How to gain Instagram followers: 15 strategies to expand your authentic audience

Instagram serves as the cornerstone for numerous brand social strategies. How to gain Instagram followers, It’s a powerful tool for driving traffic, boosting sales, and fostering customer engagement.

However, if you find yourself less than satisfied with your Instagram growth and engagement, you’re not alone. The platform’s intense competition and the intricacies of its algorithm can make it challenging to navigate.

The good news is that taking proactive steps to expand your audience is undeniably worthwhile. A larger audience opens up more opportunities to captivate and delight your customers.

Ready to refine your online presence and discover effective strategies for gaining more followers on Instagram? This blog post breaks down actionable steps to make it happen.

15 Strategies for How to gain Instagram followers Organically

Before we dive into the details, it’s crucial to emphasize that this post is all about cultivating an authentic following on Instagram.

And yes, that distinction is significant!

While some brands might be tempted to take shortcuts in their quest for more Instagram followers, it’s essential to acknowledge the downsides. Pay-for-play services do exist, but the truth is, they aren’t a sustainable solution for brands in the long run. The Instagram algorithm is designed to filter out low-quality accounts and fake engagement generated by paid bots.

Nevertheless, let’s address the elephant in the room: building an organic following does require some effort.

How to gain Instagram followers, The good news is that the investment of time and energy is entirely worthwhile. Whether you prefer reading or watching, explore the content below for our top tips on gaining more Instagram followers the right way.

1. How to gain Instagram followers: Enhance Your Instagram Profile for Maximum Impact

Before diving into the pursuit of more followers, take a close look at how your Instagram business profile is configured.

Begin by evaluating the overall appearance of your profile. Ask yourself: Does it truly embody the essence of your brand? Here are key aspects to consider:

• Instagram Bio: Craft a compelling bio that includes your slogan, tagline, and/or a branded hashtag. This succinct description plays a pivotal role in defining your brand identity on Instagram.
• Profile Picture: Opt for a professional profile picture, preferably an appropriately-sized logo. Ensure any text in the image remains legible on smartphone screens.
• Bio Link: Deliberate on where your bio link directs users. This link serves as a gateway for converting Instagram followers into meaningful website traffic or customers. While linking to your homepage is acceptable, it may not always be the most strategic choice. Consider using a social landing page that directs followers to multiple links, providing them with more control over their engagement with your business.

Creating a search-friendly username is another critical aspect. Stick to your brand name or a recognizable variation. For instance, if your brand name is lengthy, How to gain Instagram followers ,opt for a shortened version that your audience can easily identify (e.g., @coldstone for Cold Stone Creamery).

By focusing on these details, you not only enhance your brand identity but also improve your account’s discoverability. How to gain Instagram followers, Follow a proven Instagram marketing strategy to optimize your account effectively. For a comprehensive starting point, download our free guide.

2. How to gain Instagram followers: Maintain a Reliable Content Calendar for Instagram Success

When it comes to establishing momentum on Instagram, consistency is essential. Posting content sporadically is unlikely to attract new followers or retain existing ones.

Building and sustaining your audience involves consistently creating valuable content. Think of it as a way to avoid letting your Instagram account become stagnant and covered in virtual cobwebs.

Establishing and sticking to a regular posting schedule is pivotal for success. How to gain Instagram followers, While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how often to post, most successful brands share content on a daily or near-daily basis. This aligns with industry research that supports the effectiveness of regular posting.

For guidance, consider the optimal times to post on Instagram. According to our research, engagement tends to peak during the mid-to-late morning and early afternoons on weekdays.

If concerns about low visibility for your posts arise, explore features like Stories, which can give your content a second chance to capture attention if it wasn’t seen initially. How to gain Instagram followers, Consistency in your posting schedule, combined with strategic use of Instagram features, ensures a more dynamic and engaging presence on the platform.

