In the digital age, making an Instagram Reel go viral might feel like hitting the jackpot. Imagine your reel blowing up with over 7.5 million views, 273K shares, 99.7K likes, and 16.8K saves—yet, the follower count barely budges. WTH, right?
Even though that wasn’t your endgame, this experience has prompted you to reconsider how to get more followers on Instagram. If a meme that even got Instagram’s big cheese, Adam Mosseri, to notice didn’t give you a major follower boost, what will?
Instagram is the MVP for many brands’ social media game. It’s a powerhouse for driving traffic, boosting sales, and engaging peeps. But if your growth and engagement numbers are looking kinda sad, don’t sweat it—you’re definitely not flying solo.
The competition on Insta is fierce, and cracking the algorithm code can feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube. Nevertheless, investing in growing your audience is absolutely worth it. A bigger follower count means more opportunities to engage and delight your customers.
With over 2 billion monthly active users and features like shoppable posts, Instagram is a goldmine for businesses of all shapes and sizes. But here’s the real talk: unless you’re a household name, leveling up your follower count takes some serious hustle.
Ready to amp up your Insta game and figure out how to get more Instagram followers? This post will walk you through some tried-and-true strategies to help you snag your first 5,000 followers or smash through to the next 5k.
Let’s dive in and make your Instagram pop!
Types of Instagram Followers
Understanding the types of followers on Instagram is crucial for devising a growth strategy that works. Here’s a breakdown:
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Fake Followers
Fake followers are accounts created to inflate follower counts artificially. They don’t engage with your content, and their presence can harm your credibility. Instagram actively identifies and removes these accounts, so it’s essential to avoid purchasing them.
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Ghost Followers
Ghost followers are real accounts that no longer interact with your content. They can skew your engagement metrics and make it harder to reach your target audience. Identifying and removing these followers can help improve your engagement rates.
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Organic Followers
Organic followers are genuine users who follow you because they are interested in your content. They are the most valuable as they engage with your posts and are more likely to become loyal supporters or customers.
20 Ways to Get More Instagram Followers
Before diving into the juicy details, let’s get one thing straight: this post is all about building an organic following answering the burning question, how do you get Instagram followers?
And yes, that’s a big deal!
Some brands try to cut corners when it comes to how to get more Instagram followers. We’re not about that life—no shady shortcuts here. We know those pay-for-play sites exist, but honestly, they’re just not worth it for long-term success.
Here’s the tea: Instagram’s algorithm is super smart and will ditch low-quality accounts and fake engagement from sketchy bots. So, if you’re looking for legit growth, it’s all about putting in the work.
Trust us, it’s totally worth it. Check out our top tips for boosting your Instagram followers the real way. Read on below for the deets!
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Optimize Your Instagram Account
Ensure your Instagram profile is fully optimized. Use a clear and recognizable profile picture, write a compelling bio and include a link to your website or a landing page. A well-optimized profile makes a strong first impression and can convert visitors into followers.
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Create a Cohesive Instagram Feed
A visually appealing and cohesive Instagram feed attracts and retains followers. Use consistent colours, filters, and themes to make your profile aesthetically pleasing. This consistency helps build your brand’s identity and makes your profile more engaging.
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Keep a Consistent Content Calendar
Consistency is key in maintaining and growing your follower base. Develop a content calendar to plan and schedule posts regularly. Aim to post at least once a day to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Tools like Viralpep can help you manage and schedule your content efficiently.
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Write Descriptive Captions with Keywords
Captions are an essential part of Instagram posts ideas. Write descriptive captions that include relevant keywords to improve discoverability. For instance, if you’re posting about a new product, include keywords like “new arrivals” or “exclusive offers.” This can also help with how do you get Instagram followers organically.
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Find the Best Hashtags for Your Followers
Hashtags increase the visibility of your posts. Research and use a mix of popular and niche hashtags relevant to your content and audience. Aim for a balance—using highly popular hashtags can increase reach, while niche hashtags can attract a more targeted audience.
