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Everyone is always asking me the best way to get more followers on Instagram. So, today I’m going to teach you about the four “C’s” that will help you create a loyal Instagram following.
Keeping up with your Instagram account is hard work. You put a lot of thought into your captions and in finding the “perfect” picture to grab the attention of your audience. All of this work would be for nothing if you weren’t attracting people.
The reality is that Instagram is getting crowded. For several years now, it has been one of the fastest-growing social media platforms. That’s why having a well thought out strategy is imperative to reach new people and keep your current audience engaged.
Before we get started, I want to be very clear that the tips I’m giving are for growing an ENGAGED following!!! Yeah, having a bunch of followers looks good, but if they’re not engaging with your content, then what’s the point.
Okay, thanks for listening to that little rant. Now, it’s time to get into the juicy stuff.
Content
Taking the time to come up with a content strategy that speaks to your audience is a sure-fire way to attract and to keep an engaged following.
Know your audience. Your content is for your audience, not for you. So, you need to know your audience well. What problems do they have, and how can you solve them. What do they enjoy, and how can you tie that into your content.
Offer a mix of content to build the know, like, and trust factor with your audience.
Be sure that you are using a good mix of hashtags that relate to your content. Hashtags help get your content in front of new people. If you need help using hashtags, then check out this post.
Conversations
Social media is all about being social in a virtual setting. You can’t just post and dash. You have to take part in the conversations that are going on.
You should always respond to every comment on your posts and any DMs that you receive. But, you also want to make sure that you are engaging in posts from other accounts as well.
When you comment on other’s posts, you’re increasing your visibility. Offer valuable and genuine comments, and people will notice you. I had someone reach out to me about my services that weren’t even following me because they liked my comments on someone else’s post!!!
Be sure that you are showing up in stories and commenting on other’s stories. Take part in their polls and answer their questions. This is a great way to get conversations started in the DMs.
Also, if you use polls or other stickers in your DMs, be sure that you follow up with the people who took the time to engage. Again, this gets the conversation started and increases the likelihood that they’ll engage in your stories in the future.
Collaboration
Working with other people is another excellent way to get in front of new audiences and increase your visibility. Remember, people can’t follow you if they don’t know you exist. That’s why teaming up with others allows you to get exposure in front of a new group of people.
Do you know someone that compliments the product or service that you offer? Then go Live together and talk about your products and how they can work together. Reach out to accounts that you would like to work with and offer to do a mini-training on stories for their audience. Another great way to collaborate is to do an Instagram story take-over or host a giveaway with another account.
Anytime you can work with someone else, you are increasing your visibility.
Consistency
I saved this one for last because it is probably the most critical factor in growing your Instagram following! Not only is it important because the algorithm favors accounts that show up consistently, but so does your audience.
None of the tips mentioned above will work unless you are consistent in implementing them. The best way to stay consistent is to have a plan! Plan out your content, plan how you will engage, and plan out how (and with who) you will collaborate. Take a little time each month to write out an action plan.
Ways NOT to build your following
Please do not take shortcuts and buy your followers. Purchasing followers is a huge no-no when it comes to Instagram. It’s a smart platform and can tell when this happens.
Another unpopular method is the follow/unfollow practice. This is a sure-fire way to look like a jerk on Instagram. I’m not saying that you should never unfollow people, but make sure that they are not following you! If they’re not engaging with your content, then try engaging with theirs to build that relationship.
I know that we would all like to wake up one morning to have 10K+ new followers, but the reality is that it doesn’t happen if you’re growing an engaged following. When your audience is engaged, they are more likely to become clients or refer you to others that are looking for your service.
So to recap, be sure that you have a content strategy, you are taking part in conversations, you are collaborating with others, and you are consistent. By using the four “C’s” you will watch your account grow and build a community of the right followers.
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