10 Top Tips to Grow Your Instagram

10 Brite Ideas to grow your Instagram account

Instagram has grown massively which is why Facebook paid $1 billion dollars to buy it. It is used as a social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, and share them either publicly or privately.

Instagram stories which disappear after a short length of time have increased massively, and as 80% of users use their mobiles to log in, content is generally posted on the go.

More than half of the platform’s active users visit the site daily and 35% say they check it multiple times a day. Although you need the mobile app to post stories and access additional features, there is a workaround, so it has become more attractive for businesses to use Instagram in their marketing strategy.

1. #You

You can search for people on Instagram using hashtags, so using your own name as a hashtag will help them find you. As other people may have the same name as you, add your profession with a hashtag such as #author, #artist, #filmcrew.

2. Like and Comment

On average only 5% of your followers will see your post in their feed. You must Like and Comment on Instagram in order to get any traction and do this as early as you can. If you like a post then double-tap the image, and a red heart will appear underneath it. Bear in mind that all likes are publicly visible. You can comment under a post with words or emojis, and I recommend at least seven of these to ensure traction.

3. Follow carefully

There is an unspoken rule of etiquette on social media, that if you are followingsomeone, it is more likely that they will follow you back, becoming a follower. If you are starting out, search for people that may be interested in following you. Start with a hashtag search in your niche such as #crimewriters to see who is popular, and then who has liked their posts. It is likely that they will also like your posts if they follow this genre.

4. Use Hashtags

Make a list of the hashtags that are important to you and use frequently. Instagram will also make suggestions for you to try. I recommend using 10-15 hashtags as a starting point, however, you can use up to 30. Try to mix up your hashtags rather than repeating the same ones on each post, so your reach will improve. If you can, use the additional ones that are relevant to the post. You can also add hashtags to your bio.

5. Create a story

Stories are the most popular thing on Instagram at the moment being created every day. They used to disappear after a short time, however, Instagram has changed this so you can save your stories if you wish. These will be shown as highlights in circles under your profile. I recommend creating a post, then using the same post for a story. This will double your exposure.

6. Use the Instagram App

Apps track how you use the web which is why all social media platforms push you into using their apps. It does mean though that they will find you people and content you may like. You can only post stories and access certain features on the app which increase your reach, so download it on your mobile or tablet and walk with the tribe.

7. Set up a separate Personal and a Business Account

If you have a personal Instagram account you may want to set up a new Business account and keep them separate. They will have different objectives and target audience for each. You are able to toggle between the two accounts on the app and post separately. You need a business account for advertising and also to see statistics.

8. Promote your Instagram account

Set up a draft email template and add your social media icons to the bottom, so when you send anything out they are already included. Additionally, make sure a link to your Instagram account is included on each of your website pages and posts.

9. Follow hashtags

You can follow hashtags that are relevant to you and your business, however, you need to remember that they are publicly visible. If you click on following at the top of your profile, you can toggle between people and hashtags.

10. Link Facebook to Instagram

Log into Facebook and create a Facebook Page and then link it to your Instagram account. This will enable you to promote posts on both platforms and advertise. Just remember that hashtags do not look the same on Facebook, so either leave them out to add in later or make a clear space between the post content and hashtags in your Instagram post.