With over 2 billion monthly active users, mastering Instagram is no longer optional—it’s essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven tactics to increase your following, boost engagement, and help you create a relevant Instagram growth strategy for your brand page.
Whether you’re a startup finding its footing or an established brand aiming to elevate its online presence, in this guide we’ll show you how to get more likes and followers on Instagram and get your content in more users’ feeds.
1. Optimize your Instagram profile for maximum impact
Your Instagram profile serves as the digital storefront for your brand. It’s crucial to craft it with care, ensuring it’s not only visually appealing but also informative and engaging. Here’s how to refine each element:
Profile optimization essentials:
- Select a recognizable profile picture (typically your logo)
- Craft a compelling bio that encapsulates your brand message
- Incorporate a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your bio
- Utilize relevant keywords in your name and username
- Include a trackable link to your website or current promotion
Crafting an impactful bio
With a 150-character limit, your bio needs to be concise yet powerful. Consider this structure:
[Brand Name] | [Core Offering]
[Unique Value Proposition]
[Call-to-Action]
[Link]
For instance:
EcoChic | Sustainable Fashion
Transforming recycled materials into stylish wear since 2020
Explore our latest collection below 👇
www.ecochicfashion.com/summer2024
If you’re feeling stuck or want to get something quickly, make sure to check out the AI bio generator. All you have to do is add a short description of your brand, give a call to action, and pick a tone for the bio. The bio generator will then give you several options and even incorporate relevant emojis into the text.
Leveraging keywords strategically
Instagram allows for separate name and username fields. Use this to your advantage by incorporating relevant keywords strategically across your profile.
Not sure how to choose relevant keywords for your profile? Here are a couple of tips to help you narrow down:
- Research your target audience’s search habits using tools like Google Analytics or Instagram Insights
- List terms your customers commonly use to describe your products/services
- Include location-based keywords if you serve specific areas
- Consider industry-specific terminology that potential customers might search for
- Look at successful competitors’ profiles for keyword inspiration
- Incorporate solution-oriented terms (e.g., “organic skincare” rather than just “skincare”)
For example:
- @ecochic | EcoChic Sustainable Fashion
- @citybakenyc | City Bake NYC • Fresh Pastries • Custom Cakes
- @yogawithjess | Jess Chen • Mindful Movement • Prenatal Yoga
This approach enhances your profile’s discoverability in search results. Remember to use keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your profile appear spammy.
2. Create compelling Instagram content
While there’s no universal formula for “compelling Instagram content”, the key lies in continuous experimentation and refinement. The most valuable insights often come from testing different approaches and analyzing real performance data, not from following generic best practices.
Start using a content calendar
Content creation becomes more manageable when you work smarter, not harder. Set aside dedicated time for batch creation sessions where you can develop multiple pieces at once. This way it is also easier to prepare for holidays and special promotions so you don’t end up creating a post last minute.
Picsart’s Instagram templates can streamline the content creation process significantly – instead of starting from scratch each time, adapt proven layouts to your brand’s style. You can then reuse your past content to quickly duplicate and adjust for new posts.
Don’t be too rigid with your Instagram post calendar though. It’s important to build a pipeline that’s structured enough to keep you consistent, but flexible enough to incorporate timely opportunities.
Experiment with different content types
Each Instagram format serves a distinct purpose, but their effectiveness varies dramatically between different audiences. While some brands see tremendous engagement with Reels, others might find their sweet spot in carousel posts or Stories. The key is methodically testing different approaches within each format. For instance, try varying your Reels between educational content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and trend participation to see what truly connects with your audience.
| Content type | Optimal use cases |
| Feed posts | High-quality visuals, product showcases, infographics |
| Stories | Behind-the-scenes glimpses, quick updates, interactive polls |
| Reels | Concise, engaging videos, tutorials, trend participation |
| IGTV | In-depth content, comprehensive tutorials, interviews |
| Carousels | Multi-image narratives, step-by-step guides, before/after comparisons |
Hashtags are crucial for discoverability on Instagram. When used strategically, they can significantly expand your reach and attract new followers. A good example of a strategic approach is mixing a blend of different hashtag types in your posts and bio. Here’s a brief overview of each hashtag type:
| Hashtag type | Example | Purpose |
| Branded | #EcoChicStyle | Enhance brand recognition |
| Industry-specific | #SustainableFashion | Connect with interested audiences |
| Niche | #UpcycledDenim | Target specific interests |
| Location-based | #LondonFashion | Attract local followers |
| Trending | #FashionWeek2024 | Participate in current conversations |
4. Engage authentically with your community
Growing your follower base isn’t just about posting content—it’s about fostering relationships. Engagement is key to not only attracting followers but also keeping them invested in your brand.
Implement a robust engagement strategy
Develop a daily engagement routine:
- Respond promptly to comments on your posts (aim for within 24 hours)
- Interact with content from accounts in your niche
- Regularly engage with your followers’ posts
- Host Q&A sessions or AMAs (Ask Me Anything) via Stories
- Utilize interactive Story features (polls, quizzes, questions)
Remember, Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts with high engagement rates. Consistent interaction with your audience not only builds community but also signals to Instagram that your content is valuable.
5. Leverage collaborations and influencer partnerships
Collaborations can significantly expand your reach and introduce your brand to new audiences. Here’s how to maximize collaborative efforts:
Collaboration types
- Co-created content with complementary brands
- Strategic influencer partnerships and account takeovers
- User-generated content campaigns
- Instagram Live sessions featuring industry experts
When selecting partners or influencers, prioritize alignment with your brand values and audience demographics over mere follower count. Micro-influencers (typically with 10,000-50,000 followers) often boast higher engagement rates and can be more cost-effective for niche markets.
6. Analyze and refine your strategy
To effectively grow your Instagram following, it’s crucial to continuously analyze your performance and adapt your approach. Utilize Instagram Insights and third-party analytics tools to track your progress.
Key Metrics to Monitor
| Metric | Insight provided |
| Impressions | How many times a post has been seen |
| Reach | Number of unique accounts viewing your content |
| Engagement Rate | Level of audience interaction with your content |
| Follower Growth Rate | Pace of new follower acquisition |
Use these insights to refine your content strategy, optimize posting times, and enhance your overall approach to Instagram growth. For a more in-depth overview of the metrics, make sure to check out Sprout’s Instagram metrics guide.
Conclusion
Building a strong Instagram following for your brand takes time, creativity, and a solid strategy. By optimizing your profile, creating compelling content, mastering hashtags, engaging authentically, leveraging collaborations, and continuously analyzing your performance, you’ll be well-positioned for Instagram success.
And with content creation tools like Picsart, you can achieve that success with significantly less effort. Tap into the customizable template library to get a head start with each post and utilize built-in libraries of fonts, stickers, backgrounds, and even stock images. Create custom assets by tapping into state-of-the-art AI tools like the AI image generator and logo maker which can also generate brand kits for more consistent brand visuals. These and more tools are waiting for you in Picsart’s beginner-friendly online interface which lives in just one browser tab.
Now that you have a better idea on how to increase your followers on Instagram, keep the momentum going by checking out more how-tos from Picsart and check back for more tips:
