Did you know in 2024, over 2 billion people use Instagram monthly? With such a massive audience, it's no wonder many users want to grow their follower base. A strong follower base allows you to connect with a wider audience, build brand awareness, and even drive sales.
But in a sea of content, how do you stand out and attract new followers? This article will explore proven strategies to gain more Instagram followers in 2024.
Types of Followers on Instagram
Gaining a lot of followers on Instagram is a goal pursued by many users, especially businesses. However, it is important to understand that there are several types of Instagram followers. Let's see some of them:
1. Temporary/Seasonal Followers
This type of follower follows your account for a while, perhaps because of a trend or specific content you shared at the time. They are usually not very consistent in their interaction and may unfollow you after a while or when your content is no longer relevant to their interests.
2. Silent Followers
Silent followers are the type of followers who rarely or never interact with your content. Although they still follow your account, they tend to be inactive in commenting, liking, or sharing your content. They prefer to simply consume content without providing feedback.
3. Promo Hunters
This type tends to follow your account to get offers, giveaways, discounts, or free content. They are more interested in promotions and special offers than the original content you share. While they can help increase your follower count, they may not be very engaged with your content unless there is a financial incentive.
4. Loyal Followers
They are the most valuable type of follower. They not only follow your account but are also actively engaged with your content. They often comment, like, and share your content. They can also be loyal supporters of your brand or content.
Maintaining good relationships with this type of follower is key to long-term growth and success on a platform like Instagram.
How to Get Followers on Instagram
After understanding the types of followers, here are some strategies you can apply to get more followers.
1. Optimize Your Instagram Profile
Before you start attracting new followers, make sure to set up your profile properly. Use a username that is easy to remember and represents you or your business.
Fill in all the required information clearly, including a relevant website address or contact. In addition, choose an attractive profile picture that reflects your identity or branding.
2. Make Your Account Public
Making your Instagram account public is an important step in expanding your reach. This way, you give more people the opportunity to see and follow the content you share.
3. Use Attractive and Conceptualized Content
Attractive and well-conceptualized content has a strong appeal and can capture the attention of users. Make sure to plan and create content that is relevant to the interests and needs of your followers to build engagement and attract new followers on Instagram. You can also try to create content that focuses on a specific niche.
4. Take Advantage of Available Features
Instagram offers various features that you can use to make your content more attractive and varied. For example, you can use the Stories feature to share everyday moments spontaneously or Reels for creative video content.
5. Connect with Other Platforms
Don't limit yourself to Instagram only. Also take advantage of your presence on other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat to promote your Instagram account.
In addition, if you have a business, consider also doing offline promotion by creating attractive brochures or posters that mention your Instagram account.
6. Use Location Tags and Relevant Hashtags
Adding location tags to your posts and using relevant hashtags can help increase the visibility of your content and make it easier for users interested in a particular topic or location to find it.
Let's take a look at an Instagram account called @qinlovesmacaronsss. This account uses a variety of hashtags related to skincare tips and the skincare products she uses.
Also Read: How To Use Hashtags Effectively In Your Social Media
7. Write Attractive Captions
One way to increase the appeal of your posts on Instagram is to provide attractive and cool captions. A good caption can not only attract attention but also attract people's sympathy.
To add interaction, you can include a question at the end of the caption to invite responses from followers.
8. Post Content at the Right Time
Posting content at the right time will have a significant impact on increasing the number of Instagram followers. Why? Because the users are online, browsing their feeds and explores, so the chances of them engaging with your content are higher.
Plus, content that has high user engagement will also be considered for display to other users. You can find the right time to post content by looking at the data on your Instagram Analytics account.
9. Create a Consistent Posting Schedule
Speaking of developing Instagram, the key is that you have to be consistent. By posting content consistently, more and more people will get to know your brand. Especially if you are able to present attractive and quality content, it is not impossible that this can build their trust.
