How to Get Followers on Instagram: 10 Steps to Fast and Free Organic Growth

If you’re launching a business profile on social media or aiming to become a blogger, the first question that arises is how to get followers on Instagram. Although this platform is quite popular, attracting an audience isn’t as simple as it might seem. You need to put in effort to make your content look natural and not overly promotional.

Organic growth on Instagram comes with many nuances, so this article is here to help you attract your first followers and evolve. Keep reading to find out which techniques work best in 2024.

What you will find in this article:

10 ways to get more Instagram followers

There is no one way to get more followers on Instagram. The secret lies in combining and testing different methods. Moreover, Meta’s algorithms restrict organic posts in feeds, so you will require consistency, engagement, and dedication in growing your Instagram account.

Below are 10 efficient practices on how to get Instagram followers.

#1 Optimize your IG profile bio

Your Instagram bio is the first thing people see when they check out your profile. Plus, the social media’s algorithms analyze wording in your account description to identify keywords and help its users find pages that match their interests. This can be especially crucial for local businesses and niche bloggers. If your bio isn’t well-crafted, you might miss out on reaching a lot of potential followers because they can’t find your account while searching.

Here’s what you should include in your Instagram bio:

Line of work (e.g., makeup artist, book enthusiast, graphic designer, etc).
Location. If your business only operates in specific areas, it’s crucial to mention this because people often search for services using service + city keywords.
Your unique value proposition. Think about what advantages your followers can gain by keeping an eye on your Instagram account. For example, jewelers can say something like “Crafting unique accessories from precious metals with custom engraving options”. To understand what differentiates your business from competitors and set a clear value proposition, you require competitive analysis. After setting up market research, it will be easier to find proper words.
Call-to-action (CTA). This is a simple phrase to guide users on what to do. For example, to browse your catalog, watch a specific video, or place an order. If you’re wondering about how to get Instagram followers, utilize CTAs like “Subscribe for more exclusive content”.
Website link (if applicable). If you have an additional source of information, share it with your followers in your Instagram bio! When potential customers search for brands, a link makes it easy to learn more about a specific business in more detail.

What else you should know: Instagram bios are limited to 150 characters, so keep it short and laconic. To attract more attention to your profile, you can use emojis and hashtags.

#2 Select relevant hashtags for Instagram

Hashtags are words and short phrases used on social media to categorize content, make it more visible, and connect users interested in similar topics. To create a hashtag, you simply need to add the “#” symbol. After that, it becomes clickable on Instagram, allowing you to navigate and see similar content that appears in your feed.

If you’re interested in how to gain followers on Instagram at no cost, this method is right for you because it doesn’t require any investments, only your time.

Despite the simplicity, there’s a nuance; you need to learn how to choose the right hashtags for your Instagram account. Here are some useful tips:

Browse the Instagram Explore Page. Enter your hashtags in the search bar and check the number of posts on the topic. Create a table listing popular hashtags along with the number of posts.
Observe your competitors. In such a way, you can evaluate which posts get more engagement and choose relevant ones for your business.
Utilize online hashtag generation tools. Plenty of solutions provide detailed analytics and additional features. For example, Hootsuite’s generator helps pick relevant hashtags for different regions. Moreover, when entering a key phrase, it provides an extended list of possible options. Keyword Tool is another useful generator that searches hashtags for various platforms, including Instagram. It also provides detailed analytics on volume, trends, and CPC (Cost Per Click).
Blend high- and low-frequency hashtags. Low-frequency queries attract a niche audience, while high-frequency ones can increase reach. Use analytical tools to determine the frequency of each hashtag.
Use branded hashtags. These are unique words and phrases associated with your business. For example, such hashtags can be your company name or unusual description.
Include location-based hashtags. If you are a local business, add hashtags like service type + city.
Analyze hashtag performance. You should do so periodically, using Instagram’s native tools. Go to your profile → Insights for detailed analytics over the last 90 days. It’s possible to monitor each post to see where your readers came from.

What else you should know: Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but it’s better to choose 3-5 to avoid over-spamming. Posting hashtags in the comments increases post visibility.

Discover which tags can make your Instagram stand out with our guide: Instagram Hashtags for Photographers

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#3 Come up with a content marketing strategy

The most crucial method of organic promotion on Instagram is consistently posting valuable and engaging content. Since all social media platforms serve an entertainment or informational purpose, users come here to have fun or learn something useful. Therefore, your posts should be informative yet not overloaded with aggressive advertising.