3. How to gain Instagram followers: Foster Engagement with Customers and Brand Advocates

Elevating your Instagram follower count involves actively engaging with your audience, and a powerful strategy for achieving this is by responding to and resharing their posts.

This is where the influence of user-generated content (UGC) comes into play. UGC campaigns contribute to social proof by demonstrating to followers that you are genuinely invested in them. How to gain Instagram followers, A prime example is Drunk Elephant, which consistently regrams posts from their followers, utilizing hashtags like #BareWithUs and #DrunkBreak to curate content.

By incorporating UGC into your approach, you not only strengthen the connection with your existing audience but also showcase your brand’s authenticity and commitment. This engagement strategy contributes significantly to building a loyal and expanding Instagram following.

4. How to gain Instagram followers: Steer Clear of Fake Instagram Followers

Distinguishing between fake and genuine followers on Instagram is paramount.

While the allure of quick growth might make purchasing followers seem tempting, the downsides far outweigh any perceived benefits. Here’s why:

• Confusion for Potential Organic Followers: An account with a substantial following but minimal engagement raises suspicions among potential organic followers. This lack of activity can be a deterrent for individuals who might otherwise follow and engage with your content.
• No Monetary Value: Fake followers contribute no real value to your business. Consider this: can bot followers make purchases from your business?
• Lack of Engagement: Having a large number of fake followers doesn’t translate to meaningful engagement. How many of these followers will actively interact with your posts? And does it truly matter if your content receives engagement from spam comments?

Real people have the ability to share, like, comment, and genuinely engage with your Instagram content. Authentic followers appreciate the time you invest in interacting with them. Demonstrating this authenticity is more powerful and enduring than resorting to tactics such as buying Instagram likes.

How to gain Instagram followers, Take the example of Lush Cosmetics, which consistently responds to questions and engages with followers. This dedication results in customers regularly returning to express positive sentiments and share shout-outs. Building a real and engaged audience is a more sustainable approach than relying on shortcuts that involve fake followers.

5. How to gain Instagram followers: Harness the Power of Scheduled Instagram Posts

While it’s true that the reach of brands is subject to the whims of the Instagram algorithm, posting at strategic times can significantly enhance the visibility of your content. Maximizing engagement becomes a key focus, and one effective approach is scheduling Instagram posts.

Utilizing advanced tools like those offered by Sprout allows brands to schedule a variety of content, including Stories, Carousels, Reels, and Posts. How to gain Instagram followers, This not only streamlines the posting process but also grants better control and organization over your content strategy.

Scheduling content in advance aligns with the consistency discussed earlier, helping you maintain the desired posting cadence. Additionally, the ability to crosspost content from other networks can further amplify your reach.

6. How to gain Instagram followers: Foster Meaningful Conversations with Your Audience

Consider this: 60% of marketers use Instagram as a service channel.

Instagram provides an ideal platform for engaging in back-and-forths with your followers. Many successful post ideas revolve around asking questions and initiating dialogue, and for good reason.

Encourage off-the-cuff questions, address shipping concerns, or acknowledge praise for your products—these are all fair game from your followers. Take a cue from Cometeer, which adeptly responds to various queries and comments on their Instagram posts.

Demonstrating support and responding promptly communicates to people that you genuinely care. The impact of such interactions is substantial. How to gain Instagram followers, According to our Index research, 89% of consumers are inclined to make a purchase from a brand they follow on social media. Every interaction matters.

Make it a practice to respond to as many questions or comments as possible. This approach could be the deciding factor in someone transitioning from a casual follower to a long-term follower or even a customer. How to gain Instagram followers, Engaging authentically with your audience on Instagram sets the stage for increased followership and customer loyalty.

7. How to gain Instagram followers: Engage Your Audience with Instagram Live

Elevate your connection with followers by hosting Instagram Live sessions, facilitating direct interaction and fostering a real-time sense of community.

How to gain Instagram followers, Consider hosting virtual events such as product launches, brief tutorials, or casual Q&A sessions. For e-commerce stores, the added benefit is the ability for users to shop your products in real-time during these Live sessions.

