7 proven tactics to gain a massive following on Instagram.
Every month there are over 1 billion active users on Instagram. With over 500 million daily active users, and over 400 million daily active story users, Instagram has become the platform to not only share beautiful photographs, but to help drive traffic to the over 71% of registered businesses that utilize the platform.
Whether you are managing your own account, or several business accounts, the tactics on scaling are ever changing. Here are 7 prove tactics to gain a massive following on Instagram.
1. Post creative content.
The platform is flooded daily with random photographs that have look like they have no thought put behind them. There are also a plethora of similar accounts out there that do not stand out whether they are fashion, fitness, or food accounts. The key to scaling quickly is to stand out with creative content. Include bright colors, eye catching patterns, beautiful destinations, or intriguing graphics.
Elevation Church (@elevationchurch) has mastered posting incredible graphics that stand out. Whether they are posing videos, photographs, graphics, or a combination they always use very modern designs, bright colors or intriguing graphics that have allowed their account to scale quickly to over 740k followers.
2. Post consistent content. Choose a routine.
The rumor that posting everyday on Instagram will help increase traffic is just that. Prior to the new Instagram update the shelf life of an image was around 72 minutes. This meant that once posted, an image would receive its peak engagement within its first 72 minute window of being posted and then begin to lessen. After the new algorithm, images are now being cycled around even up to 3 days. This means that a good image will continue to gain traction so there is no need to post every day. The key is to post consistent content for a schedule that works for you. Pick a schedule such as - everyday, every two days, or every three days. You want to stay consistent.
3. Share user generated content
Whether you are a small business or a large business, sharing user generated content is the quickest way to grow an authentic and real audience. When effective, user generated content can increase engagement by 6.9 times. User generated content is simply content that is generated by others. When you share this content to your page you show your audience content that is very relatable and relevant. Sharing user generated content to your platform builds credibility and shows that you are showing the user experience of your brand from the actual users vs. only showing product photos from within the company.
4. Geo tag (add location)
Geo Tagging an image means that you add the location. This is extremely beneficial because it categorizes photos by location and lets followers know where the photo was taken. More and more users are going to Instagram locations for advice when they are looking to go somewhere new. They may be looking for a new restaurant so they search places to see which pictures of food look the best, or for a new place to vacation so they are looking for the most beautiful, colorful photos. Posts that used geo-tagging features get over 79% higher engagement.
5. Collaborate with others
Collaborations are a great way to to grow you following quickly. Collaborations allow you to reach a new audience and provide great content for your page. If you have a flexible budget, influencer marketing is a wonderful way to increase your following. Sugarbear Hair is a great example of this. They are one of hundreds of beauty brands online that collaborate with influencers. They are currently at 2.3 million followers.
6. Engage
Engaging with followers may be one of the best ways to grow a new following. Engagement leads to engagement. Interact with accounts that are a similar niche. Like and comment on images of accounts that are similar to yours. Make sure that you are engaging more with quality than quantity. It is better to engage with 10 accounts per day and leave thoughtful comments on images than engage with 100 accounts per day and leave generic comments.
7. Host Contests
Contests are an incredible way to boost your engagement quickly and grow your following. Brands can host contests and invite followers to comment, tag people in the comments, and follow their account in order to enter the contest. If hosting a contest make sure that you state whether it is strictly within the U.S. or for everyone.
Resources:
https://www.omnicoreagency.com/instagram-statistics/
https://thepreviewapp.com/many-times-day-week-really-post-instagram/
https://blog.wishpond.com/post/60369637650/10-amazing-small-business-instagram-contest-examples
https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-contest/
https://blog.iconosquare.com/increase-your-instagram-engagement/