Do you have an Instagram account? If you don't , you should consider giving it a shot. Did you know that sharing photos and videos on social media sites has grown to 150 million users in the past 3 years? Did you know that Instagram itself has grown by 23% since 2013? That is crazy!!! Your images and videos can be one of 16 million shared worldwide. Hop onto one of the largest social media platforms that is out today.
It is free to create an Instagram account. IF you don't have any followers, well no problem.. it is simple to get followers and likes and these tips will show you how to do this..It may take just a little bit of attention to get started but over time if you do it right you will have a huge following in no time. "Smile for the camera"
1. Take and share images that others might like or find attractive or interesting.
Have you ever checked out any popular Instagram accounts. If so you will see that they share things that are funny, interesting, informative or attractive, Posting images or quotes of that sort will keep your followers interested, and engaged.
Most of the time they are something that others can relate to. Sharing images and videos also help your audience get to know you and what you like and they will relate to you better and keep an eye on your account. This is one of the best ways to attract your follower to your account.
Try to make it unique to you and original.
2. Post at the best time for your audience.
Before you start posting.. think about what time zone you and your followers may be living in. What time might they have to check their social media or Instagram accounts
Studies are showing that most people check their Instagram accounts Wednesdays between 5 – 6PM, while more people post on Thursdays. Regardless, a majority of Instagram users login when they have the extra time, such first thing in the morning, on their way home from work or school, or on Sundays. This is key information so take note.
Did you know that on average, a photo only has four hours before it gets lost within the news feed. No Matter what social account they use.
To prevent this, try to post when you know that a majority of your followers have down time and have access to their accounts. So just to give you an example.. if your followers are basic 9-5 workers, post during a lunch hour, or around 6 pm when they get home from work. Same with students, if your followers are going to school, post after school hours or late after study time.
3. Always Use trending Hashtags
You can go onto google and search for what is Trending with hash tags for the day or the week. Use hash tags that are relevant to you post or post to make your hash tags relevant to what you do. You can then use the trending hashtags that are relevant to you or your industry to gain more visibility for your photos, which should generate more interaction. For example, the top 10 hashtags are: #love, #instagood, #me; #like, #follow, #cute, #photooftheday, #tbt, #followme, and #tagsforlikes. Work them with your images or posts..
When it comes to hashtags you can go overboard with spammy posts. It is recommeded that you use no more than 3 in a single post. So be gentle with the hashtags.
4. Follow Others
When you get started, start searching for friends of friends or type in a subject you like to be in common in the search bar, Search hashtags too. Once you start seeing people in common, follow them and they will follow you back.
It is a rule of thumb to follow and follow back. like and Share photos and you can also ask for shout outs. Look for common tags such as #shoutout, #TagsForLikes, #ilovemyfollowers, and #follow
The more you share the more exposier you will receive as well.
5. Think about Hosting Contests
This tactic works on most social media sites. This will help you boost engagement and gain new followers . It’s a proven tactic on any social media network. This is now one of the most popular social media sites for hosting contest so if you can take advantage of it.
Create contests that are simple to get started. Start posting photos that contain captions and eye catching and mention your contest and what it will be and that there will be a giveaway. Also, make sure that you also use #contest to make your contest easy to find. And, make sure to share your contest on other social media sites like Facebook, twitter, google plus and any others that you enjoy.
6. Make sure you Complete Your Bio profile
Your personal profile should be the place where you have your contact info or business info so it gives your audience a call-to-action. Also you can use branded hashtags and multiple weblinks. When followers check you out or like your images and videos they will check out your profile then be prompted to click your link to you opportunity or business. This is VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure you complete your profile!!!
This is a DON'T : Beg and plead for others to follow you or come across spammy.
If they like what you have to share they will share and follow. Let it be
7. Ask Questions in Photo Captions
This is the best way to get others to respond to your posts.. when you put up an image.. Ask a Question that is relative to your image.. ex.. if you take images of ice cream... ask "What is your favorite summer desert?" people love to answer and share things about themselves.
8. Why are you on Instagram and Do you have a Call to Action?
Getting started is exciting, however, before you get started lets take a look at why you are on Instagram and your purpose. This is to ensure that you get the correct kind of followers and targeted leads from your efforts.
Double check your bio and information on your profile to ensure you have your link to your business and a clear call to action.
9. Post Frequently, But Not Too Much
If you want to retain, or attract, new followers, how can you keep their interest? One of the easiest ways is to post relevant and attractive photos on consistent basis; usually a few photos per day is just fine. If you have hundreds of images to share, spread them throughout several days. If you flood followers’ feeds you will not only have people unfollow you, your account won’t be attractive to new followers.
10. Always Interact with your followers
If you want to keep your followers, make sure you interact, as much as you can. Like and share,
comment. Bottom line, Be social and enjoy your friends and followers.
I hope this post helps you get followers.... please feel free to share this with friends and of course :
Follow me on Instagram here: jlnash40 Let's be social

I find the hashtags point especially important. More hashtags generally equals more likes, or so I've found. :-)
ReplyDeleteNice post!
Thanks Jennifer, I've been looking for some good Instagram training to get started with! :o)
ReplyDeleteHey Jennifer I use instagram and after reading your blog I now know that my instagram is going to grow bigger cause of your great info.. Thanks so much..
ReplyDeleteI don't normally engage with Instagram as I never had a phone that was reliable but I'm thinking of changing that...Some very good points here
ReplyDeleteJennifer, great tips. I have not really thought about getting an Instagram account, not sure it was what I was looking for. But you have made me put it on my re-check list.
ReplyDeleteSuperb advice, Jennifer! It's a bit shameful to confess but I haven't even an account at Instagram! Should definitely look into this opportunity in the nearest future. Thanks;)
ReplyDelete