Moreover, you can repurpose these Live streams as stories, extending their visibility for 24 hours. This feature ensures that followers who missed the live broadcast can catch up later, maximizing the reach and impact of your interactive sessions. Instagram Live serves as a dynamic tool for building authentic connections and keeping your audience engaged in real-time.

8. How to gain Instagram followers: Maximize Your Instagram Exposure Across Platforms

When aiming for more followers on Instagram, proactive promotion is key.

Embrace various approaches to showcase your Instagram presence, as there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Social Media Icons: Incorporate Instagram icons into your website and marketing emails. This simple addition facilitates easy discovery for potential followers and enhances your connection with customers.
• Instagram Feed Integration: Feature your Instagram feed on essential pages like your homepage or product pages. Many e-commerce brands strategically incorporate dedicated User-Generated Content (UGC) feeds directly on their sites.
• Cross-Promotion on Other Platforms: Extend your Instagram reach by cross-promoting Instagram-specific content or announcements on other social channels. For instance, share details about an upcoming Instagram Live session on platforms like TikTok or Facebook.

Being proactive in promoting your Instagram presence across diverse channels not only boosts your follower count but also strengthens your overall brand visibility. How to gain Instagram followers, Explore these avenues to create a cohesive and impactful online presence.

9. How to gain Instagram followers: Identify Hashtags Where Your Followers Congregate

Hashtags have been an integral part of the Instagram landscape for what feels like forever.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that their impact has evolved over time. Simply inundating your posts with hashtags won’t magically attract new followers, especially amidst the platform’s constant buzz.

Take a proactive approach by zeroing in on industry-specific hashtags that resonate with your audience. For instance, How to gain Instagram followers, Lashify consistently contributes to the #LashEducation hashtag, which is more niche-specific and less competitive than broader options like #beauty. Establishing visibility within these targeted tags holds significant value for brands operating in the right niche.

Understanding the performance of your chosen hashtags is paramount. Utilize Sprout Social’s hashtag analytics tools for direct access to comprehensive performance and usage data. Determining the most effective hashtags for your content is just a few taps away, ensuring a more strategic and impactful use of hashtags on your Instagram posts.

10. How to gain Instagram followers: Cultivate Joy Among Your Instagram Followers

The path to audience growth on Instagram becomes smoother when you prioritize the happiness of your followers. The most successful Instagram accounts don’t just amass followers—they foster fans and communities.

For many accounts, this involves cultivating customer relationships through content that showcases the personality and humanity behind the brand. Consider incorporating:

• Inspirational Content
• Humorous Content
• Re-sharing User-Generated Content (UGC) with Unique Captions
• Storytelling Posts
• Behind-the-Scenes Photos and Videos
• Posts Advocating for Social Causes

Ensure that your content is in harmony with your brand voice and values. Strive to avoid appearing overly needy, solely sales-driven, or robotic. How to gain Instagram followers, By consistently delivering content that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand’s identity, you lay the groundwork for not just followers but a dedicated community of supporters on Instagram.

11. How to gain Instagram followers: Curate Your Best Stories as Highlights

Have you ever crafted a standout story that you wished could have a permanent place on your profile? Well, with story highlights, now it can.

Story highlights allow you to group selected old (expired) stories together. You can organize them based on themes or topics, such as Q&As, tips, or events. How to gain Instagram followers, This categorization makes it simpler for users to discover relevant stories.

These highlights are prominently positioned at the top of your profile, catching users’ attention before they scroll down to view your posts. Consider Highlights as a carefully curated portfolio showcasing the very best of your brand. This feature enables you to maintain a lasting impression by featuring standout content that embodies your brand’s essence.

12. How to gain Instagram followers: Create Content that Resonates with Your Followers

It’s easier said than done, we understand.

