All of the changes to Instagram are old news – we know how flippin’ annoying they are when you’re trying to grow a profile! At the start of this year I was on around 3,800 followers, now I’ve just passed 8,000! I wanted to go through what worked for me and what I notice helps me increase my following and engagement.
Joining pods
Everyone has their opinions on pods, but for me they’re just a reminder to like/ comment on the accounts I love and show support to others in the blogging community. I can happily say I love all of the profiles and girls that I interact with from the pods I’m a part of, and I think that’s the key to them being a success. With pods I noticed that more and more people commented on my photos and ended up interacting with them, which in turn led to people finding my profile and following.
Uploading consistently
The more you put out there, the more content there is for people to like and engage with. I try my best to upload between 5- 10 times a week, if I have images that I love I will upload them, and there have been the odd occasions if I’m travelling that I’ll upload 2 or even 3 times a day. Having said that I’ve realised this year that it’s all about quality over quantity, so finding that balance is really important. I’ll never upload something if I’m not 100% happy with it.
Posting more lifestyle content/ content different to my blog
I’ve always liked sharing what I’m up to and non-blog related content on my Instagram, but I’ve been putting more effort into that recently and it has really payed off. The Instagram accounts I love the most are those that share a little about themselves aswel as their passion, whether it be beauty, fashion or travel. Alongside this I’ve been using different hashtags and ultimately reaching different people who then find my profile and follow.
Being honest, I’ve found uploading the odd selfie here and there and a couple of outfit photos to be super helpful. I’m not sure why but I think it makes things just a little more personal, you almost know a little more about someone if you know what they look like which I think makes a difference!
Engaging with other profiles you love, don’t just scroll
This links back to pods and how being active on Instagram really helps to increase your own following. I realised that I was just scrolling through Instagram without taking the time to comment on my favourite photos, not only is it amazing to support others but it actually ends up helping out your own profile too! If your Instagram is within a certain niche like beauty, engage with similar profiles.
Using relevant hashtags
It was only recently that I realised using the same hashtags over and over can actually lead to you being shadowbanned. Now I spend more time looking into certain hashtags and making sure I’m using the most effective possible. You can use up to 30 which I would say is your best bet to reach more people. Using hashtags that are relevant to any brands in the image is something I always do too, especially if it’s a picture of me wearing a particular product from a brand.
Tagging brands
Leading on from the last point, another way for brands to see your images is by tagging them in the photo and description whilst using the relevant hashtags. When a big brand re posts my image and links back to my profile I usually see an increase in followers. I always make sure to tag a brand I’m mentioning but the retailer I purchased/ received the product from or one that stocks the brand. For example I posted a picture of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes, tagged FeelUnique and they have asked if they can repost the image. This way my content is more likely to be shared by the brands that usually have 100K+ followers.
Uploading to Instagram stories as much as possible
I saw a statistic recently showing that only 50% of instagram users actually use instagram stories, but the rate of those watching them is much higher – so there’s less competition! I try to upload something most days, even if like today it’s just a picture of my morning coffee, it’s almost like a little behind the scenes and well worth putting some time and effort into. I wouldn’t recommend using Instagram stories to promote a new image going up on your profile, unless it’s a giveaway or something along those lines.
Geotag/ tagging locations in posts and instagram stories
This is only something I’ve been doing recently but it’s made such a difference. If I’m visiting some where new I always tag the location in my images and in my instagram stories too. If you tag the location in your story a lot of the time it can end up in the general story for that area, I did this recently and over 1000 people watched my story – usually it’s around 600. So a really big difference.
Promoting my Instagram in other places
I try not to it too much but probably around 2-3 times a week I’ll promote my Instagram via twitter. I upload a collage of my recent Instagram images and a link to my profile which seems to go down quite well. I love using the #bbloggers on twitter to reach more people that way.
Keeping a little note of what content my followers liked most
I try not to think about this too much as I do generally just post photos that I love, but I have noticed that certain types of photos seem to do better than others for me. The photos that always do well for me are surprisingly outfit photos (I wouldn’t call myself fashionable in the slightest but hey ho), in particular if I’m abroad or going to an event. I always take into consideration the time I’ve posted with this aswel as I’ve noticed that can make a difference for me.
As I mentioned in the intro, these are just the things that have worked well for me. I think there’s definitely still ways to grow on Instagram and it’s not worth giving up on just yet!
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Thank you for these amazing tips! I definitely struggle with Instagram, and I also find that pods are great for boosting my profile.xx, The Makeup Feed
You're welcome, glad they have been helpful!
These tips are so lovely! I really have been disheartened quite a lot lately, so definitely will be giving the tips a go! 🙂 xx Laura
Hope they work for you Laura! x
This is really helpful! 🙂 x
So glad to hear that! x
I just joined a pod and agree with you, they really do increase engagement! It's a shame about the shadowbanning, I feel afraid to upload hashtags and am constantly trying to change them but who knows if it works or not. It can be difficult and discouraging at times but I feel with consistent work you can make a difference. Thank you for the tips dear xxSending light & love your way,My Lovelier Days
I know that's the thing, people say different things don't they so it's hard to know who to believe! I agree x
Such a great post Jodie! So many useful tips. My Instagram has been at a total standstill recently and I'm beginning to lose motivation but this has spurred me on a little!- Ambar xhttp://www.herlitteloves.co.uk
Thank you Ambar, glad you've found them useful! x
Thanks, these are such amazing tips, I´m definitely not consistent on Instagram, but i want to change that.xx Kirstenhttps://www.justcoffeegirl.blogspot.de
Glad you think so! x
Thanks for all these tips! They were really helpful xxxhttp://fallingforablog.blogspot.com/2017/08/where-to-shop-in-paris-haul.html
I have been LOVING your Instagram at the moment! I can see why everyone loves your content!Kathryn /Cherries in the Snow
This is such a helpful post! I seem to have quite good engagement on my insta but it's followers that I struggle with. Instagram used to be a lot better and its SO annoying as it's my favourite social media! I always try to just be as active as possible but it's so hard sometimes when theres a millions other things going on in life haha! madi xmadiwilliams.com
Fantastic tips – Im really struggling with Instagram at the moment, even though I feel like my feed is stronger now than it's ever been. I am just really enjoying posting though and making sure my feed is reflective of my interests and personality 🙂 xxJessie | allthingsbeautiful-x
Such great tips. I know that Instagram is such a struggle for people at the moment thanks to their new algorithm!Danielle xxhttp://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Great post 😉 thanks for sharing your tips! What pods are you a part of? I love your content and think I'd like the same ones 🙂 Holly xwww.ldnmuse.com Insta @_holly_rebecca_
Very useful tips, I have an account myself that hasn't grown as much as I would like to so I will definitely use your tips from now on!Elena Jacksoninfo@leggyleggy.comhttps://leggyleggy.com
Great tips! I haven't heard about instagram pods before… I will have to look it up!Cloe X http://clxelouise.blogspot.com
Loved this post – very helpful. Thank you. I've noticed that growing an instagram account is a sloow process.. but as I keep telling myself, Rome wasn't built in a day! 🙂 xx