Updated & Revised Post 5/25/20 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you
The Truth
I’ll be completely honest and transparent to tell you that when I first started on Instagram I wanted instant gratification. This is a big mistake and I would recommend you not to buy Followers. It is not genuine, it’s misleading, and on top of that you won’t be able to measure organic growth.
1.Join an Instagram Pod through Facebook
If you’re wondering what an Instagram Pod is:
A Pod is a community or group of people (could be on any social media but we are talking Instagram here) who cheer on for one another. Usually it’s a group chat through Instagram’s Direct Message where you share your posts and support each other.
2.Sign up for Gramblr
Gramblr is a free platform that allows you to upload pictures on Instagram from your computer. You have the opportunity to earn “coins” by liking the pictures of other Instagram users. You can redeem your coins for your Instagram picture to be featured on Instagram’s Top Posts. Since I started using Gramblr I have noticed a significant increase in engagement, likes, and followers.
3. Engage with Non – Followers
Be genuinely interested in other people. Search for relative hashtags to whatever your niche is and engage with the community. Like other people’s posts & leave a thoughtful comment. One word comments do not count at all! People usually return the Love <3
4.Upload High Quality Content
Anyone can post a picture but if you want your Insta to thrive, it’s better if you upload high-quality images that capture your audience. If you go on my Instagram and scroll further down, you’ll see the difference of resolution and quality. You will also notice that recently I’ve created somewhat of an aesthetic theme. If you don’t have a high-end camera to take amazing photos..don’t worry I got your back! I created a FREE Stock Photo Directory where you can find Beautiful Images without paying a single penny 🙂
We obviously don’t always want to rely on stock photos so learning how to edit your IG pictures straight from your phone helps to create more appealing images. I use an app called Adobe Photoshop Lightroom which you can download. The great thing is you don’t need to spend hours learning the details on how to photoshop. I personally like to use Lightroom presets which are automatic settings that do all the work for you. You just need to find a style you like and you can get
amazing presets here.
5.Follow everyone you are friends with on Facebook & your contacts.
Just click that damn button! Lol I know I was a little hesitant but I did it anyways. You should be proud of the content you create and share it with the world 🙂 I couldn’t believe how many people I had on my phone that I didn’t even follow on Instagram already. Your contacts will most likely engage with your posts.
6.Be Consistent
It’ll always be harder to grow your following if you aren’t posting on a consistent basis. If you post one day and then a week later you upload your next post, its just not a great strategy. It is important to stay relevant. People want to know you are there, don’t just fall of the face of the earth, your audience won’t appreciate it whatsoever.
7. Learn How to Story Tell
Why should people follow you? Ask yourself what kind of value you are providing people. We tend to think about ourselves but people need to feel like they are getting something out of your posts. Your IG description shouldn’t be just one big blob of a paragraph. Space it out so it’s easier for people to consume…and start with a hook, an attention grabber.
8. Use Relevant Hashtags
Use keywords and phrases that share who you are, what you’re about, and what you do!
9. Guess what…its not about the #s
There are so many kick ass entrepreneurs creating abundance for themselves with small #s. At the end of the day what is really important is people who actually care and engage with what you share. Numbers don’t mean much if they aren’t converting for you. Be of service & share value!
Tip: Track Your Results
I highly recommend you track your results. You need to understand what is working for you and what is not. Study your popular posts and figure out why they were popular in the first place and repeat. The goal is to keep you guys up to date with real-time results.
So the update here, I totally changed my niche from lifestyle, beauty, my makeup work to coaching. If you changed your niche, you know that your following is going to drop and thats ok because what you’re doing is different now. People who unfollow will make space for those who are aligned with your new message so don’t get discouraged.
April 23, 2017 : 3,448
July 13, 2017 : 3,608
August 3, 2017: 3,637
November 4, 2017: 4,146
February 13, 2018: 4,722
June 7, 2018: 5,034
Changed my Niche
May 25, 2020 4,470
I hope this post helps 🙂 Also please feel free to post your Instagram Handle in the comments below and I’m sure people who are interested will engage. Just please in a few words describe what your instagram is about. ex; lifestyle, beauty, etc