Last week on the KWSM blog, we discussed how to grow your Instagram following by first polishing up your account. In the second part of this series, we’re going to discuss how to actively build your follower count, now that your profile is poised for growth. Read on to see the best tips for making your brand’s account tip and grow like wildfire!
Use Hashtags and Location Tags
One of Instagram’s greatest strengths is how it allows users to discover new brands and content. This key element sets it apart from many other social networks. With features like the Explore Page and search menu, it’s easy for users to connect with new brands. And by implementing a hashtag campaign or using relevant hashtags and geo-location tags on your photos and Instagram Stories, you can get your content in front of more people who may be exploring those same hashtags or location tags.
Run Instagram Ads to Promote Your Brand
With so many brands on Instagram, it can be challenging to compete for followers organically. One way to combat the competition and boost your brand’s follower count is by running Instagram ads. Whether you choose to run advertisements that appear in users’ feeds or Instagram Stories ads, linking your Instagram account to your Instagram ad can be a great way to target your audience and direct them to your account page, in addition to driving them to a current campaign link.
Cross-Promote Your Instagram Account on Other Platforms
When growing your follower count, it’s essential to promote your Instagram profile outside of the platform as well. Doing so is a practical yet simple way to increase your numbers. As such, be sure to share your Instagram handle everywhere where you have a touchpoint with a potential customer. That includes adding your Instagram handle to your company’s email signatures and creating links to your account in all your email marketing campaigns. If YouTube (or any form of broadcasting) is part of your social media marketing strategy, be sure to shout out your Instagram account at the end of your videos and to link it in your video description box. Also, be sure to encourage followers on your Facebook and Twitter pages to follow your Instagram account through dedicated posts. And lastly, don’t forget to link to your Instagram profile on your company’s website!
Collaborate with Relevant Influencers
Influencer marketing is a great way to grow your Instagram account. By forming a brand partnership with relevant influencers in your industry, you can tap into each influencer’s built-in network of trusted followers and get directly in front of an engaged target audience. There are many ways to collaborate with influencers and at different price points. If you are a B2C retail brand, sending complimentary PR packages featuring some of your best-selling items can be an easy, low-cost way to introduce your brand to an influencer’s network. Additionally, you can do sponsored posts with influencers, or even run giveaways by offering free products or services (such as a gift basket of your best-selling items or a free dinner-for-two at your restaurant) to help boost your profile’s engagement rates and follower count.
And that wraps up this two-part series! As Instagram’s active userbase continues to grow, and as the platform continues to add more features that help brands connect with their audiences, having an Instagram presence is becoming vital. By implementing these growth strategies, your brand will be well on its way to cultivating an engaged Instagram community and loyal following.
Did you know that 600+ million people seek out and discover new products on Instagram?
Is your brand discoverable on Instagram? Are your products or services getting in front of the right eyes? If you’re interested in taking your social media marketing to the next level, we can help. KWSM offers a comprehensive social media management plan for businesses looking to grow their leads and convert their followers.
CLICK HERE to schedule a complimentary 30-minute social media marketing audit!
