Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms right now, with more than 2 billion users plugging in constantly. And while people primarily use it for entertainment and communication, many also use it to find products and services they need.
Because Instagram provides incredible opportunities for small businesses in any field the battle for more followers is becoming more and more real, as an important factor for a successful social media visibility strategy. So, how can your small business reach and attract more Instagram followers?
Buy Followers
One option that seems quite straightforward, to get more Instagram followers, is to buy them. This strategy has the potential to cause more harm than good. For one, it can get you banned. But there are many other reasons why it’s not a good idea to buy Instagram followers, and why instead, you should invest in getting organic growth that will last, and truly benefit your brand.
For one, unlike bought, fake followers, real ones bring visibility, leads, and, they are more likely to engage with you in a meaningful way. Most importantly, they can help you achieve your goals and increase your ROI. And while the number does matter, when it comes to social media, it should be made up of real followers, ones that are right for your brand.
Use Bots
Another shortcut for getting Instagram followers that should also be avoided is to use software, referred to as bots. Instagram bots work by performing automated tasks and repeating them, which may not only bring fake profiles on your profile, but it may even create false engagement, such as comments, intended to boost your activity, with the hopes of making your profile more popular.
These profiles of unreal people will serve their purpose to increase your number of followers. But is there a real, long-lasting benefit of having them? Aside from the possibility of getting banned, another downside of this strategy is that you aren’t reaching your preferred audience, and your online presence isn’t a productive one. More than that, this may hurt your reputation in the eyes of your real Instagram followers.
It may be perceived as a lack of confidence, which isn’t a characteristic of a trustworthy brand. Some people may even perceive brands that use these kinds of tools, as companies that underestimate their clients’ or customers’ intelligence.
Hire a Social Media Agency
Creating a social media marketing strategy may seem simple enough but why risk it, when you can hire professionals, who know all the ins and outs of this popular social media platform. Technically you can take care of marketing alone. However, many different things should be considered, some of which may not occur to everyone.
Like other social media networks, Instagram offers something called targeted advertisement. This means that the ads you set up can target particular profiles.
For instance, they can be set up to target people of a certain age, gender, location, profession, likes and dislikes, online behavior, and many other parameters that may help you find those closest to your ideal customer or buyer persona.
Furthermore, marketers experienced in social media, will not only be able to target your ideal audience, but they will also know how to follow and analyze the results of their work, and optimize appropriately.
Offer Engaging Content
When it comes to Instagram, like with other social media networks – if you want real people to follow you and interact with you, and if you want to use your profile to increase your conversion rate, and ultimately your sales, you shouldn’t rely only on paid advertisement. Instead, offer quality content. This may be something informative, something that will help your followers solve an issue, learn about your products, have fun, and so on.
Adapt Content
Don’t forget that each social media network has its own audience. This means that if something works on Facebook or another platform, it doesn’t mean that it will work on Instagram too.
Generally, Instagram users prefer visual content. So, focus on offering pictures, drawings, infographics, reels, etc., which are relevant both to your brand and your ideal customers. You can also provide links to other types of content on your website, whether they are informative articles, or more visual content, like longer videos.
The Bottom Line
While some strategies for getting more Instagram followers work faster than others, a big number and simply being there isn’t enough. After you learn how to get followers that matter and can really elevate your small business, you can start using Instagram not only to attract new potential clients to follow you but also to retain clients, by establishing and fostering a meaningful relationship with your real Instagram followers, whatever their number is.
