Growing a strong Instagram following can feel tough in a crowded landscape where everyone’s fighting for attention.

You’re probably wondering: How can I actually get followers who stick around and engage with my posts? You’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into five key strategies that’ll help you grow your  target audience, boost engagement, and build a community—without spending a dime.

5 way to Get Followers on Instagram

Before we get into the gist, let’s be clear: this post is all about building an organic following.

And, trust me, that distinction matters.

Sure, plenty of brands out there try to take shortcuts to get more Instagram followers. Paid services and bots are everywhere—you’ve probably seen them.

But let’s be real: those services are a bad bet for any brand hoping to grow for the long haul. The Instagram algorithm is designed to weed out fake followers and low-quality engagement from bots.

If you want real results—brand awareness, revenue growth, and loyal customers—you have to grow your audience authentically.

So, skip the shortcuts. Watch the video or keep reading for our best strategies on getting more Instagram followers the right way.

1. Optimize Your Instagram Account

Let's talk real talk about your Instagram business profile.

Pause before you start chasing those follower numbers. The first move? Make sure your profile is actually legit and working for you.

Quick reality check. Ask yourself these killer questions:

• Does your profile scream "professional" or whisper "amateur"?

• Can people find you without a detective's license?

• Are you giving followers a reason to hit that "follow" button?

Here's the truth bomb: Your profile is your digital storefront. If it looks weak, you're leaving money on the table.

I've seen too many businesses with profiles that blend into the background. Don't be that brand. Stand out. Make every pixel count.

Want to transform your Instagram business profile from forgettable to unforgettable? Stick with me, and I'll break down exactly how to optimize for maximum impact.

Let's turn those profile views into real, engaged followers.

Choose a Professional Profile Photo

Let's get real about your brand identity on Instagram.

Your profile pic? It's not just a random image. It's your digital handshake.

For businesses, here's the deal:

• Your logo isn't just a graphic - it's your visual first impression

• Quality matters more than you think

• Size isn't just a number - it's about clarity

Pro tip: If someone can't read your logo on a tiny smartphone screen, you're already losing the game. Your brand identity needs to pop, even when someone's scrolling at lightning speed.

Think of your profile photo like your business's face. Would you show up to a meeting looking blurry or unprofessional? Nope. Same rules apply online.

Quick checklist:

• Is your logo crisp?

• Does it look sharp on mobile?

• Can your grandma read it without squinting?

Remember, in the Instagram world, your first visual second can make or break a potential follower's interest. Make. It. Count.

Place Keywords in Your Name, Handle, and Bio

Wanna crack the code to getting found on Instagram? Let's talk discoverability.

Here's the raw truth: If your target audience can't find you, you might as well be invisible.

Your profile is your Instagram SEO playground. And I'm gonna show you exactly how to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm to make search engines (and Instagram) your best friend.

Three magic spots to drop your keywords:

Username (keep it clean and brand-aligned) Profile name Bio description Pro move: Your username should be either:

Your exact brand name Something stupid-close to your other social platform handles Your bio? This is your keyword goldmine.

Don't just list words - weave them naturally. Let’s say an entrepreneur searching for "digital marketing strategy", "startups", or "online services". Your profile should be the first thing that pops up.

Example: Instead of "Founder of cool startup" try "Digital Marketing Strategist | Helping Startups Scale | Growth Hacking Expert"

See the difference? You're not just describing yourself - you're becoming searchable.

Bottom line: Make every single character in your profile work hard to get you discovered. No lazy marketing allowed. 🔍

Organize Stories as Highlights

Listen up - your Instagram stories don't have to disappear into the digital abyss.

Story highlights are your secret weapon for keeping content creator alive and front-and-center. Think of them like your brand's greatest hits album.

Here's the deal:

• Those epic Instagram stories that vanish after 24 hours? They can now stay forever

• You can organize them by theme, vibe, or whatever makes sense for your brand

• Q&As, expert tips, behind-the-scenes moments - all preserved

Pro insight: These highlights sit right at the top of your profile. Translation? They're the FIRST thing people see before diving into your main feed.

Imagine having a curated portfolio that tells your brand's story at a glance. That's what we're talking about.