Content production requires a lot of time and effort. That’s why many find it challenging to stay consistent and post regularly. To make this easier, you need a content plan. This document contains all the information about your posts: topic, date, references, creative ideas, hashtags, and additional comments.

Here’s how to create your unique content plan that meets current objectives:

Define your goals. If you want to grow Instagram followers, post engaging content that people are more likely to share. For example, this could be educational materials, funny videos, or anything that can go viral.
Know your target audience. By understanding who your followers are, it becomes easier to create useful content. For example, if your clients are young moms, share tips that will help them after childbirth.
Gather topics. You can use platforms like Ahrefs or JS Social Media to collect themes. Nonetheless, they frequently appear to be generic. To get more reach and engagement, it’s better to apply creative thinking. Put yourself in your followers’ shoes and answer yourself questions that concern them the most.
Categorize your content. Your posts can be educational, entertaining, promotional, branded, etc. Find a balance between different types of content to avoid being boring for your audience.
Create a content calendar. Always plan your publications for at least one month. Just add the devised topics to the document and schedule publication dates. It’s best to post at least three times a week.
Plan engagement strategy. Think about promotional activities such as liking, commenting, and sharing in advance. After all, the more active your account is on Instagram, the more visible it is to other users. Also, don’t forget to respond to comments from followers to increase reach.
Maintain visual consistency. Your banners and creatives should adhere to the overall brand style. Use corporate fonts, colors, images, and patterns to make it easier for users to remember you.
Develop a content repurposing strategy. If you work with other social media or have a blog on your site, you’ve probably already covered certain topics. To save yourself from topic brainstorming, simply repurpose your content. Nonetheless, pay attention that each platform has its unique narrative style. On Instagram, it’s light, short, and casual, so adapt your posts accordingly.

Unlike many other social networks, Instagram offers several content options, namely:

Simple posts—traditional single-photo publications. This is a good option for uncomplicated topics.
Carousel—allows sharing multiple creatives in one post, be it photos, infographics, or videos. Users can swipe through carousels which increases reach. This is a good option for visual storytelling and delving into complex topics.
Stories—temporary posts that disappear after 24 hours. With Stories, you can interact with your users—ask questions, add polls, attach reactions, etc. This is a popular format to show the behind-the-scenes of your business or life, which is highly appreciated by users.
Highlights—saved stories that are always displayed on your profile. With this format, you can address frequently asked questions from your followers. For example, to talk about prices, showcase your team, and introduce a course.
Reels—short-form videos lasting from 15 to 60 seconds. This is one of the most popular and effective methods of organic promotion on Instagram. With Reels, you can play out typical life situations in a funny way or create useful tutorials. Relevant Reels perform well in the Instagram feed.
IGTV—longer videos more than one hour.
Instagram Live—real-time video broadcasting. This is a good format if you need to discuss complex topics with your followers. To make such posts more useful, you can invite experts and have them share their thoughts.

Since simple posts and carousels are the most accessible way to gain Instagram followers, you might question what format to choose. According to Metricool’s “Social Media Research Study: Instagram,” users are more engaged in carousel formats rather than simple posts.

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#4 Choose a time to post wisely

Instagram has specific hours when its users are most active. Plus, this depends on your target audience. Posting at the “right” moment ensures more people see your content, leading to a boost in your reach and followers.

While online sources suggest specific timeframes for posting, we recommend checking your unique Instagram account statistics to get accurate results. Here is how to do so:

Log in to your Meta Business Suite account.
Hover your cursor over the left sidebar and click on the Planner tab.
Check the current date to find the most active hours mentioned by Meta over the past week.

Make sure to regularly revisit the popular times, as they can change.

What else you should know: Based on data from different marketing sources, the best time to share on social media is around 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EST) on Mondays. But keep in mind that every platform has its own good spot. When targeting international audiences, consider time zones. For example, if you’re posting to Americans from Europe, it’s better to share your content in the evening, aligning with the morning hours in the USA.

Elevate your feed’s look with our article on Popular Instagram Filters.

#5 Engage with your audience

To get more followers on Instagram, establish a conversation with your existing audience. After all, the more interactions your account has, the higher its reach and visibility.

