Instagram has around 1 billion active users, so it’s no surprise that brands flock to the app.  Instagram is a simple platform that allows consumers to swipe up and down to see what they like based on imagery and comments.  So, exposing your brand to over 1 billion users seems like a no-brainer, right?  

Unfortunately, getting 1 million followers and the famous blue tick overnight is not realistic.  

It’s no secret that Instagram has altered its algorithm over the years, which has seen a decrease in engagement on users’ posts.  However, they are rewarding people that post quality content!  

If you’re using Instagram to market your business, then here are some key tips that will consistently grow your Instagram numbers…

Share quality content with a well thought out caption

Posting quality content means quality photos.  If you’re able to invest in a decent camera then this is definitely something to consider.  If not, mobile phones nowadays can produce quality photos!  Having quality content includes videos.  Today, video is becoming a great tool when engaging with your audience.  If you have a good balance of videos and images on your feed, then you’re off to a winner!

If you’re posting quality content, then you need a quality caption to go underneath.  The best way to connect with your audience is to speak their language! Give them a call to action that prompts them to visit your website, comment on your post, read your latest blog etc. etc.

Stick to a consistent Instagram theme

It’s a well-known fact that a lot of Instagram users decide if an account is worthy of a follow by looking at their feed.  If they see a feed that is consistently clean, seamless and easy on the eye, they are 10x more likely to follow.  Think about consistent editing, consistent colours and consistent messaging.  

Schedule your content at the right times

This is probably one of the easiest ways to increase engagement.  All you have to do is alter the time you’re posting content to maximise the users you are reaching.  If you have a business account, you can use the insights feature which will show you the breakdown of your followers by gender, location and the days and hours they are most active.  Using this information, you can decide on the best time to post your content.  If you do not have a business account, there are many resources online that will give you information on the best times to post for certain audiences – or, you could sign up to our SocialRebel software! 😛

Post at least 5 Instagram stories a day

Instagram stories that are distributed throughout the day lets users know you are always active!  If your image posts don’t make it to the top of user’s feeds, the Instagram stories feature means you are always active at the top of their screen.  It is important to note that these stories don’t necessarily have to be high-quality, well-edited images.  You could post a quick boomerang, a 10 second video, or you could use something like the poll or ask a question feature to further boost engagement.  Basically, just something that show’s you’re active!

Try out Instagram live

Instagram live is a really underrated tool to boost brand awareness!  It allows you to show yourself or your business in real-time, and your audience would love to see how you operate behind the scenes.  Your goal is to educate, entertain and encourage questioning from your followers.  You could take them behind the scenes of a project, host a q+a, or just have a chat!  But remember that your aim is to increase awareness of your products or services, so just make sure you are bringing value to your followers.   

Be strategic when using Instagram hashtags

As previously mentioned, Instagram is rewarding accounts that post quality content.  This means that getting people’s attention has become more difficult.  This is where hashtags come in.  

Using the most popular hashtags will help you get likes and comments on a post, but realistically the people engaging are not too bothered about what you actually do as a business.  The key is to reach a targeted audience.  This can be achieved by using hashtags with 5,000 to 500,000 usage counts that are relatable to your business and target market.  By using hashtags that are slightly more niche, you are more likely to target people that would get some value from your page.  

When choosing hashtags, a good starting point is covering the four areas.

• Brand
• Niche
• Location
• Community

A solid combination of hashtags that cover these four areas will do wonders in terms of getting eyes on your account, better engagement, and new customers!

By using these tips you should see your Instagram engagement start to rise

Don’t be expecting anything dramatic within 24 hours, but stay consistent and YOU WILL SEE RESULTS.  

Need some support with your social media marketing? Check out our social media management packages and let us do the leg-work!