If you are someone who is ready to jump on the Instagram train or even revive an account that doesn’t seem to be growing, then this is the episode for you. I’m going to share with you my own tips and strategies that I would use if I were to grow my Instagram account completely from scratch. So if you’re ready to kickstart your Instagram growth and take your following from 0 to a thriving community, keep on reading.
Starting From Scratch
Starting an Instagram account can feel daunting, especially when it seems like building a following takes forever. It’s easy to get discouraged after a few months without results. But remember, Instagram growth is a long game. It requires effort, consistency, and a strategic approach. When you put in the time and stay committed, your efforts will have a compound effect over time.
Instagram growth usually takes at least a year to gain significant traction. Even the top brands you admire didn’t achieve overnight success. They spent years building their accounts and brands, creating hundreds of pieces of content before seeing real results. They remained consistent, developed a strategy, and kept at it.
Don’t fall for the myth of overnight success. Often, those who seem to achieve it have bought followers. Instead, focus on building your brand, establishing relationships, growing a community, and serving your audience. Now, let’s dive into the tips for starting an Instagram account from scratch.
1. Get Clear on Your Purpose and Audience
Before you start, clarify why you’re using Instagram and who you’re targeting. If your account lacks a clear purpose, it will be hard to stay consistent. Why do you want to grow your account? Who do you want to reach?
For example, I aim to help social media managers and wedding creatives monetize their brands via Instagram marketing. My purpose drives my content and keeps me motivated. Write down your reasons and keep them visible to stay focused.
2. Niche Down
Niching down means targeting a specific audience and becoming known for something particular. You don’t need a super-specific niche from the start, but narrowing down your audience and focus will make your content more relevant. Clear messaging attracts followers who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
3. Optimize Your Profile
Your profile is the first impression for potential followers. Here’s how to optimize it:
- Switch to a business or creator account for better insights and analytics.
- Use a profile picture that reflects your brand.
- Add relevant keywords to the name field of your bio.
- Write a clear, concise bio that explains who you are, what you do, and how you serve people.
- Include a call-to-action (CTA) in your bio to direct followers to your website or services.
4. Create Reels and Utilize Different Content Types
Reels are a powerful tool for reaching new audiences. You don’t need to do dancing reels if that’s not your style. Instead, create content that aligns with your brand, such as behind-the-scenes videos, valuable tips, or day-in-the-life clips.
Diversify your content with static posts, carousel posts, IG stories, and IG lives to engage your audience in various ways. Top creators use different content types to connect with their audience and keep them engaged.
5. Engage Consistently
Consistent engagement is crucial for growth. Create at least nine feed posts before you start engaging, so visitors to your profile have enough content to get to know you. Develop an engagement schedule that works for you, whether it’s 30 minutes a day or three days a week.
Engage with the intention of building relationships and connections. Comment meaningfully on others’ posts, find common interests, and interact genuinely.
6. Stay Consistent and Committed
Growth takes time—at least six months to a year. Develop a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Whether it’s three times a week or more, consistency is key.
Lastly, don’t worry about what friends and family think. Create content for your ideal audience, not your current one. If you’re transitioning a personal account to a business account, focus on the audience you want to attract.
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