Of course, if your account is still small, you might not be drowning in comments, reposts, and likes just yet. In this case, try out these tricks to get your current followers more involved:

Ask questions. When sharing posts or stories, you express your personal thoughts. You can throw in a question to get your followers talking; discussions often lead to deeper engagement. Also, make sure to respond to your followers in the comments or DMs when they share their thoughts with you.
Be quick in the DMs. Speed matters when it comes to communication. If someone’s scouting around for info on a product or service, being the first to reply increases your chances of winning them over. No one likes waiting around for an answer, and Instagram’s algorithms appreciate the speedy replies too.
Create interactive quizzes or polls. This allows you to communicate with your audience subtly and gather valuable feedback.
Utilize CTAs. Encourage your followers to comment, save, or like your posts. When your audience knows about the actions you want from them, it becomes easier to communicate.

What else you should know: internet sources often talk about doing giveaways to increase Instagram followers and engagement. But it’s worth thinking twice. This kind of activity often attracts people who aren’t really into your brand—they just want the free stuff. It may result in declining account statistics and reduced visibility in organic searches. When considering different techniques to promote yourself, always choose to get real followers on Instagram rather than fake ones.

#6 Collaborate with Instagram influencers

Based on statistics provided by Social Shepherd, 61% of consumers trust influencers in product recommendations, whereas only 38% rely on branded social media content. This clearly explains why direct advertisement has worked badly in recent years.

To organically promote your products/services and gain followers on Instagram, consider teaming up with bloggers who’ve already built a solid audience. You can even do this without spending money, especially if your product is top-notch. For example, if you’re into natural cosmetics, you could send your goods to an influencer for a review in exchange for some exposure.

While collaborating with influencers is a good performing technique to grow Instagram followers, you should opt for the right choice. It’s frequently best to collaborate with micro-influencers rather than macro ones. Although their audience may seem smaller, it tends to be more relevant and engaged.

So, how do you find the perfect fit for your brand?

Choose influencers with a similar target audience. For example, if you’re selling books, find someone who reviews the latest releases. Typically, people who love reading follow such influencers. To understand your target audience, conduct a marketing analysis and create your unique buyer personas.
Check out the influencer’s engagement metrics. Take a look at the comments and likes on their posts. You can also request the account’s stats when discussing a collaboration.
Verify the authenticity of the influencer’s audience. Sometimes, a blogger might have millions of followers, but no one interacts with their page because their audience isn’t exactly real. Avoid collaborations with such influencers as they won’t deliver meaningful results.
Look at the quality of the influencer’s content. If they consistently share interesting and engaging posts, that’s a good sign of high interaction.
Make sure the influencer’s personal brand aligns with your company values. For example, if you’re all about animal welfare, it’d be weird if your influencer is wearing a mink coat.
Calculate the potential return on investment (ROI). Predict the revenue you expect from the collaboration and find out the influencer’s fees. Then, use the formula [Net Income / Cost of Investment * 100] to understand the expected results and required budget.

What else you should know: sometimes, influencers might give you fake stats. Luckily, you can easily verify real metrics using online services. Platforms like HypeAuditor and trendHero can help. And don’t forget to analyze your own page metrics after collaborating with influencers.

Transform your Instagram videos with our essential guide on Video Editing Tips for Instagram.

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#7 Provide eye-catching and useful stories in highlights

Since Instagram highlights are permanent stories, they’re a great way to give new followers or visitors a glimpse into your business.

Consider including the following in your highlights:

About you/your business.
Products/services.
Behind the scenes.
Delivery details.
Customer reviews.
Client spotlights.
Pricing.
Helpful tips.
Discussions on specific topics.

The choice of highlights depends on your business’s nature. To maintain a cohesive look on your profile, design unique covers for each highlight. You can easily customize templates available in multiple online graphic editors. This way, you can get followers on Instagram directly from their feed.

#8 Utilize user-generated content (UGC)

UGC refers to unique, brand-specific content spontaneously created by customers, at no cost to you. It can take various forms, such as images, videos, reviews, and testimonials, and is typically shared on social media or other channels. Nosto states that user-generated content may influence buying decisions by 79%.

When creating unique content, users often tag brands. This way, followers from other accounts can learn more about your business, visit your Instagram profile, and subscribe.