Quick categorization ideas:

• Customer testimonials

• Product demos

• Team culture

• Event recaps

Your story highlights aren't just type of content - they're your brand's visual elevator pitch. Make every single one count.

Treat them like your greatest marketing asset. Because that's exactly what they are. 🚀

Add Your Location and Relevant Links

Wanna know the local Instagram SEO hack that most Instagram businesses are sleeping on? Location, location, location.

Adding your location isn't just about being found - it's about dominating local search results. Seriously.

For business accounts, here's the game-changer: Your bio links are your digital traffic control center.

Pro moves for link strategy:

• Don't just dump your homepage link

• Create a pathway for your followers

• Give them OPTIONS to engage

Think of your bio link like a choose-your-own-adventure for potential customers:

• Specific product pages

• Custom landing pages

• Promo links

• Multiple link options

The goal? Total user control. When followers can pick exactly how they want to interact with your brand, magic happens.

Quick tip: Use link management tools that let you create a single link with multiple destinations. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for your Instagram traffic.

Remember: Your bio link is the ONLY clickable link on Instagram. Make. It. Count.

Your audience will thank you for making their journey stupid-simple. 🎯

Showcase Your Instagram Wherever You Can

Ready to turn up the volume on promoting your Instagram? Let's break this down.

Here's the truth: Growing followers isn't about being desperate - it's about being strategic.

No cookie-cutter approach here. Instead, I'll give you tactical moves that actually work:

Crossover Marketing Tactics:

• Slap those social media icons everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE.

• Your website? Add them.

• Email signatures? Non-negotiable.

• Make finding you brain-dead simple for potential followers.

Website Integration Hacks:

• Embed your Instagram feed directly on your homepage

• Show off user-generated content like a boss

• Let your website visitors peek into your Instagram world

Multi-Platform Promo Strategy:

• Blast Instagram announcements on TikTok

• Tease IG Live events on Facebook

• Create a content spider web across platforms

Pro Ninja Move: Use social media scheduling and publishing tools like Hootsuite. Manage everything from one dashboard and look like a marketing genius.

Bottom line: Don't just exist on Instagram. Own it. Dominate it. Promote your Instagram like your business depends on it. 🚀

Because guess what? It kind of does.

2. Develop a Solid Content Strategy

Let's get real about Instagram success.

This isn't some magical lottery where random accounts blow up overnight. Nope. Success is a calculated game, and I'm about to hand you the playbook.

Your Content strategy is your secret weapon. It's not just about posting - it's about revealing your brand's DNA in every single post.

Here's the brutal truth:

• Random content = Zero followers

• Strategic content = Community growth

• Unique brand voice = Magnetic attraction

When you craft a strategy that's 100% authentically you, magic happens:

• Engagement skyrockets

• Your tribe gets tighter

• Followers start rolling in like they can't resist

Think of your Instagram as more than a platform. It's your digital stage. Your brand's storytelling playground.

We're not just gonna post. We're gonna strategize, execute, and dominate.

Ready to turn your Instagram from a ghost town into a thriving ecosystem? Let's dive deep into the tactics that separate the pros from the amateurs. 🔥

Buckle up. This is where your Instagram transformation begins.

Schedule Instagram Posts in Advance

Let's talk brutal Instagram truth: The algorithm is like a moody bouncer, and your content? It's trying to get past the velvet rope.

Here's the game-changer: Scheduling Instagram content isn't just convenient. It's your secret weapon.

Quick reality check:

• Algorithms change

• Timing matters

• Consistency is king

Why scheduling tools matters:

• Control your content narrative

• Never miss a posting window

• Look like a social media management tool without the constant hustle

Enter the pro tools. With platforms like Hootsuite, you're not just posting - you're strategizing:

• Schedule Stories

• Plan Carousels

• Queue up Instagram Reels

• Drop killer Posts

• Crosspost like a boss

The ViralPost feature? It's like having a marketing genius analyzing your every move. This tool digs into your engagement history and tells you EXACTLY when your audience is most likely to stop scrolling.

No more guesswork. No more posting into the void.

Your Instagram strategy just went from zero to hundred real quick. 🚀

Bottom line: Master the schedule, own the algorithm. That's how you win on Instagram.

