Blogging Year One: How to Grow Your Instagram Following

Welcome back to my monthly Blogging Tips series. Last month we talked about How to Grow Your Blog Audience. Today I’m diving into the world of Instagram! Specifically: how to grow your following.

Oh Instagram, how do I love thee? I’ve discovered my taste in decor, a wealth of ethical brands, endless new designers, culinary inspiration, fitness challenges and spiritual stimulation on your platform. The people I follow motivate me in all of these areas. I am who I am today because of Instagram. (I am not even joking!) I have beautiful, real-life friendships from Instagram and daily inspiration at my fingertips.

Now let’s talk about the other side of following, followers.

I believe in slow, sustained growth, not in spam, buying users, or being constantly glued to your phone. After lots of trial and error, I’ve finally learned how to cultivate an Instagram audience that is growing each day.

First and foremost, this is a visual medium.

People want to follow your feed because it’s visually interesting. You need to train your eye to create visual content that is attractive. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it if looks like another everyday cellphone snap with poor lighting, it’s not going to draw anyone in.

Use natural light when taking your photos. Why do you think so many of us take car selfies? All that natural light makes us look good. Even food looks better in natural light. If you’re snapping a pic indoors, turn off competing light sources which can cast competing light colors on your photo. If you’re photographing an object, directional light is always best. Flat light = flat looking object, directional light = dimensional looking object.

Consider composition when taking your photo. Are distracting elements in the back ground? Is the layout pleasing to the eye? If you don’t like what you see move closer or farther away; change your angle. What ‘story’ is your photo telling? What story do you want to tell?

Use apps like VSCO to edit your photos: bump your exposure, correct your white balance and add a little more aesthetic to your photos. It helps to have a consistent look or style to your photos, and editing is a big part of that. I have a certain ‘formula’ that I use. I quickly run through a few categories when I edit: exposure/temperature/contrast. Then I add a slight touch from one of my go-to filters.

Consider your big picture aesthetic. When looking at your Instagram grid, do the photos ‘match’? Is the overall look and feel similar?

Content:  

If people are following you because you share knitting projects or gourmet recipes, they’re not going to want to see lots of random snaps of your kids or husband. Occasionally, yes, but keep the photos high-quality. If people are following you because you’re a lifestyle blogger and they’re hooked on your family’s story, then photos of your kids or husband make more sense. Whatever your content is, keep it niche-consistent.

Hashtags: 

Create a set of hashtags that target the niche you want to be a part of and save them in the notes app on your phone. When you are sharing photos on IG, copy and place the applicable hashtags in the comments to keep your caption looking clean. After you get a few comments the hashtags will become ‘buried’ visually, but still searchable. Keep an eye out for new hashtags on content you like. They seem to always be changing and evolving.

Be social.

Remember the origins of the platform and get social. Like and comment on your favorite accounts. Because of the new algorithm-based layout, interacting with other users is even more important now. I occasionally scroll through the list of people I follow to catch up with some of those who don’t populate my feed as much as they used to.

Reply!

Reply to comments. Just like I mentioned on the last installment of this series, when people take the time out of their busy day to respond to your content, reply! It’s not very polite to leave people hanging, especially if they ask a question. Engaging is a great way to foster relationships and build (and retain) your following. I have definitely been on the other end of this, commenting on a blog or IG feed that I love, only to be left hanging, leaving me a lot less eager to pay a return visit or repeat comment.

Network with other influencers and share brand content.

As you build relationships with others on Instagram, leverage them to increase your following. Participate in a Follow Friday with some of your favorites. Don’t be shy about writing your IG friends and acquaintances and asking them to participate. The worst that can happen is they say no. If your outfit was inspired by another person on IG, don’t be afraid to tag them in your caption. Be conversational and engaging. If you’re wearing your favorite clogs or ethically-made t-shirt tag the company, and they might repost you, effectively widening your audience and reach.

Put the phone down.

As important as it is to meet our social media goals, we must remember to live life to the fullest despite our work obligations. Don’t enslave yourself to replying to comments as they come in. Instead, do it once per day, or even the next day. Don’t feel the need to document everything you’re doing. People understand you have a life outside Instagram too, and they’re not going to judge you because every cool thing you’re experiencing isn’t flying online. Sometimes I don’t post for three days, and sometimes I post three times in a day. Allow yourself a natural ebb and flow, don’t force yourself to post just to post. Be authentic, not rehearsed, it will resonate with people.

If you’re a ‘grammer like me, I’d love to hear about some of your experiences – what has worked and what has not.