UGC is indeed a great way to boost Instagram followers. Nonetheless, when just starting on social media, getting your customers to share their insights can be a bit tricky. How can you make it more enticing for them?

Create shareable experiences. In the early stages, focus on crafting unique content and materials that people genuinely want to send their friends and colleagues. For example, you can do this by developing unique product features or hosting useful events.
Give discounts for customer reviews. You can offer your clients rewards for sharing their honest opinions. Make your proposition irresistible, something they’d be excited to take advantage of.
Showcase user content. Put client reviews and stories in your Instagram highlights. This encourages other customers to share their reviews too.
Build a friendly community. Encourage people to swap experiences with each other. This prompts them to create and share more reviews.
Host virtual events. Plan online meetings covering interesting and relevant topics. Afterward, ask users to share their key takeaways.
Run contests. Set up challenges for your subscribers with tempting prizes. For instance, organize a photo competition where users share a short story about how your products make their daily lives better.

User-generated content stands out as a favorite social media strategy for many well-known brands. For example, Airbnb runs various photo contests encouraging users to share their unique travel experiences while staying at their properties. All stories can be found by the #AirbnbPhotoContest hashtag.

Seeking inspiration for your Instagram? Discover who’s leading the way in creativity in our article Top Instagram Accounts of Photographers, Artists, and Designers

#9 Make engaging Reels

Currently, Reels are one of the most effective methods to achieve an Instagram followers boost organically. Unlike other types of content, they have a higher chance of appearing in user recommendations, if done well. Emplify confirms the effectiveness of Reels, stating that brands get about 40% more engagement from them compared to other content options.

Nonetheless, connecting with your target audience through Reels takes some effort. You’ve got to craft a compelling scenario, script it out, and tell a complete story within 60 seconds or less. How can this be achieved?

Address consumer pain points in your Reels. For example, if you provide a design course, show the challenges beginners may face and highlight ways to overcome them.
Break myths. Users always have misconceptions about your industry. Tell them the truth.
Use popular music. There’s a well-established trend on social media where specific soundtracks are associated with certain situations. This can help in promoting your brand. Instagram provides a feature where you can see music from a specific video and browse other Reels with it.
Add subtitles. Most users scroll social media in silent mode on their smartphones. Always add subtitles to your videos so that potential followers can consume your content wherever they are.
Keep your Reels short. Although you can create videos up to 60 seconds, it’s better to aim for a timeframe of 15-30 seconds. In such a way, a user is more likely to watch your Reels till the end.
Tell stories. A good Reel always shows typical life situations.
Create a cover for your Reel. Use eye-catching graphics and an engaging heading. When users scroll through their feeds, a vibrant cover can catch their eye.

Although Instagram provides native video editing tools, they have limited functionality. If you’re eager to create professional Reels, consider using mobile apps like InShot or CapCut.

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#10 Incorporate compelling narratives in your Instagram stories

Like any other promotional channel, Instagram requires building a marketing funnel with engaging narratives. You should present information in a way that raises interest in your account and motivates users to subscribe. The easiest way to do this is through Instagram stories. Since such content implies using scrollable short videos and visual frames, utilize the storytelling technique. For example, share the story behind running a business Instagram page, the challenges you faced, and the results you’ve achieved. Remember, it’s not just about the dry facts; infuse your narrative with genuine emotions.

Let’s explore an effective marketing scheme for delivering narratives in your Instagram stories:

Start with a hook. Start your story with something intriguing. It could be a question, teaser, or a personal statement. For example, open up about a personal experience like “I lost $5,000 launching an online course.”
Use sequential frames. Each subsequent Story should contribute to the overall storyline. Explore different angles of a topic across frames.
Create suspenseful breaks. They can be very intriguing to your followers. For example, share a mistake and then pause before revealing how you turned it around. Sudden breaks keep viewers hooked for the next Story.
Utilize interaction tools. Take advantage of Instagram’s features to engage your audience. Use reactions in each Story, allowing users to express their preferences. This helps you understand which frames resonate most.
Show your human side. Connect with your audience on a personal level. Share relatable experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Being authentic and relatable makes your content more appealing.
End with a CTA. Wrap up your Stories with a strong call to action. Encourage viewers to follow your account for more insights, smoothly transitioning from your narrative to direct interaction with your brand.

Why is your Instagram not growing?

