Instagram has over 1 billion active users. Therefore, businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to use the platform to reach more consumers. While having a large number of followers is important, it’s not always easy to achieve this goal. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to gain Instagram followers and tips for using the app successfully.
What is Instagram and what can it be used for in regards to business
Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos. It can be used for personal or business purposes. For businesses, Instagram can be used to promote products or services, build brand awareness, and connect with customers. To get the most out of Instagram for business, it is important to create high-quality content, use relevant hashtags, and post regularly. Instagram can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. In addition, Instagram is highly visual, making it a great platform for promoting products or services.
How to set up an Instagram account
In order to take advantage of Instagram’s potential, you’ll need to set up an account specifically for your business. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few key steps that you’ll need to follow in order to ensure that your page is effective. First, choose a username that is easy to remember and relevant to your business. Avoid using long names or underscores as they can be difficult for people to find. Next, add a profile photo and bio that gives people an idea of what your business is all about. Be sure to include a link to your website in your bio so people can learn more about your products or services.
Once you’ve created your account, it’s time to start posting content. Instagram is all about visuals, so make sure your images are high quality and eye-catching. Post photos and videos that showcase your products or services, behind-the-scenes footage of your business, or anything else that would be of interest to your target audience. In addition to regular posts, you can also take advantage of Instagram Stories and live video to create even more engaging content.
What are hashtags and how do they work
Hashtags are one of the most important tools on Instagram for businesses. They allow businesses to connect with potential customers, spread brand awareness, and track their marketing efforts. Hashtags also make it easier for customers to find your business on Instagram.
A hashtag is a word or phrase that is prefixed with the “#” symbol. Hashtags are used to categorize content on Instagram. When a user searches for a particular hashtag, they will see all the Instagram posts that have been tagged with that hashtag. For example, #coffeeshop. You can use hashtags anywhere in your Instagram posts. For instance, in the caption, the comments, or even in the first comment on your post.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using hashtags:
- Use relevant hashtags that relate to your business
- Use popular hashtags that will help you reach a larger audience
- Use a mix of both popular and niche hashtags
- Don’t use too many hashtags ( Instagram allows up to 30)
- Change up your hashtag strategy regularly
Here are some examples of effective hashtag ideas:
- #coffeelover for a coffee shop
- #ootd for a clothing company
- #foodporn for a restaurant
- #travelgoals for a travel agency
- #petstagram for a pet store
12 Ways To Gain Instagram followers for business
In order to really maximize the platform, you need to put in some effort and implement some best practices. Instagram offers businesses a unique opportunity to connect with potential customers from all over the world. However, it can also be a tough place to grow a following. With so much competition, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and gain new Instagram followers. Fortunately, there are some unique ways to get more followers on Instagram in 2023. Here are 12 of them:
1. Be Consistent
Being consistent on Instagram is important for a few reasons. First, if you have other social accounts or a website, you want to make sure the look and feel of your Instagram account is in line with those. This helps with overall branding – if someone comes across your Instagram account, they should be able to easily identify that it belongs to your business.
Second, being consistent helps people recognize your content. If you’re constantly changing up the colors, fonts, and images you use, it’s going to be harder for people to remember who you are and what you do. And finally, being consistent shows that you’re professional and that you’re serious about your business. People are more likely to take you seriously if they can see that you’re putting in the effort to maintain a polished Instagram presence. Being consistent doesn’t mean being boring, you can still be creative. However, by following these guidelines, you can ensure that people will remember who you are and what you do.
Here are a few ways you can be consistent on Instagram:
- Use the same color scheme across all of your platforms
- Use similar fonts for your captions and bio
- Post similar types of content (e.g. if you typically share photos of your products, stick to that)
- Use the same logo or profile picture across all platforms
2. Use high-quality images
Instagram is a visually-driven platform. Therefore, it’s important to use high-quality images on your business Instagram page. Post photos and videos that are in line with your brand messaging. Low-quality, blurry, or otherwise unappealing visuals will reflect poorly on your brand. Similarly, using stock photos is generally not a good idea because they are generic and users can tell. Therefore, make sure your Instagram page reflects your brand in the best light possible by using high-quality visuals.
3. Use Instagram Stories
Instagram introduced Stories in August 2016, and they have quickly become one of the most popular features on the platform. Stories allows Instagram users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. They are perfect for sharing behind-the-scenes content, daily thoughts, or quick updates. Instagram Stories also offers a variety of creative tools, including filters, stickers, and text options.
For businesses, Instagram Stories can be a great way to connect with customers and followers in a more personal way. 36% of businesses use Instagram Stories to promote their brands and products. Stories can be used to show the human side of your brand, share exclusive content, or highlight products and services. When used strategically, Instagram Stories can be a powerful marketing tool.