10. Interact with Content in the Explore Tab
The Explore tab is a great place to find interesting and trending content on Instagram. By interacting on the Explore tab, you can increase the visibility of your account and attract the interest of new followers. Don't hesitate to like, comment, or share interesting content to expand the reach of your content on the Explore tab.
11. Actively Interact with Followers
The best way to build strong relationships with followers is to actively interact with them. Responding to comments, likes, and messages from followers not only shows appreciation for their support but also helps strengthen the relationship between the brand and followers.
Check out how Lexniko responds to her followers' comments on one of her posts.
12. Share User-Generated Content
Sharing user-generated content (UGC) is an effective way to strengthen your brand's trust and credibility. User-generated content, such as reviews or photos, can provide authentic perspectives and help attract the interest of new followers.
13. Collaborate with Content Creators
Another powerful way to increase genuine followers is to collaborate with content creators or influencers who have the same goals as you. This way, you can benefit from getting a new group of followers.
You don't always have to partner with big content creators or influencers, you can also try working with nano and micro influencers who usually have higher engagement than macro influencers.
Also Read: Influencer Marketing: Definition, Types, Benefits, and Tips
14. Follow Popular Accounts
Following popular accounts or influencers who are relevant to your industry or interests can also help increase your account's exposure to a larger audience. By expanding your network and engaging in relevant communities, you can attract the attention of new followers and expand the reach of your content on Instagram.
15. Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Trends
Posting trending content is key to maintaining brand appeal and relevance on Instagram. With relevant and up-to-date topics, your account will be attractive to new followers.
16. Do Not Buy Instagram Followers
Some people may think that buying followers or bots is the best shortcut to increasing the number of followers. However, this is against Instagram's terms of service. Although you may see a spike in followers and engagement at first, it will actually hurt you in the long run.
Why? Because Instagram often removes fake accounts, so your account could get shadow banned. So, it's better to look for genuine followers who are actually engaged with your content and will stick around for the long haul.
17. Use Ads for Wider Reach
If possible, consider using Instagram ads to expand the reach of your content. By using well-targeted ads, you can reach the right audience and significantly increase the number of followers. Be sure to set appropriate target audience parameters for more effective results.
Take a look at mickoutproject for example. They use ads to introduce their products and reach a wider audience.
Also Read: Social Media Advertising: Types, Costs, and Tips to Maximize
18. Host Competitions or Giveaways
One effective way to increase visibility, interest, and user participation is to hold competitions or giveaways. Make sure to create clear and easy-to-understand competition rules and actively promote the competition or giveaway on various social media platforms.
19. Beautify Your Instagram Page
Visual quality is still a major attraction. Therefore, it is important to maintain the appearance of your Instagram page to attract attention.
How do you do that? Create posts with a consistent tone. You can use similar filters or image edits to give a sense of visual consistency.
In addition, it is also important to choose a color tone that matches your character and identity, so that your page reflects the personality or values that you want to convey. In this way, you can create an Instagram page that is attractive and engaging for your followers.
20. Use Instagram Live
Take advantage of the Instagram Live feature to interact directly with your followers. By going live, you can foster engagement in real time.
For example, you can hold an Instagram Live session during a product launch or chat with a guest speaker. If your business is focused on sales, you can also give users the opportunity to shop your products live to get special promotions.
21. Create Content Focused on Stories or Narratives
Stories or narratives have a strong appeal to social media users. Inspiring, funny, or touching stories can make followers feel more personally connected to the content you share. This way, they are more likely to follow your account and keep up with the stories you share.
Those are some of the ways you can increase the number of genuine Instagram followers. Remember that consistency, active interaction, and quality content are the keys to building strong relationships with followers and expanding the reach of your account.
If you want to quickly increase your Instagram followers for your business account, you need a reliable Social Media Specialist. They can help you design a strategy that aligns with your business goals and guide you in optimizing your business's presence on the platform. Find the best Social Media Specialist now only at Talentport!