If you're trying to grow your brand, Instagram is a great platform for you. But to grow your brand's Instagram, you need followers. However, the true potential of Instagram can only be unlocked with a substantial follower base. Instagram followers are more than just numbers; they represent a community of individuals who are interested in your brand, value your content, and are likely to engage with your posts. A large and engaged following can enhance your brand's credibility, increase your visibility, and drive more traffic to your website or online store.
Growing your follower count organically can be challenging and time-consuming. For brands looking to jumpstart their Instagram presence, investing in Instagram followers can be a viable strategy. By boosting your follower count, you can create a strong first impression, attract more organic followers, and build a robust online community that supports your brand's growth.
In this article, we will explore the importance of Instagram followers for brand growth and provide actionable tips on how to cultivate a thriving Instagram community.
Why Instagram Followers Are Important to a Brand
Let’s look at several reasons why your brand’s Instagram should have as many followers as possible.
Social Proof
Social proof is the phenomenon that details how people will base their decisions on the actions of others. In other words, the numbers can influence people's decisions. If your rival has more followers, people may choose them over yours not because of quality but because it has more loyal followers.
Followers are a sign to a potential consumer that you have substantial authority in whatever niche you're in. People believe your followers are customers who are eager to see what products you offer next or what deals or discounts you’re giving away.
Important for the Algorithm
Instagram has an Explore page that recommends personalized content based on what people like or who they follow. Having many followers increases your ranking in the algorithm. As such, you are more likely to get recommendations from potential customers who are interested in brands similar to yours.
Creates Urgency
Say you are launching a new product. If your account has many followers, someone may wish to buy your product ASAP before it sells out or goes up in price. Often, you can host your products on the Instagram platform itself, making it easier for those interested in your brand to buy your products.
How to Get More Followers
With that said, how do you get more followers? Let’s look at some ways you can improve your follower count.
Content is King
Perhaps the most important rule to keep in mind is that content is always king. If you post interesting photos or videos that appeal to your target audience, they will come. What defines “Interesting” depends on who your audience is. If you’re a real estate agent, posting videos of you touring the homes you have for sale may be what you need to do. If you’re a photographer, simply posting captivating photos may be the answer.
Whatever the case, you want the photos and videos you post to be high-quality, and you should post as consistently as possible. Also, take advantage of Stories and Reels.
Also, Keep a Content Schedule
You should post at least three times a week. To keep yourself accountable, create a content calendar that gives you an idea of what you're posting and when. You can even have days where you repurpose old content when you need to recharge. A content calendar doesn’t have to be set in stone; you may mix up when you post content if you feel like a specific post would work on a better day.
Have an Optimized Bio
Your bio should tell potential followers what your brand is about. You should have a clear and unique profile picture, a bio that tells a little bit about your business, and any applicable links. Doing this will help people decide whether to follow you.
Engage With Your Audience
Many audience members don't just see you as a brand. They also see you as someone they can talk to if they have any questions or comments. If someone leaves a comment or message asking a question, answer it ASAP, like any comments that people leave. An engaged audience is likely to follow you and remain engaged followers.
Collaborate
Collaborations are how you can grow your Instagram. You may pay an influencer to promote your product or work with a similar business on a post. Reach out to an influencer or brand and state your intentions. Then, work together to make a collaboration that will help both of you grow.
Change Your Strategy
If your content strategy isn't working, it's time to consider changing it. Maybe you're using the wrong hashtags and keywords, not posting at the right times, or your videos don't have an exciting opener. Whatever the case, don't give up; instead, improve your content approach. It can take a bit to get to the top.
