If you’ve made it this far, you might be thinking, ‘Oh wow, great, another Instagram growth strategies article that’s not going to work on my profile.
But wait and give us a minute. First of all, let’s be clear: there is no magic formula to know how to grow on Instagram. Getting to increase your followers on Instagram, improve engagement or beat the damn algorithm, is usually not easy or fast. Don’t worry if you don’t have money to buy Instagram followers Canada, as these methods are completely free. But, there are two or three little tricks that could get your account off the ground. Are you using them?
1. Use Carousels
If you haven’t been leveraging carousel posts on your feed, now’s the time. Carousels have consistently proven to boost engagement, and multiple digital marketing studies back this up.
How to Grow On Instagram Using the Carousel
It may sound pretentious, but if your feed doesn’t include a carousel, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to gain followers. Carousels are the most beneficial posts for your profile if you want to increase engagement on Instagram and there are many digital marketing studies that confirm this.
The reasons are very obvious:
The carousel breaks the infinite scroll down and grabs the attention
The scroll down is that addictive gesture that, in a way, relegates your content to just a few seconds of viewing.
Your goal should be to override that trend: to have the user stop swiping and stop at your post. To achieve this, what works best is the carousel, because having more than one slide generates more curiosity and the need to stop to see the other images.
That curiosity will make the user stop, and be ‘forced’ to change the movement of his finger: from vertical to horizontal. We recommend mixing video with image and using between 6-10 slides. But do not force quantity, always bet on quality.
Increase watch time and recommendation rate
Once the user has stopped at your carrousel, we must encourage him to go ‘all the way’. Increase that curiosity with a good cover and suggestive text in the description.
You can write something like: slide to see the step-by-step; what look do you like best? The last one is my favourite, etc. If the user spends more time viewing your content, the algorithm will value it positively. Increasing retention will increase the chances that they will recommend you to new users and, therefore, it will be easier for you to gain new followers and grow on Instagram.
It allows you to tell stories in a more attractive and visual way
Storytelling is a marketing tactic that you should master regardless of the goal of your profile. Whether you’re on Instagram to sell, highlight, share, or teach, you need to squeeze in ‘storytelling’ formats that will engage and engage the user on your profile.
You can use them to…
- Follow cooking recipes
- Teach an exercise routine
- Describe a trip and its iconic places
- Show the step-by-step of reform, a hairstyle or a craft
- View a calendar of events
- Advertise the blocks of a training course
- Make a list of news or trends
- Show your best sellers
- Explain relevant data about a sector
The possibilities are endless and the fact that you can include both photos and videos will make it much more attractive.
2. Increase Retention for Growth
The digital space is cluttered, and attention spans are shorter than ever. On platforms like Instagram, retaining user attention is not just beneficial—it’s essential for growth. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Engaging Captions: Your captions should be more than just an afterthought. Craft them to be informative and interactive. Pose questions, share anecdotes, or include a call-to-action. This encourages users to spend extra seconds on your post, interacting or pondering.
- Variety in Content: Don’t just stick to images or videos. Mix it up! Use polls, quizzes, or even the occasional meme relevant to your brand. These not only entertain but also engage the audience.
- Go Behind-the-Scenes: Take your followers on a journey behind the curtain. Whether it’s a day in the office or the process of creating a product, such sneak-peeks make users feel included and valued, increasing their time on your posts.
- User-Generated Content: Occasionally featuring content from your users or followers can make them feel acknowledged. It encourages them and others to engage more deeply with your brand.
See also: How to Get Instagram Verification
3. Dive into Diverse Content
The beauty of Instagram lies in its versatility. Here are ways to make the most of what the platform offers:
- Interactive Stories: Use Instagram stories to run polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions. This not only boosts interaction but also gives valuable insights into your followers’ preferences.
- IGTV and Reels: Embrace longer video formats like IGTV for in-depth content or Reels for shorter, snappier videos. Tutorials, reviews, or fun brand-related challenges can be explored here.
- Collaborations and Takeovers: Collaborate with influencers or industry peers. Let them take over your profile for a day. This brings in fresh content and can attract their follower base to your profile.
- Themed Days: Introduce themed days like “Throwback Thursdays” or “Motivation Mondays”. This sets a content expectation for your audience, making them look forward to specific posts.
- Use Hashtags Wisely: Instead of just tagging trending hashtags, create a unique hashtag for your brand or campaigns. Encourage your followers to use it, making it easier for you and others to find related content.
Remember, while it’s essential to diversify, ensure that every piece of content aligns with your brand’s voice and message. It’s about creating a harmonious blend of variety and consistency.
In Conclusion
Navigating the dynamic landscape of Instagram requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and adaptability. It’s not merely about chasing numbers but building genuine, lasting engagement. By focusing on retention, embracing a diverse content strategy, and constantly evolving with the platform’s features, you set the stage for sustainable growth. As the Instagram universe expands, remember that authenticity remains at its core. Embrace it, and you’ll not only grow your follower count but also forge meaningful connections in the digital realm. Dive in, experiment, and let your unique brand story shine on Instagram.
