How to increase followers on Instagram for free? 5 basic tips

How to increase followers on Instagram for free: 5 Basic Strategies

In today’s digital age, Instagram has established itself as an essential tool for brands to establish their online presence. Beyond simply being a visual platform, Instagram has the power to drive conversions in the sales funnel and build loyal audiences.

The ultimate goal, of course, is to translate that engagement into tangible sales for your SME or startup. In this article, we’ll dive into five effective strategies on how to increase followers on Instagram for free, and thus strengthen your presence on this social media platform.

1. Optimize your Instagram account: First impressions count

It may seem obvious, but optimizing your Instagram account is a crucial step that is often overlooked. While there are paid methods of gaining followers, these are often penalized by Instagram’s algorithm. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on gaining followers organically. Let’s start by reviewing some essentials you should keep in mind to optimize your account:

Description of your business: Your business description on Instagram should be brief but informative. Be sure to include calls to action (CTAs) that facilitate contact, such as WhatsApp numbers, emails and your website. This section is your brand’s virtual cover letter, and a clear and updated description can make the difference between capturing or losing your audience’s attention.
Featured Stories: Use featured stories to showcase products or services, photos of success stories or testimonials from satisfied customers. These featured stories provide a quick glimpse into what your brand has to offer and can be an effective tool to keep your followers interested.
Username: Choose a simple and easy to remember username, preferably the name of your brand. Avoid adding numbers or special characters, and try to match the name you use in other social networks. Consistency in your brand’s digital identity is key.
Link to your website or WhatsApp: Include a link that directs potential customers to your website or, alternatively, to your WhatsApp number. This provides an additional opportunity for prospects to learn more about your brand and allows for direct contact.

Optimizing your account lays the foundation for an effective Instagram presence. It’s your first chance to make a good impression, so take the time to make sure your profile accurately reflects who you are and why users should follow you.

2. Publish relevant content: Know your audience.

Creating relevant content is a critical and sometimes complex task. However, understanding what type of content your audience is looking for is essential to effectively engage followers. Here are some key strategies to achieve this:

Research and creativity, the winning combination: Content quality is subjective, and what pleases one follower may not have the same impact on another. Research and creativity are key. Spend time understanding what type of content resonates best with your audience, and test to determine what works most effectively.
Photography, animation, copywriting. Details that make the difference: Every detail counts when creating content. Be sure to pay attention to the quality of photography, creativity in animation (if applicable) and the wording of your posts. Cohesion in these elements contributes to a strong and engaging brand image.
Posting times, strategy and consistency: Identifying the optimal times to post is crucial. Use social media analytics tools, such as Hootsuite, to evaluate and compare the performance of your content. Also, stay informed about new Instagram trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Competitor tracking. Learn from the competition: If you feel stuck on what to post, looking at your competitors’ accounts can provide valuable insights. It’s not about copying, but identifying what type of content is generating interaction in your niche market.

Creating relevant content requires a balance of research and creativity. Stay on top of your audience’s preferences, test and adjust your strategy accordingly.

3. Control the order of your publications: Consistency is key

Consistency in the order and frequency of your publications is essential to keep the attention of your followers. Here, we explain why and how to achieve it:

Regularity in publications: Posting content in a haphazard and random manner can result in a loss of interest from your followers, as they may be distracted by other brands that maintain a more regular presence. It is essential that your followers understand that your account is active and that you post content consistently. Posting daily, or at most twice a day, can help build that expectation among your audience.

Posting Schedule: If your time is limited, consider posting at a lower frequency, e.g. every other day. A posting calendar, either on a paid platform or in an Excel spreadsheet, can help you keep order and plan the topic of each post.

Controlling the order of your publications is crucial to retain the attention of your followers. Establish a frequency that suits you.

4. Promote your Instagram in the virtual and physical world

Visibility in both the virtual and physical world is key to increase followers on Instagram for free. Here are some strategies to achieve it:

Social Media Buttons: In the virtual world, make sure your Instagram is easily accessible. Add social media buttons on your website that direct visitors directly to your Instagram account. Include prominent calls to action that invite them to follow you.
Marketing campaigns that encourage people to follow: Run digital marketing campaigns that incentivize people to follow your account. For example, you could offer discounts to those who follow you, creating a mutual benefit.
Physical Promotion: Although Instagram is an online platform, you can increase your visibility through physical strategies. Use flyers or business cards that include your Instagram username. This approach can attract those who discover your brand outside the digital realm.
Take advantage of Instagram’s video features: Stories, IGTV and Reels: Instagram has evolved with video features such as Stories, IGTV and Reels. These tools offer a unique opportunity to create interactive and engaging content. Take advantage of these features to effectively promote your account and reach new followers.

Effective promotion of your Instagram account involves using all the tools at your disposal, both in the virtual and physical world. Take advantage of Instagram’s constant evolution to maintain visibility and reach a wider audience.

5. Use relevant hashtags: Increase the Visibility of your Brand

The strategic use of hashtags is one of the most effective strategies to increase followers on Instagram for free. Here’s how to find and use the right hashtags:

Find relevant and less common hashtags: Standing out in a sea of content is a challenge, but finding relevant and less common hashtags can make all the difference. Research which hashtags your potential customers are searching for that aren’t saturated.
Use hashtag analysis tools: There are hashtag analytics tools that provide data on how hashtags are performing. Use these tools to access valuable information and discover which hashtags are performing best in your niche.

In summary, the strategic use of hashtags is essential to increase your brand’s visibility on Instagram. Research, experiment and adapt your hashtag strategy to maximize its impact.

CONCLUSION

Growing followers on Instagram for free isn’t just about numbers, it’s about building close relationships with your audience. By following these strategies, you’ll be on the right track to maximize your marketing budget and make your posts stand out. Remember that Instagram is more than a sales platform; it’s a space to entertain, inspire and emotionally connect with your followers. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be building not just followers, but loyal ambassadors for your brand.