allow users to transform their videos or selfies using branded elements.It not only can create interactive product experiences, but also strengthen people’s connection with your brand.

Cosmetics brands can create virtual makeup try-on filters, allowing users to see how different products look on their faces. For example, Narsissist launched the “Air Matte” filter, which lets users try their new color from their Air Matte selection.

17. Create Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels’ short-form video format lets you tell your brand’s story in bite-sized and memorable moments. Similar to TikTok, you can showcase your products and services while integrating call-to-action buttons, links and engaging storytelling.

Within the Explore page, you will also find a dedicated section specifically for Instagram Reels.

An Instagram Reels feed even allows you to discover and browse a continuous stream of likable short videos from accounts they follow and don’t. Creating high-quality reels with appropriate hashtags and keywords can attract new followers to your account.

18. Cross-Promote Your Instagram Account

Cross-promotion can effectively increase your visibility, attract new followers and expand your reach across different platforms. You can place links to your Instagram profile on your email signature, website or social media accounts.

For example, you can connect your Instagram account to TikTok, create TikToks that promote your Instagram account, then encourage users to check out your Instagram profile.

Remember to cross-promote in off-line channels through business cards, product packaging, signage or any other marketing materials you distribute. Whenever appropriate, share your Instagram content so that people will appreciate your brand.

19. Use the Right Social Media Management Software

Some social media management software offers a lot of advantages for businesses and individuals. The right tool can help you organize your posts, create a content calendar and schedule them at optimal times for maximum engagement. You can run multiple Instagram accounts, engage with followers, respond to messages and comments in one centralized location and view analytics.

If you’re working with a team, the right tool can foster collaboration and streamline your workflow. You can assign roles, grant access to specific accounts, coordinate content creation and manage approval processes. To narrow your options, check out our list of best social media management software.

20. Conduct a Competitor Analysis

In the fiercely competitive world of Instagram, keeping a close eye on your competitors is not just a smart move—it’s a strategic imperative. By delving into the activities of your rivals, you gain a deeper understanding of their content strategy, audience engagement tactics and overall performance. This knowledge gives you the necessary intelligence to fine-tune your approach and areas where you may need to step up your game.

Bottom Line

Increasing your followers on Instagram requires a strategic approach. Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience, maintain a consistent posting schedule and engage authentically with your followers. Building an engaged community takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)