From filters and captions to content types and post times, the variables seem endless. Complicating matters further, Instagram’s algorithm can be unpredictable. What proves effective for one brand may not necessarily work for another in terms of format and timing.

Take Carousels versus Reels, for example are some brands swear by one, while others go all-in on the other. The truth is, both approaches can yield positive results. How to gain Instagram followers, On Instagram, certain content will inevitably receive more likes than others, making testing a crucial aspect of your strategy.

Leverage Instagram’s native analytics, which are surprisingly robust. For even more insights, consider investing in Instagram analytics tools such as Sprout, which streamlines benchmarking and analysis of content across accounts. Instead of second-guessing, let the data guide your content strategy.

If you’re unsure where to start, analyze your competitors. A significant 90% of brands find that social media data helps them stay competitive. While copying competitors isn’t advisable, observing their engagement-driving strategies can offer valuable insights. Tools like Sprout’s Instagram Competitors report break down successful approaches within your industry.

Lastly, stay attuned to emerging Instagram trends. This ensures you don’t miss out on platform-wide opportunities to engage with trending content formats. How to gain Instagram followers, Keeping your content strategy dynamic and informed by analytics and trends will contribute to sustained follower growth.

13. How to gain Instagram followers: Harness the Power of Short-Form Video Content

According to Sprout’s data, a significant 66% of consumers express a desire to see more short-form videos from brands. This highlights the growing importance of platforms like Reels.

Reels are not only enjoyable and snappy but also algorithmically advantageous. Consider creating tutorials, showcasing products, or offering quick behind-the-scenes glimpses to capitalize on the appeal of these short-form videos.

How to gain Instagram followers, Given the brief timeframe to capture attention, creativity is key. Explore the built-in tools like stickers, cuts, filters, music, voice-overs, and transitions to craft engaging and trendy Reels.

What’s even better? These bite-sized videos can seamlessly be cross-promoted on platforms such as TikTok, extending your reach to new audiences and attracting a broader follower base. Embracing short-form video content like Reels is a dynamic strategy to keep your Instagram presence fresh and engaging.

14. How to gain Instagram followers: Utilize Geo-Tagging to Attract Local Followers

Instagram reintroduced location stories last year, now conveniently presented on a map. This feature enables users to explore top posts and stories specific to particular locations, whether it’s a coffee shop or a shopping mall.

How can you ensure your content appears on this map? The answer lies in tagging your location. Geo-tagging your posts and stories enhances their visibility to people in the vicinity or those interested in the location where your photo or video was captured.

Curious about tagging the location in your Instagram story? It’s simple use for the location sticker and enter the desired location. How to gain Instagram followers, This strategic use of geo-tagging is an effective way to connect with local audiences and boost your visibility among users exploring specific areas on the map.

15. How to gain Instagram followers: Collaborate with Influencers in Your Niche

Forming partnerships with influencers who have established followings is a potent strategy for expanding your own audience. Content creators possess the ability to introduce your brand to a target audience and consistently raise awareness for your products.

Begin by identifying the right influencers for your brand. Utilize tools like Sprout’s listening tools to pinpoint relevant influencers within your niche.

Search for creators whose values and aesthetic align with your brand, prioritizing those with an engaged following rather than just a large one.

Once you’ve identified potential influencers, consider various collaboration approaches:

• Paid Sponsorships: The most direct collaboration type, involving payment to the influencer for promoting your product or service. Establish clear terms, including the number of posts, content type, and any specific messaging or hashtags.
• Product Exchanges: Some influencers may prefer receiving free products in exchange for a review or featuring your brand on their Instagram.
• Affiliate & Brand Ambassador Programs: Develop a program for smaller influencers genuinely passionate about your brand, offering incentives like points, discounts, commissions, and perks for a long-term relationship.
• Collaborative Content: Engage in content creation together, whether through joint Instagram Lives, giveaways, or co-created posts and stories. Collaborations provide fresh perspectives and expand your reach.