Keep a Social media Content Calendar

Let's talk Instagram momentum. And I mean REAL momentum.

Random posting? That's a one-way ticket to Irrelevance City.

Your content strategy is your lifeline. Here's the unfiltered truth:

• Create value

• Be consistent

• Or get forgotten

Breaking down the regular posting schedule blueprint:

Daily Posting Decoded:

• Most brands? Posting daily

• Not a hard rule, but a strong strategy

• Consistency is your growth hormone

The how often to post cheat sheet:

• Aim for daily (or close to it)

• Quality > Quantity

• But show up like you mean it

Best times to post pro tip:

• Mid-to-late morning

• Early afternoons

• Weekdays are your sweet spot

Bonus move: Stories are your content resurrection tool. Didn't get eyes on your post the first real time? Stories give you a second chance to shine.

Think of your Instagram like a TV show. Your followers? They want a consistent series, not random reruns.

Build momentum. Stay consistent. Watch your audience grow. 🚀

Your Instagram success is waiting. Are you ready to claim it?

Have a Strong Brand and Instagram Aesthetic

Wake up, Instagram warriors. 200 MILLION businesses are fighting for attention.

Your brand isn't just a logo. It's your digital fingerprint.

The brutal truth about Instagram branding:

• Blend in = Invisible

• Stand out = Get paid

• Consistency is your secret weapon

Let's talk brand domination:

• Color palette? Non-negotiable

• Aesthetic? Make it unmistakable

• Post style? Create your signature

Take Canva as the blueprint. Their Instagram? A masterclass in visual branding.

• Story highlights? Cohesive

• Posts? Instantly recognizable

• Brand DNA in every single pixel

Here's the money talk: Brand consistency isn't just cute. It's cash.

Marq research dropped a truth bomb: Consistent branding can increase revenue by 10-20%.

Do the math:

• Consistent visuals

• Clear brand identity

• $$$ in your pocket

Your Instagram isn't just a platform. It's your brand's digital storefront.

Make. Every. Post. Count. 🔥

Stand out or get left behind. Your choice.

Leverage Short-Form Video Content

Listen up: 66% of consumers are BEGGING for short-form videos.

Your move? Instagram Reels or get left in the digital dust.

The Reels Reality Check:

• Algorithm loves them

• Consumers crave them

• Your brand needs them

Why Reels are your new best friend:

• Quick hit content

• Instant engagement

• Minimal effort, maximum impact

Content ideas that crush:

• 30-second tutorials

• Product spotlight

• Behind-the-scenes magic

• Day-in-the-life moments

Pro Reel Hacks:

• Stickers? Use 'em

• Cuts? Make 'em crisp

• Filters? Get creative

• Music? Pick bangers

• Transitions? Smooth as butter

Bonus strategy: Cross-platform domination

• Create on Instagram

• Blast on TikTok

• Attract potential followers everywhere

Remember: You've got 3 seconds to stop the scroll. Make. It. Count.

Reels aren't just content. They're your growth engine. 🚀

Time to get weird, get creative, and get followers.

Post Content That Followers Actually Want to See

Instagram success? It's part science, part art.

Let's break down the chaos:

• Filters

• Captions

• Content types

• Posting times

The algorithm? Total wild child.

What works for one brand might be a total flop for another. But here's the secret sauce: DATA.

Testing isn't just smart. It's survival.

Quick Win Strategy:

• Experiment with content

• Track what gets more likes

• Double down on what works

Analytics: Your Secret Weapon

• Native Instagram insights? Decent

• Instagram analytics tools? Game-changing

• Know exactly what's working (and what's not)

Competitive Intelligence 101:

• 90% of brands use social data

• Don't copy

• But definitely take notes

Pro Move: Use tools like Hootsuite's social media trend report to:

• See what drives engagement

• Understand industry trends

• Spot opportunities others miss

Trend Watching:

• Keep your finger on the pulse

• Catch new Instagram trends

• Be first, not last

Bottom line: Guess less. Analyze more. Grow faster. 🚀

Your Instagram strategy is a living, breathing thing. Treat it that way.

Go Live on Instagram

Instagram Live: Your Secret Weapon for Real Connection 🔥

Forget one-way broadcasting. This is about building a REAL community.