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Find Your Best Time to Post
Posting at the right times can significantly impact your engagement rates. Use Instagram Insights to determine when your followers are most active. Experiment with different posting times to find the optimal schedule for your audience.
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Make Sure Your Instagram Content is Accessible
Accessibility is crucial for reaching a broader audience. Use alternative text (alt text) for images, ensure videos have captions, and choose high-contrast colours to make your content accessible to users with visual impairments.
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Collaborate with Brands, Creators, and Influencers
Partnerships can expose your profile to new audiences. Collaborate with brands, creators, or influencers who align with your values and target audience. Whether through shoutouts, joint campaigns, or guest appearances, these collaborations can boost your follower count.
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Create More Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are a great way to engage users with short, entertaining videos. They have high potential for viral reach, so create Reels that resonate with your audience. Use trending sounds and creative editing to capture attention. This can help you gain followers on Instagram free.
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Optimize Your Instagram Stories Highlights
Instagram Stories Highlights allow you to keep your best Stories visible on your profile. Use them to showcase important content like product features, behind-the-scenes moments, or user testimonials. Well-curated Highlights can attract new followers and keep current ones engaged.
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Create Memes and Other Shareable Content
Memes and shareable content can increase your reach and engagement. Create Engaging Instagram Carousel Post that resonates with your audience’s interests and sense of humour. Encourage followers to share your posts to expand your reach organically.
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Lean into User-Generated Content
Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand. User-generated content (UGC) builds community and trust. Share UGC on your profile to show appreciation for your followers and attract new ones through social proof.
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Cross-Promote Your Instagram on Other Channels
Promote your Instagram profile across your other marketing channels. Add your Instagram handle to your website, email newsletters, and other social media platforms. This cross-promotion can drive traffic to your Instagram profile and help you gain followers on Instagram for free.
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Analyze High-Performing Content
Regularly review your Instagram analytics to understand which content performs best. Focus on creating similar posts to maintain and grow your follower base. Pay attention to metrics such as likes, comments, shares, and saves.
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Experiment on Threads
Threads, Instagram’s newer feature for more personal and text-based interactions, can help you connect with your audience in a different way. Use Threads to share insights, updates, or engage in conversations with your followers.
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Get Verified on Instagram
Getting verified can enhance your credibility and visibility on Instagram. The blue checkmark helps you stand out in search results and reduces the risk of impersonation. To get verified, follow Instagram’s verification guidelines and meet their criteria.
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Interact with Your Audience in Comments and Stories
Engagement is crucial for growth. Respond to comments and messages promptly and interact with your audience through Stories. Use interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions to encourage engagement and build relationships.
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Understand Your Analytics
Tracking your performance is essential for growth. Use Instagram Insights or third-party tools to monitor key metrics. Understanding your audience’s preferences and behaviour helps you tailor your content strategy for better results.
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Try Instagram Promotions and Ads
Instagram promotions and ads can boost your reach and attract new followers. Create targeted ads to reach your desired audience and increase your visibility. Experiment with different ad formats to see what works best for your brand.
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Share Your Profile Link Externally
Promote your Instagram profile link outside of Instagram. Share it in blog posts, on your business cards, and through other digital marketing efforts. Increasing your profile’s visibility on various platforms can help you gain followers Instagram free.
At Viralpep, we specialize in providing social media management solutions that help businesses grow their online presence. Our social media scheduling tool and strategies are designed to enhance your Instagram marketing efforts and drive real, organic growth. Explore our services to see how we can help you gain followers on Instagram free and achieve your social media goals.
Conclusion
Growing your Instagram following requires a combination of strategic planning, engaging content, and active interaction with your audience. By implementing these 20 strategies, you can increase your followers organically and build a robust Instagram presence. Remember, consistency and quality are key to long-term success. For more expert tips and tools to boost your Instagram growth, visit Viralpep and take your social media strategy to the next level.