Lastly, monitor the effectiveness of your influencer campaigns by assessing metrics such as follower growth, engagement, and ROI. How to gain Instagram followers, This evaluation helps determine the potential for a long-term relationship with a specific influencer.

How NOT to Increase Your Instagram Followers: A Word of Caution

Disclaimer: Sprout Social emphatically does not endorse or recommend the purchase of Instagram followers or engagement services.

As the social media landscape becomes increasingly competitive, some brands may be tempted to explore shortcuts for immediate results. However, it is crucial to emphasize that buying Instagram followers is not a recommended or ethical practice. Here’s why:

1. Real Followers Can Spot Fake Ones: Modern social media users are becoming more discerning. Concerns about privacy and the prevalence of social scams have made people highly attuned to suspicious activity. A sudden spike in followers raises red flags and can be easily identified as inauthentic. Bots flooding your account with spam followers not only damages your reputation but also hinders the growth of an authentic Instagram following.
2. Fake Followers Contribute Nothing of Value: While it’s natural to be concerned about Instagram metrics, the number of followers is not meaningful if they don’t drive genuine engagement. An inflated follower count may make you appear larger, but it does little for your engagement rate on the platform. Ultimately, the quality of your followers matters more than the quantity.
3. Violates Terms of Service (TOS): Purchasing Instagram followers directly violates the platform’s terms of service. Platforms like Meta have actively taken measures against the purchase of engagement, even shutting down companies that sell likes. Engaging in such practices contradicts the fundamental principles outlined in the platform’s TOS, which aim to maintain a spam-free and authentic user experience.

In summary, buying Instagram followers is not only ineffective in the long run but also risks damaging your brand’s credibility and violating the rules set by the platform. How to gain Instagram followers, The focus should always be on building an authentic and engaged following through ethical and sustainable strategies.

How to Maximize the Value of Your Current Instagram Followers

So, you’ve built a solid following on Instagram—congratulations!

Yet, let’s acknowledge that it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about cultivating a vibrant community that shares in your excitement for each post. Here are five strategies to keep your existing followers captivated by your content:

1. Engage Actively: Instagram thrives on dialogue, not monologues. Respond to comments, solicit opinions from your followers, and encourage user-generated content. Transform your account into a space for meaningful conversations.
2. Consistent Value Delivery: Elevate your content by consistently offering value to your followers. Whether through expert how-to guides, exclusive promo codes, or just providing a good laugh, ensure that each post contributes to the enriching experience of your followers. The goal is to establish a pattern where they eagerly anticipate your next post.
3. Humanize Your Brand: People connect with people, not faceless entities. Shed the corporate persona and reveal the authentic faces and stories behind your brand. Consider sharing a day-in-the-life glimpse of your cafe or spotlighting your employees to create a personal connection.
4. Stay Trend-Savvy: Instagram is an ever-evolving platform. What resonated yesterday might not be as effective tomorrow. Embrace trends—whether it’s a popular filter, a viral challenge, or a new feature—and incorporate them into your content strategy. This not only keeps your feed fresh but also keeps your followers intrigued.
5. Monitor Analytics: Regularly track metrics to understand which posts resonate with your followers, identify less successful content, and determine peak activity times. Leveraging this data enables you to refine your strategy, ensuring that your content remains engaging and aligns with your audience’s preferences.

How to gain Instagram followers, By actively engaging, consistently adding value, humanizing your brand, staying on top of trends, and leveraging analytics, you can enhance the quality of your existing followers’ experience and foster a more loyal and enthusiastic community around your brand on Instagram.

Unlocking Instagram growth doesn’t happen by chance; it requires intentional effort and a strategic approach.

Contrary to any notions of a magical solution, there’s no one-size-fits-all method for achieving it.

The aforementioned tips serve as a blueprint to establish the groundwork for cultivating an authentic and engaged Instagram following. These guidelines provide a solid foundation for proactive and effective efforts to expand your presence on the platform. For Instagram