Why go Live? Because connection trumps content.

Live Session Power Moves:

• Product launches

• Quick-fire tutorials

• Raw, unfiltered Q&As

• Behind-the-scenes magic

E-commerce game-changer: Sell WHILE you stream.

How to make Live sessions epic:

• Be authentic

• Bring energy

• Answer real questions

• Show your human side

Bonus Strategy: Those Live streams? They become stories.

• 24-hour replay window

• Catch missed followers

• Extended content life

Pro Tip: Think of Live as your digital hangout spot. Not a presentation. Not a sales pitch. A conversation.

Your audience doesn't want perfect. They want REAL.

Instagram Live isn't just a feature. It's your direct line to your tribe. 🚀

Ready to turn followers into ride-or-die fans?

Go Live. Right now.

3. Engage with Your Audience and Build Relationships

Forget followers. Let's talk FANS.

Instagram isn't a numbers game. It's a relationship game.

The brutal truth:

• Followers scroll

• Fans ride or die

• Communities crush algorithms

Building customer relationships isn't optional. It's your growth strategy.

Community-Building Hacks:

• Respond to every comment

• Show behind-the-scenes

• Make your audience feel seen

• Drop value bombs consistently

What separates good brands from GREAT brands?

• They listen

• They interact

• They make followers feel like family

Think of your Instagram as a digital living room.

• Invite people in

• Make them comfortable

• Give them a reason to stay

Your audience isn't a metric. They're your tribe.

Engagement isn't just a tactic. It's your brand's heartbeat. 🔥

Are you ready to turn followers into ride-or-die fans?

Let's get to work.

Create Content That Highlights Your Brand’s Personality

Content that highlights your personality and the humans behind your brand can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. This includes: * Inspirational content * Humorous content * Re-sharing UGC with unique captions * Storytelling posts * Behind-the-scenes photos and videos * Posts that raise awareness for social causes Also, make sure your content aligns with your brand voice and values. Avoid coming across as needy, solely sales-driven or robotic at all costs.

Let's talk real talk about Instagram content.

Robots are for sci-fi movies. Your brand? It's 100% human.

Content that actually connects:

• Stories that punch you in the feels

• Humor that makes people LOL

• Real human moments

• Causes that matter

Your Content Playbook:

• Drop inspirational bombs

• Crack genuine jokes

• Showcase user-generated magic

• Tell stories that stick

Behind-the-Scenes Truth:

• People buy from humans

• Not faceless corporations

• Show your team's heartbeat

• Let your personality explode

Your brand voice is your secret weapon:

• Authentic

• Consistent

• Never desperate

• Always real

Pro Moves:

• Share social cause content

• Highlight team personalities

• Create moments, not just posts

Remember: Instagram isn't a sales pitch. It's a conversation. It's a connection. It's YOU.

Your audience doesn't want perfect. They want REAL. 🔥

Ready to turn followers into your ride-or-die community?

Make Meaningful Conversation with Your Audience

Instagram: Your Customer Service Goldmine 🔥

60% of marketers know something you might not: Instagram isn't just a feed posts. It's a conversation platform.

The Engagement Reality Check:

• Respond or die

• Every comment matters

• Interactions = Growth currency

Why talking back is your superpower:

• Show you're human

• Build trust instantly

• Turn followers into fans

Instagram post ideas that crush:

• Ask wild questions

• Invite real dialogue

• Create community moments

Pro Engagement Tactics:

• Reply to EVERY comment

• Handle shipping concerns

• Celebrate product love

• Be lightning-fast

The Numbers Don't Lie:

• 89% of consumers buy AFTER following

• Every interaction is a potential sale

• Your keyboard is your money-maker

Think of Instagram like a digital coffee shop:

• Be present

• Be real

• Be helpful

Your DMs? Your comments section? These aren't just spaces. They're relationship-building zones.

Bottom line: Engage like your business depends on it. Because it does. 🚀

Ready to turn followers into ride-or-die customers?

Engage with Customers and Brand Advocates

Want to grow your Instagram followers? It starts with engaging your audience.

One of the simplest ways? Reply to their comments, sharing content, and show you’re listening.