Here are some examples of ways you can use Instagram Stories for your business:
- Share behind-the-scenes content from your office or place of business.
- Give exclusive previews of new products or services.
- Host a Q&A session.
- Share user-generated content.
- Highlight team members or customers.
4. Use calls to action
A call to action is an instruction or prompt that encourages your followers to take a specific action. For instance, visiting your website or making a purchase. Including a call to action on your Instagram page can help to increase brand awareness and boost sales. When used effectively, call to actions can be a powerful marketing tool.
There are many different types of call to actions that you can use on your Instagram page. For example, you could include a call to action in the caption of your posts, or in the bio section of your profile. You could also use graphics or videos with call to actions overlaid. Whatever approach you choose, make sure that your call to actions are clear and easy for users to follow.
Some examples of good call to actions that you could use for your business Instagram page include:
- Visit our website for more information
- Shop now!
- Follow us for exclusive updates
- Like this post if you agree!
- Tag a friend who would love this!
5. Utilize hashtags
As mentioned above, hashtags are a great way to reach new audiences, boost your visibility and gain Instagram followers. When using hashtags, be sure to use relevant, popular, and unique tags.
6. Engage with other users on Instagram
Don’t forget to actually interact with other users on Instagram! Like and comment on other users’ posts, and follow accounts that are relevant to your business. As a result, this can help you gain more Instagram followers.
7. Use Instagram Insights
Instagram Insights is a feature that allows business Instagram page owners to learn more about their followers. In addition, the performance of their posts. Insights can be accessed through the Instagram app or website. To view Instagram Insights, simply click on the bar chart icon under your profile photo.
8. Run Instagram ads
Paid advertising is a great way to reach even more people with your content. Instagram offers a variety of ad formats, so you can choose the one that best fits your goals and budget. Instagram ads can be divided into four main categories: photo, video, carousel and collection ads.
Photo ads are single images with optional text overlays. They’re perfect for sharing product photos or images that highlight your brand. Video ads can be up to 60 seconds long and are a great way to tell a story about your brand or product. Carousel ads let you include multiple photos or videos in a single ad, and each one can link to a different website. Collection ads are a combination of photos, videos, and text that allow businesses to showcase multiple products at once.
9. Collaborate with influencers
By teaming up with Instagram influencers, businesses can reach a whole new audience of potential customers or clients. Influencers can help to promote your brand and grow your followers in a big way. There are a number of ways to find influencers for your brand. For example, through Instagram influencer directories or by searching for relevant hashtags. When working with influencers, it is important to ensure that there is a good fit between your brand and the influencer’s style and audience.
10. Host a contest or giveaway
One way to engage your followers and generate excitement around your brand is to host a contest or giveaway. Contests are a great way to get people talking about your brand. In addition, they can be used to promote new products or services, drive traffic to your website, or gain new Instagram followers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when hosting a contest on Instagram. First, make sure the prize is relevant to your product or service. Popular prizes may include gift certificates, products, or services. Second, create clear and concise rules for the contest. Third, use engaging visuals and copy to promote the contest. And fourth, select a winner based on merit, not random chance. There are many different types of contests you can run on Instagram for your business. Here are five examples:
- Photo Contest: Encourage users to share photos of themselves using your product or service.
- Follow & Like Contest: Ask users to follow your account and like one of your posts.
- Comment Contest: Ask users to leave a comment on one of your posts.
- Hashtag Contest: Ask users to use a specific hashtag in their posts.
- Repost Contest: Ask users to repost one of your posts on their own account.
11. Go Live on Instagram
Going live on Instagram can be a great way to connect with your followers and give them a behind-the-scenes look at your business. When you go live, your followers will receive a notification letting them know that you’re broadcasting. In addition, you can share your live broadcast on your Instagram story to give your followers even more ways to discover your content. You can use live broadcasts to answer questions, give tours, or just show off what you’re working on. Plus, live broadcasts give your followers a chance to get to know you and your business better.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you go live on Instagram. First, make sure you have strong internet connection so that your broadcast is smooth and uninterrupted. Second, let your followers know when you’re going live so that they can tune in. And finally, have fun! Live broadcasts are a great way to connect with your followers and show them the personality of your business.
12. Cross Promote your Instagram business page other social media platforms
Another way to help gain followers for your business Instagram page is to cross promote it on other social media platforms. This helps to increase your visibility and reach a larger audience. For example, you could include a link to your Instagram page in your Twitter bio or share Instagram posts on Facebook. In addition, you can mention your page on apps like Snapchat and TikTok.
Conclusion