When starting to promote your profile in order to get more Instagram followers, you’ll likely see a boost in organic reach initially. This is because the platform suggests your account to your contacts, encouraging them to follow you. However, over time, your account may experience a slowdown in growth, and there are a few reasons for this:

Creating too much promotional content. People don’t enjoy when services are pushed onto them. Social media is all about users willingly sharing valuable content. If you’ve noticed a drop in your reach lately, it might be time to rethink your content marketing strategy. Try focusing on sharing more educational, engaging, and useful posts that naturally encourage people to spread the word.
Instagram algorithm updates. Meta has set policies that make it challenging to achieve high reach solely through organic promotion. Based on recent Hootsuite research, Instagram posts get only a 1.72% engagement rate without paid advertising. That’s quite minimal. Meta’s goal is clear–the company is aiming to increase revenue through its social platforms, including Facebook. The only solution in such situations is to invest in paid advertising. Nonetheless, ensure that the promoted content is appealing as well as genuinely valuable to your target audience.
Shadowban. Instagram sets specific guidelines for content and account management. For example, if your profile experiences a sudden surge in followers within a short timeframe, the platform may view it as artificial inflation, which is against the rules. Additionally, promoting political topics is not permitted according to the guidelines. Violating Instagram Community Guidelines and Terms of Use can result in a shadow ban.

To wrap up

Forget about direct aggressive advertising if you’re eager to boost Instagram followers and achieve success. This online platform encourages the creation of valuable, engaging, viral, and shareable content. It is also crucial to build communication with your audience through captivating visual storytelling. And remember, the secret to any online promotion is consistency and sincerity.

FAQs

How do you get noticed on Instagram?

To grab attention with your Instagram, you’ll need a consistent promotional strategy. Start by identifying your target audience by answering questions about who’s buying your products and why. Once you’ve got your ideal customer in mind, create a content plan that engages and addresses consumers’ key questions. Mix different types of content like posts, videos, carousels, stories, and reels. Utilize relevant hashtags so people can find your publications easily. Optimize your profile bio by adding your industry and location. Don’t forget that consumers trust brands with a human touch, so give them a peek behind the scenes, chat with your audience, share stories, and welcome honest feedback from your customers.

How do you easily get 1,000 followers on Instagram?

The first thing you should do when launching your profile on Instagram and aiming to get 1,000 followers is switch to a business account. Go to your profile, choose Settings and Privacy → Account Type and Tools → Switch to Professional Account. Then, you should briefly describe your business to receive a verification. The Business Account Option opens up opportunities for precise analytics. It’s also essential to consistently post content. To stay on track, develop a content plan for the upcoming month and stick to it. Also, it’s crucial to build communication with your current followers and offer highly viral content that can be re-shared.

How do I get noticed on Instagram?

To get noticed on Instagram, optimize your profile with a clear picture and a descriptive bio that includes relevant keywords. Focus on producing high-quality content consistently and use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to expand your reach. Engage actively with your followers by responding to comments and interacting with other users’ content. Post regularly during peak hours when your audience is most active. Leverage Instagram’s features like Stories and Reels for higher engagement and collaborate with influencers or similar accounts to reach a broader audience. Lastly, regularly track your performance to understand what works best for your audience and refine your strategy based on these insights.

How do you gain real followers on Instagram?

Consider incorporating native Reels into your posting plan. It’s a good way for new accounts to increase Instagram followers and gain significant reach. Also, ensure your posts are accompanied by relevant hashtags to make your content easily discoverable. Another strategy is to engage with other creators.

How do you get more Instagram followers for free?

If you want to grow your Instagram account organically, stay consistent. Post various types of content regularly, respond to your followers’ comments, and share your profile link on other platforms. Free promotion takes a lot of time and effort to create valuable, engaging content.

How many followers on Instagram do you need to get paid?

There are no specific limitations. You can start earning from your Instagram account with just 1,000 followers. But, of course, the more followers you have, the more you can make. On average, around 5,000 followers are required to offer advertising services.

How many followers on Instagram do you need to get verified?

Any individual, brand, or organization can request official verification on Instagram. It’s even possible to pay and get a Meta Verified subscription. However, your profile should meet the social media’s requirements for guidelines adherence, authenticity, uniqueness, completeness, public visibility, and notability. Instagram verification doesn’t hinge on follower count, so you can apply with a new account.