Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by admin
In 2022, I did the impossible — I had an Instagram Reel go viral. So far, it’s generated over 5.5 million views, 173K shares, 99.5k likes, and 14.6 bookmarks, but the number of new followers? Minimal.In 2022, I did the impossible — I had an Instagram Reel go viral. So far, it’s generated over 5.5 million views, 173K shares, 99.5k likes, and 14.6 bookmarks, but the number of new followers? Minimal. Though it wasn’t my goal, the experience got me thinking about how to get more followers on Instagram. (I mean, if a meme that got the attention of Instagram exec Adam Mosseri won’t do it, what will?) Between over 2 billion monthly active users and features like shoppable posts, Instagram is an app of opportunity for a variety of businesses. But here’s the thing: Unless you’re a household name, growing a following is hard work. I’m here to help. Let’s discuss some proven, actionable strategies to help you get more followers on Instagram, whether they be your first 1000 or next. Types of Instagram Followers Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to know what the Instagram landscape looks like today. In your growth journey, you’ll likely encounter these three main types of followers: 1. Fake Followers Fake followers are usually bots or dummy accounts that inflate a follower count. You can typically spot them by their lack of profile pictures, posts, followers, or spammy alpha-numeric usernames. Source Fake followers may make the follower count on your profile look good, but they don‘t engage. Engagement is a huge factor in Instagram’s algorithm (i.e., getting on the Explore feed and in “suggested posts”) and getting brand collaborations as a creator. 2. Ghost Followers “Ghost” followers on Instagram are inactive users. They’re like disengaged contacts on an email list. They‘re real, but again, they don’t interact with your content, so they do little more than skew your metrics. 3. Organic Followers Lastly, we have organic followers. Organic followers are your real, active audience; those who visit your profile, engage with your content, and are potential customers. Organic followers can cross many demographics, but pay close attention to the following: Customers: These are people who have made a purchase. They already know and like your brand so you want to know when you’re talking to one. Competitors: These are followers who are in the same industry or line of business as you. They’re likely following to keep an eye on what you’re doing. Influencers: Here, we’re referring to micro/nano influencers or creators with 10-75K followers. If relevant, these niche influencers can lead to useful partnerships and increased sales for your business. Out of these three types of followers, organic followers are really the only ones you want. So, how can you get more of them? Even if you’ve never tried your hand at Instagram marketing, or you don’t have a team of content creators, you can grow your Instagram account by focusing on a few key areas: Instagram Strategy Instagram Content Creation Engaging Instagram Followers Promoting Your Instagram Account The first step is ensuring your profile is complete and ready to make the best first impression. Optimizing Your Instagram Profile An incomplete profile is a huge red flag to potential new followers on Instagram. Missing information can raise questions about why it’s missing which hurts your credibility (Remember what we said about fake followers?) . Here are a few best practices to make sure your profile strikes the right chord: Choose a clear username. Your Instagram username (or handle) should be recognizable and easily searchable — like your business name. In the example below, the UK business The Journal Shop uses the intuitive handle @thejournalshop. Source If your business name is already taken, experiment with related alternatives (i.e., something that includes your business name plus a branded item or a catchphrase). For example, Peloton uses @onepeloton, while the Australian activewear line Lorna Jane uses @lornajaneactive. While, ideally, you want to claim your name, variations like this still make your brand recognizable. Have an on-brand profile picture. This should be a clear, high-quality picture of your face or logo if you’re a business. Again, you want people to easily recognize and identify you when they come across your posts. Add details next to your name. Not everyone does this, but the name field on your Instagram profile is additional real estate you can use to introduce yourself on the platform. Use any extra space here to add details about your business or what you offer. For example, HubSpot could put “HubSpot | AI-Powered Customer Platform.” Style blogger Sarah Ramondt Lennon adds “Amazon Fashion” to hers. Source And financial advisor Andrew Lokenauth uses his to promote his newsletter and website. Source Adding these little extra details to your name field tells people what you’re about right when they land on your profile and also frees up some space in your bio. Share your value and personality in your bio. Instagram only gives you 150 characters in your bio. Use them to tell people why they should follow you. Include who you are and what you do, but also a hint of personality. Here are a few examples for inspiration: @cheekbonebeauty: “🧡 Indigenous Roots 🌱 Sustainable By Nature 🌎 B Corp Certified 🐰 Cruelty-Free 🐰 Cruelty-Free 🇨🇦 @sephoracanada 🇺🇸 @thirteenlune @jcpenney Founded by @cheekbonejenn” @oreo: “Playful moments from your favorite cookie.” @sahilbloom: “Exploring my curiosity and sharing what I learn along the way.” @CalifiaFarms: “Because life’s too short for one type of milk. 🌱” @coragedolls: “Instilling cultural pride with products & stories that finally reflect her. #blackowned” Add a LinkTree. Ever heard the line “check out my link in bio”? You can add up to five links here, but I recommend using LinkTree to bypass the limit. You can use your LinkTree to guide people to your website and other platforms, content, offers — anything really. Here’s a peek at mine: Source Your bio link is your most direct play to get followers to