It’s the question on every creator and small business owner's mind: “How do you get more followers on Instagram?” And it makes sense. Why? Your Instagram account serves as your digital storefront, portfolio, and public diary all in one.
But, there’s a problem, and it’s a big one. Achieving a large number of organic Instagram followers is challenging, as it requires high-quality content, strategic engagement, strong connections, and a few hidden tips.
But, no need to worry. We’re providing the insider blueprint to not only get more Instagram followers but also to build a loyal community that eagerly awaits your content.
Optimizing Your Instagram Account
Optimizing Your Instagram Bio
Before posting a single Instagram update, your profile should be optimized. Your Instagram bio should act as your elevator pitch, so you’ll want to make it sharp, clear, and compelling.
Ideally, your bio must instantly convey who you are, or what your business is, and the value you provide. This is also critical real estate for potential followers to find you through search, niche-specific keywords.
Optimizing Your Instagram Feed
A powerful bio is just the start, though. The most magnetic accounts show a cohesive and stunning Instagram feed. The feed doesn't need to be perfect, but a signature aesthetic that communicates your brand's identity at a glance is excellent.
Mastering Your Instagram Content & the Algorithm
Understanding the Algorithm
To truly grow on Instagram, you need to leverage the full suite of features the platform offers, as well as the algorithm.
Posting Instagram Reels
Currently, the Instagram algorithm heavily favors short-form video, presenting a significant opportunity to quickly gain followers. To achieve this, we recommend creating polished, entertaining, and helpful Reels that utilize trending audio and formats to maximize your discoverability.
Posting Instagram Stories
At the same time, Instagram Stories is great and heavily underutilized, as stories provide an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes view that builds connection and keeps followers loyal. You can use Stories to engage directly with your audience on Instagram, utilizing tools like polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions.
Choosing What to Post
Lastly, picking what to post is equally important. We see it time and again: people creating high-quality content, but without the views. The issue: a tiny niche, a broken format, or dull music. To combat this, we recommend tracking top brands, watching Reels, and noting what’s working for others.
Growing Your Instagram Following Through Engagement
Regularly Responding to Comments
Gaining new Instagram followers is one thing; however, keeping them engaged is the actual test. The secret is building a genuine community. To do this, you’ll want to treat your comments section like a conversation with friends, as responding to comments and DMs shows you value your audience.
Running Collaborations
Collaborations are another powerful tactic, and partnering with other brands on Instagram or creators in your niche exposes your profile to a fresh, relevant audience. This is one of the best ways to attract more followers who are already interested in what you offer, if the collaboration is in the same niche.
Promoting Your Instagram
Choosing Correct Hashtags
To get in front of the right people, you need a strategic approach to promotion. Firstly, using relevant Instagram hashtags is crucial. A good approach is to blend popular hashtags with less competitive, niche-specific ones to connect with a highly targeted audience.
The Best Types of Instagram Posts
Content Type | Primary Goal | Best For | Pro-Tip |
Instagram Reels | Maximum Reach & Discovery | Viral content, tutorials, behind-the-scenes. | The Instagram algorithm prioritizes Reels; use trending audio to reach new followers. |
Instagram Stories | Community Engagement | Q&As, polls, daily updates, linking out. | Use interactive stickers to boost direct followers and engagement. |
Carousel Posts | Education & Storytelling | Step-by-step guides, detailed info, brand stories. | These posts get more saves and shares, signaling value to the algorithm. |
Static Image Posts | High-Quality Visuals | Announcements, product showcases, aesthetic content. | Focus on a stunning visual and compelling Instagram captions to stop the scroll. |
Best Times to Post
When it comes to posting, check your Instagram Insights to understand when your followers are most active, and try to post around those times. For a more streamlined posting schedule, you can also plan and publish your content in advance, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to connect with the best time to post on Instagram.
Posting Schedule and Cross-Promoting Your Instagram
Cross-posting is a great way to get extra reach. Add your handle to your website, embed your Instagram posts in your blog, and include it in your email signature, as creating a complete ecosystem is a great way to increase visibility on your profile. You can also sync all of your accounts to one Social Media Scheduler to do this on autopilot!
Buying Followers: A Quick Way to Get Instagram Followers?
The temptation is understandable, as buying Instagram interactions presents a seemingly simple solution to boost your number of followers overnight and establish social proof.
For those looking to get followers quickly, services that allow you to buy Instagram followers can provide an initial lift, making a new or small account appear more authoritative.
This can attract real followers who might otherwise scroll past; however, this should be viewed as a foundational step, not the entire strategy.
Long-term, sustainable growth comes from quality followers who are genuinely invested in your content.
End Thoughts
By implementing these strategies to increase your Instagram followers, you will not only see your numbers climb but also create a thriving community that is essential for lasting success and maintaining those numbers.
