Instagram’s popularity has been growing steadily since it first debuted back in 2010. The network is widely used for photo and video sharing from both consumers and brands, making it a very helpful tool for promoting your brand and marketing your products… if you know how to use it.

We recently had a lot of enquiries on how to gain more Instagram followers and found that some people are struggling to make Instagram work for them.

But before we give you some tips on how to get more followers and likes, we feel like we need to explain how the Instagram algorithm works (or how it works at the moment).

Remember: Instagram’s algorithm is mainly based on engagement

In 2018, the Instagram algorithm changed from the chronological feed to showing posts with better engagement first. Good engagement includes the number of likes and comments on the posts, how many times the post is shared, video views and any other type of interaction.

Like Facebook, Instagram wants to show you content that you care about, the more people like and comment on your posts, the more they will see posts from your company on their feeds.

Instagram claimed the change was made to improve user experience and they commented: ‘’The order of photos and videos in your feed will be based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post.”

With this in mind, here are some tips to help you make your Instagram account more popular.

1. Use hashtags related to your business and location.

Hashtags are what Instagram is all about! It’s a way to make your posts searchable and a way to get more likes and more followers. But be careful: don’t use hashtags that all teenagers are using – #like #followtofollow – although these hashtags will do the work for a bit then you will notice all those followers will unfollow you.

If you want to gain followers that are actually interested in what your account is about, you have to use hashtags that are related to your business and location.

So, for example, a company based in Newcastle should be using hashtags such as #newcastlegateshead #northeast #newcastle #newcastleupontyne.

Here are more hashtags you can use if you want to reach people in Newcastle: http://best-hashtags.com/hashtag/newcastleupontyne/

The Instagram algorithm has always favoured posts with relevant hashtags and has recently rolled out the ability to follow Instagram hashtags. Users will now be able to see your posts in their feeds instead of having to scroll and scroll to find your tagged content.

2. Instagram Stories

Social media is all about documentation: where you go, who you’re with, what is happening right now in your store. People like to feel like they can relate, and Instagram Stories will help you do that.

For businesses, Instagram Stories can be a great way to post footage of your office or your products. You can demonstrate your products and keep your followers updated. Posting a few brief videos updating your followers or showing them a sneak peek of a new product will also keep them interested in your account.

You can also add hashtags on Instagram stories.

3. Build a consistent Instagram brand and aesthetic

By creating a consistent brand story through your Instagram aesthetic and account, you can turn those casual visitors into dedicated followers.

Appearance is more for keeping your followers happy. We would suggest trying to keep a cohesive aesthetic, a great way to do that is to post similar colours or breaking up your pictures with quotes.

You can also use certain filters that will make all your pictures look visually pleasing. Choose a theme, for example, ‘moody,’ and stick to it.

If you don’t want to commit on one theme or certain colours, you can post three pictures with a similar theme. Here is an example of how Emporio Armani does it:

4. Timing is key

With the way the algorithm works now, if your posts get a lot of likes and comments after being posted, then the post is considered a quality post by Instagram and will be shown to even more followers.

In other words, timing is important The algorithm is all about engagement, but it also cares about how quickly you get the engagement.

It might take you a few tries to find your personal best time to post, but once you hack the algorithm your posts will get more likes. Think about your followers when posting your pictures: when is it more likely they will be on their feed? Evening and night times usually do better.

Posting frequently can gain you followers but don’t overdo it. Post your photos during special occasions such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

5. Engage with other accounts and your followers

Be more popular by engaging with similar accounts and your followers. Follow other accounts and local people or local celebrities.

The Instagram algorithm rewards accounts that interact with their followers. The easiest way to do that is by just replying to their comments and messages. By replying or liking comments you are not only showing your followers some love, but you are also increasing your post’s visibility.

 

We can have a look at your social media accounts, answer all your questions and give you tailored advice. Please contact the Podium team on 0191 4661455 or email us at hello@www.onthepodium.co.uk

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