Instagram is a simple, fun & creative way to capture, edit & share photos, videos & messages with friends & family. However, for businesses, Instagram, can also be a marketing tool for their brands. Businesses and brands exploring growth opportunities should thus aim to attract followers on Instagram.
So why are followers important? Instagram followers are the currency that moves brands to the view of consumers. The more the followers, the more the visibility of a particular brand.
It is also worth noting that approximately 90% of Instagram’s 1 billion monthly users follow business accounts.
However, building a substantial following, especially for small businesses, requires effort. In the era of no longer being able to buy followers, authentic methods are essential.
In this article, we shall delve into understanding the types of followers, and how to attract them.
Understanding Instagram Followers
There are different types of followers on Instagram. Whether new on the platform or not, the below three categories are crucial for anyone looking to attract followers on Instagram:
- Customers: These followers have made a purchase and often follow your IG for product updates, sales, and discounts. To engage more customers, highlight your products on Instagram and offer exclusive offers.
- Competitors: Some organic followers are also following your competitors. They might be comparing brands before making a purchase or doing some research.
- Influencers: Micro and nano influencers are Instagram accounts with 10-75K followers. These niche influencers can lead to useful partnerships, increased visibility of your brands, and increased sales.
When attracting followers on Instagram, it is also crucial to avoid the following types:
- Fake Followers: Often bots or fake accounts, they inflate follower counts but do not engage, negatively affecting the algorithm.
- Ghost Followers: Inactive users who don’t interact with content, potentially skewing engagement metrics.
- Organic Followers: Active and engaged followers, including customers, competitors, and influencers.
Effective Strategies for Gaining Real Followers
- Optimize Your Instagram Profile: Maintain consistency in avatar, bio, and overall theme, utilizing the bio link effectively.
- Use Instagram Live: Engage followers in real-time through takeovers, Q&A sessions, product teases, and collaborations.
- Establish Your Personal Brand: If you’re a founder, develop your personal Instagram alongside your business account for enhanced brand recognition.
- Get Featured on Accounts: Seek exposure on featured accounts relevant to your niche by using appropriate hashtags and following posting guidelines.
- Share User-Generated Content (UGC): Leverage content created by customers to build trust and showcase product value.
- Create a Hashtag Strategy: Develop a solid hashtag strategy by choosing relevant tags, organizing them, and using them consistently in Stories and Reels.
- Interact with Competitors’ Followers: Engage with potential customers interested in similar brands by following, liking, commenting, and tagging.
- Use Location Tags: Tagging specific locations helps reach a targeted audience based in those areas.
- Ask for More Followers: Encourage followers to subscribe and highlight the value they gain by following your account.
- Collaborate with Like-Minded Brands: Seek partnerships with brands and creators that complement your business for mutual benefits.
- Host a Contest: Encourage participation by asking followers to share content aligned with your brand’s values or campaign theme.
- Get an Instagram Shoutout: Seek shoutouts from users with a substantial following who align with your brand or content style.
- Post When Your Audience Is Active: Utilize Instagram analytics to determine peak activity periods and schedule posts accordingly.
- Create an Instagram Guide: Share educational and fun content in a simplified format to engage followers and potentially gain new ones.
Using Instagram Followers for Business Growth
As follower numbers grow, focus on creating engaging content, emphasizing quality over quantity. Your Instagram serves as a crucial link to new customers and business growth.
Adapt to trends, stay relevant, and let your Instagram journey transform followers into valuable business opportunities.
