Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today, with over a billion users actively sharing, liking, and engaging with content. For businesses and influencers, we all wish to grow Instagram followers organically but that seems challenging. No worries, it’s easy!
According to the latest reports, Instagram has 2 billion monthly active users. It means that with the correct strategies, the right numbers will follow. The constant algorithm change has made it quite a struggle for creators and brands to grow Instagram organically as there is reduced engagement.
This is because they don’t follow any strategy that could help them increase their follower count.
It’s frustrating to see so many users resorting to third-party apps that promise to grow their Instagram following through automated engagement. The truth is, that Instagram’s algorithm is smart enough to detect fake followers and automated activity, which can lead to serious consequences. Instead of chasing quick fixes, focusing on genuine, organic growth is the best way to build a sustainable and engaged audience.
Let’s discuss 10 foolproof tips to help you build a strong Instagram presence and grow your followers naturally.
What Are Organic Followers?
Organic followers are users who follow your account because they genuinely enjoy your content. They find your posts either through recommendations, hashtags, or by discovering your profile on their own. These followers engage with your content because they find it valuable, entertaining, or inspiring, not because they were attracted by ads or giveaways.
What Is the Difference Between Organic and Paid Followers on Instagram?
Organic followers come naturally as people discover your content through various methods such as recommendations, or word of mouth. On the other hand, paid followers are usually the result of ads, influencer collaborations, or other forms of paid promotion.
Organic followers tend to be more engaged and loyal, as they’ve decided to follow you based on genuine interest, whereas paid followers may be less involved and more likely to unfollow after a while if they don’t connect with your content.
10 Foolproof Tips for Organic Growth on Instagram
Now that you understand the importance of organic followers, let’s explore how you can attract and keep them.
1. Optimize Your Instagram Profile
Your Instagram bio is the first thing your followers will notice, so make it count. Use the relevant keywords that target your audience to set your account for success. Include a clear description of who you are or what your business does so that your audience understands your brand value. Make sure to include your brand identity so that the audience can engage with your brand. Keep it simple and don’t go overboard with the keywords.
2. Post Consistently
When they say that consistency is the key, they mean it. Consistency helps in Instagram’s growth. By posting regularly, you will always remain one step ahead. This ensures your engagement with your current followers and increases your chances of being discovered by the new accounts.
The easy way is to post on a schedule that works for you. Use the analytical tools to gain insights on when your followers are most active and schedule your post around that time to maximize output.
3. Use Relevant Hashtags
Instagram hashtags help categorize your content and are an essential tool used and seen by the wider audience. If used correctly, it helps your post reach the people who are interested in your niche but haven’t discovered your profile yet.
It is important to search trending and relevant hashtags in your industry, and don’t be afraid to use a mix of popular and niche-specific ones. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using 10-15 relevant ones can often work best for your brand.
4. Engage with Your Followers
Whoever said that engagement is a two-way street meant well. If you want people to engage with your content, you need to interact with them too. The right way is to reply to comments, like your followers’ posts, and even leave thoughtful comments on their content.
It shows the followers that you value them as your customer and their opinions and thoughts matter which can in return lead to stronger relationships and more loyalty.
5. Create High-Quality Content
High-quality content is the one that wins the hearts of the audience. The images, videos, reels, and stories should be of high quality and reflect the voice of the brand to enable the users to relate to it.
If you are a small business owner, you should present your products and services in the best light. It also means that the visuals should be appealing and there should be a brand story, one that makes the followers yearn and relate to the brand to be able to help them grow in their journey.
For influencers or brand accounts, the best strategy is to share their personal stories and experiences and behind the scene footage to keep it raw and real. Instagram algorithms always favor visually appealing content so make sure your posts are eye-catching with a layer of professionalism.
6. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels
An important tool is to make use of instagram stories and reels for organic growth. Stories tend to be more casual and less formal, sharing the behind the scenes content which helps you build stronger connections with your audience. Instagram Stories have over 500 million daily active users, making them a powerful tool to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
Reels, on the other hand, were introduced as a response to TikTok’s short entertaining videos that can increase your reach to a wider audience. Stories and reels also encourage you to experiment with different types of content to help you understand what resonates with your audience.
Instagram’s algorithm strongly promotes Reels, giving them a greater opportunity to reach not only your followers but also the wider Instagram community. The dedicated Reels tab enhances their visibility even more.
7. Collaborate with Others
Collaborations are a fantastic way to grow your Instagram following organically. Whether it’s partnering with another influencer, brand, or business, collaborations can help you reach a new audience that may not have discovered you otherwise.
If you want to collaborate, you should look for opportunities like giveaways, co-host live events, or simply shout each other out in posts to the brands, and influencers which resonate with your brand story. It is important to essentially look for those who share similar audience with you.
8. Use User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is any content: photos, videos, and reviews, created by your followers or customers that feature your brand or products. Sharing content generated by users and customers shows that you appreciate your audience and also provides social proof that can encourage others to follow you.
It also builds a stronger relationship as more people start trusting your brand. Both important aspects are to encourage your followers to tag you in their posts or use a specific hashtag and be sure to repost their content with proper credit.
9. Host Contests and Giveaways
Hosting contests and giveaways can significantly boost your follower count in a short period of time. However, it’s important to do this in a way that attracts organic followers, not people who are only interested in free stuff.
Create a giveaway that’s directly related to your brand and requires users to follow you, like your post, and tag a friend to enter. This not only increases engagement but also helps you reach a broader audience.
10. Track Your Analytics
Lastly, make sure you’re regularly tracking your Instagram analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. Instagram Insights provides a wealth of data, including your top-performing posts, follower demographics, and the times your audience is most active. Use this information to adjust your content strategy, optimize your posting schedule, and improve your overall engagement.
Conclusion
Growing organically on Instagram takes time and effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to build a loyal and engaged community. By optimizing your profile, posting high-quality content, using hashtags, and engaging with your audience, you can increase your visibility and attract followers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. Follow these 10 foolproof tips, and watch your Instagram account thrive without spending on paid promotions or get your free digital marketing consultation from aesthetics for your over all growth.
