Instagram is one of the world’s most popular social networks, with over a billion active users each month.
All those active users mean there’s a lot of publicity to be found on Instagram. However, it also means there’s a lot of competition. Everyone and every brand on the platform is trying to get new followers. This might leave you wondering how to become popular on Instagram among all those competitors.
Luckily, there are a few proven tricks that can help you get popular on Instagram. Since everyone on the platform has different needs, you’ll need to adjust some things for a unique strategy that works for you. But these basic tips will get you on the path to Instagram popularity.
Develop Your Own Hashtag
You might think a branded hashtag is something that has to wait until you’re famous on Instagram. However, having your own unique hashtag can actually help you achieve that fame.
Lookup any major brand or popular account, and you’ll probably find that they have a unique hashtag. People associate these hashtags with legitimacy and professionalism. Why would a brand have a hashtag if it doesn’t have its act together?
This means that if users see you and your followers using your unique hashtag, you’ll look more legitimate in their eyes, too. It also gives a new way for people to follow what you’re doing and stay part of the conversation.
The right hashtag is up to you. It might just be your account name in hashtag form, or the name of the product or service you sell. Or, it might be something separate but related to what you offer.
Choose an Instagram Theme
As you work on how to get popular on Instagram, it’s all too easy to get caught up in each how each individual post looks and performs. But while that is important, it’s even more important to consider how your overall grid looks to new followers.
An individual post will drive someone to your Instagram profile if it’s interesting enough. But what people see there will either convince them to follow you or to click away.
And what do people see on an Instagram profile? Other than your profile picture and bio, they’ll see your grid of photos.
If you post photos randomly without a theme, your grid won’t look very impressive. Even if the individual photos are great, people will be less likely to follow. But if your grid is attractive and well-thought-out, people will want to follow you and see more.
There are many ways to design an Instagram theme. You can arrange photos by color or type. You can use borders to help photos sync together. But no matter which theme you decide on, make sure you have one.
Know Your Audience
Getting famous on Instagram might seem like a selfish goal. However, when you think about it, it’s really all about what you can offer to other people.
No one wants to follow an account that doesn’t benefit them in some way. They’ll follow because they like your aesthetic or what you stand for, or because you offer them useful information through your posts, like exclusive discounts.
So, the key to getting new followers is to know your audience and what kind of things they’re looking for. Then, you can design new posts to better meet those needs. This will help you get more followers from your target audience.
For example, as a fashion brand, you already know that your target audience likes clothes. But are you trying to reach people with a dark and edgy style, or a bright and preppy aesthetic? Do you market mainly to teens, or to working adults?
The better you know your audience, the more easily you can make content that means something to them and grow your following organically. Of course, you can also use “inorganic” methods, but they’re not all created equal: check out these Upleap reviews for an idea of those methods.
Fill out Your Profile Completely
This one might seem all too easy, but people often miss it: actually fill out your profile all the way. And while you’re at it, make sure everything there is on brand and speaks to your target audience.
For example, you’ll obviously need a profile picture. But don’t just use the first picture you posted. Instead, choose a logo or brand image that looks great in a small size, since it’ll be one of the first things people notice.
Write a bio that’s short and to the point, but that tells people what your business does, and what it can do for them. Add your website link and branded hashtag to the bio, as well.
Don’t forget to choose branded cover photos for your story highlights, too. Everything on your profile needs to sync together with the same aesthetic, so you can impress users at a glance.
Use Stories to Your Advantage
Stories are increasingly becoming a great way to stay relevant. New visitors to your profile are almost certain to check out your story. If they find it enticing, they’ll be more likely to follow you.
Try to keep new stories on your profile at all times. It’s helpful to plan out your stories or ideas for stories ahead of time. That way, you never find yourself at a loss for what to post.
Stories often well for showing a behind-the-scenes look at your life or your brand. You can post in-the-moment updates at brand events, sneak peeks at new products, or even exclusive discounts for your followers. Just make sure everything reflects your brand and speaks to your target follower.
So You Know How to Become Popular On Instagram: Now What?
Now that you know how to become popular on Instagram, you’re probably ready to go ahead and get started on your new strategy. But don’t start posting just yet.
Although all these tips are helpful, the key is knowing your brand, so that you’ll know what you want to convey through this platform. Following these tips will only help if you already have a good sense of who you are, what you do, and what you hope to accomplish on Instagram.
Still not sure about your brand and how to promote it? Check out our Promote Your Brand section regularly for new ideas!