Cormac Reynolds — February 17, 2017 SO WHAT YOU WANT IS TO GET MORE INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS…YOU KNOW WHAT? EVERYONE ELSE DOES TOO!
With the competition getting stronger, if you really want to stand out from the rest, you have to start hustling. Of course there are popular sites where people are able to purchase followers, however there are also many other ways that you can help your numbers grow legitimately so that not only do your vanity stats increase, but an authentic brand is actually built. If you are attempting to as a B2B company, build an Instagram following, this is especially true. There is however no need to be worried, we have your back.
1. The timing of Your Hashtags
If popular hashtags such as #photography #insatgood, etc. are some that you use, you will realize that waiting long periods of time prior to adding you hashtags is not a good idea. Hashtag threads that are very popular tend to be crowded with endless uploads and your pictures will probably end up lost in the fray. However, with a little Insta saviness, it’s possible to grow your reach and get your account out there. Our suggestion is that you keep your hashtags copied on your clipboard, this way once you have posted, they can immediately be pasted as a comment.
2. Custom Format Your Instagram Profile
While exploring Instagram profiles in your niche, you may stumble across some which have Instagram bios that are specially formatted. Having your bio formatted in a unique manner will not only catch followers attention, it is also a subtle way for you brand to stick out stating; “Look over here, here is something different!”
If you use the Instagram app to try and imitate these bios, you will soon find out that that is not possible. What you will have to do is use an external text application to write your Instagram bio, for example the built in Notes app on your iPhone. Once you have created the spacing and formatting that you like in that app, you can then copy and paste it onto your own Instagram bio. That is all it takes.
3. Play Nicely With Instagram’s Algorithms
Intsagram, as with any company, keeps its algorithms guarded pretty tightly to prevent users from being able to “game” the system. However there is a rumor that the following formula is what Instagram uses:
• The amount of followers divided by the amount of engagements
With this information handy, purchasing a lot of fake followers may be a risky strategy. If you are registering 20k fake followers, it will be a lot of hard work to get the proper percentage of people who actually engage with your posts, this in turn would jeopardize your chances of being featured and actually attracting real followers.
Getting caught up in trying to obtain more Instagram followers for the sake of vanity can be quite easy. However for those of us who do use Instagram for business, it is important to remember that this is not where the buck stops. It is only one step to get someone following your, converting those followers into fans or customers is the true goal.
4. Liking & Commenting
A tried and proven way to obtain more Instagram followers is liking and commenting on other people’s accounts.
If it is in your plans to copy and paste comments, please understand that this is only allowed once on Instagram, if not you will receive a duplicate comment warning. For those attempting to power their way to a large following, this may be annoying, however in all honesty and comment that is tailored and thoughtful will bring about better results.
Tip from the Pros: Avoid liking and commenting on random photos, instead search for hashtags in your niche.
5. Reposting Apps
If your Instagram is being used for business, it is important to consider this app and the way that it will fit into your overall branding. At @getbookly this method is not used, we prefer to maintain originality in all posts, that being said, there are many accounts that successfully have used it.
There are also apps such as; yes you guessed it “Repost” which work in a similar way as Twitter, meaning that you are able to share other users content. Although this obviously can save you some time and energy, if overused you do run the risk as coming off a bit lazy.
There is of course also the option of using another person’s image. If this is a tactic you will be using, it is important that before you repost their content, you get the account owner’s permission. Make sure that after you post, you always give credit by tagging the original account.
6. Following and Unfollowing Apps
Everyone knows that following other users on Instagram is one of the best ways to get more followers. Using a follow/unfollow app is one of the easiest way to do this. Although this tactic may not be the best long term strategy, the follow and unfollow option is a simple way to get going with a following and start putting your name out there getting validation and trying out your content.
As you search for others to follow, try looking for those who are following accounts that are similar to yours or whose hashtags match your niche. This will increase your chances of having people following you back who are not just interested in having yet another number by their name, those who may actually be genuinely interested in your content.
A great way of drawing in new followers in your niche right to your account is with hashtags. Hashtags are also a great way to get more Instagram likes. It may come as a surprise you the amount of people who search for hashtags to engage with posts. Theoretically, the more hashtags that are posted the higher the chances of that post being discovered. However posting a large paragraph packed with hashtags is not aesthetically pleasing and many would actually call it a marketing taboo.
Once again, using and external notes app is the way to get around this. Once there, as pictured above you want to add a series of spaces and periods. After you have posted new content, head to your comments and with the periods stacked on top, paste your hashtags. The post will be registered by Instagram as lengthy, and your audience will not be able to view the hashtags. Want to know what the best part is? Those searching for your hashtags are still able to locate you.
7. Be Featured By Others
When it comes to being featured on Instagram by other users, there are two basic ways of doing so:
• Tagging brands that feature images which highlight their products being used by you.
• Creating content in honor of a brand or influencer, for example artwork.
With both of these, the approach is to take photos that are high quality which highlight their brand in a light that is either positive or interesting. When you post make sure that their official account is tagged and hopefully they will notice be very careful however of the many fake accounts out there.
It is our recommendation that this approach be used sparingly as you do not want to define your brand or personal account by highlighting others. It is important that you have your own voice and that it be strong. It is great to try for the big boy influenced, especially if you receive a response because you are able to reach more individuals, however bigger users on Instagram will probably also be very busy and overloaded with requests and posts. Make sure to mix thing up and also reach out to smaller influencers.
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