That’s where user-generated content (UGC) comes in. UGC campaigns build social media proof because followers see you care about them. Look at brands like Drunk Elephant—they’re constantly programming posts from their fans, using tags like #BareWithUs and #DrunkBreak to collect content and build a community.

But don’t sit back and wait for UGC to roll in. Make it happen! Give customers a reason to share their experiences with your brand.

For instance, try a Reels contest where followers show off your product. The reward? A feature on your page and some free merch.

4. Utilize Tags and Hashtags

Location tags and relevant hashtags are your secret weapons on Instagram.

They make it easier for your ideal audience to find your posts and profile quickly.

Here’s how to use tags to boost your following:

Find relevant Hashtags Where Your Followers Hang Out

Instagram hashtags have been around since the beginning.

But here’s the deal—they aren’t as powerful as they once were.

Simply dropping a bunch of hashtags into your posts won’t magically bring in new followers, especially with all the noise on the platform.

So, what’s the play? Be strategic.

Focus on industry-specific hashtags that speak directly to your customers.

For instance, if you’re sharing marketing tips, use targeted hashtags like #MarketingHacks, #ContentMarketing, or #SocialMediaStrategy.

These hashtags will help you connect with people genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

Getting a handle on your hashtag performance on Instagram is super important.

With tools like Hootsuite Social’s hashtag analytics, you can dive deep into how your hashtags are doing.

You’ll get all the performance metrics and usage data right at your fingertips.

Finding the right hashtags to use? It’s just a few taps away.

This insight helps you fine-tune your strategy and connect with the right audience to be branded hashtag!

Use Geo-Tagging to Attract Local Followers

Instagram reintroduced location stories last year, and now you can find them on an interactive map.

This cool feature lets relevant users discover the best posts and stories from specific places, like their favorite coffee shop or a bustling shopping mall.

So, how do you get your relevant content featured on the map? It’s simple—just tag the location!

Geo-tagging your posts and stories makes your content pop up for folks nearby or those exploring that spot.

It’s a great way to reach a local audience and increase your visibility!

Want to tag a location in your Instagram story? It’s super easy!

Just grab the location sticker and type in the spot you want to tag.

Boom! Your story is now linked to that location, making it easier for people to discover your content.

5. Collaborate with Influencers and Other Brands

Looking to boost your Instagram followers? Teaming up with others can do just that!

Collaborations give you access to new audiences and help you build trust fast.

Here are two effective ways to expand your reach through partnerships:

Find and Work with Influencers in Your Niche

Influencers come with dedicated followers who trust their recommendations.

Partnering with influencers in your niche—especially those with smaller, high-quality content engaged audiences—can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and credibility.

However, finding the right influencers can be challenging. With millions of content creator on Instagram, not every influencer will be a suitable match for your brand, and some may have fake followers (yes, those pesky bots).

The great news is that Tagger, from Assistanova, our digital marketing and creative agency, makes this search easier than ever. Assistanova has a talented team dedicated to finding the perfect influencers for your niche.

Additionally, explore our free influencer database organized by industry, filled with valuable insights to help you succeed in your next influencer marketing campaign!

Partner with Brands That Are Similar to Yours

Strategic brand partnerships can take your Instagram reach and engagement to the next level.

Not only do they bring fresh perspectives to your types of content, but they also make the whole experience enjoyable for everyone—including your audience.

To find the right partners, think about what your customers love beyond your products. Seek out brands that align with those interests but don’t compete directly with you.

For example, Ubereats teamed up with Blueland, a sustainable home essentials brand, allowing customers to purchase eco-friendly products right from the Ubereats app. They even created an Instagram Reel to showcase the partnership!

When reaching out to potential partners, focus on what’s in it for both of you. Propose ideas that can help both brands grow.

Start small, like co-hosting an Instagram Live or sharing each other’s content. As you see success, you can scale up to bigger campaigns, just like Ubereats did!

How to Get More Instagram Followers (The Wrong Way!)

Assistanova’s social media strategy does not support buying Instagram followers. We steer clear of services that sell followers or "Likes."

As social media platforms get busier and more competitive, some brands might be tempted to take shortcuts for quick results.

Let’s be clear: brands shouldn’t buy Instagram followers. No one should!

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Followers on Instagram

Here’s why buying followers is a huge mistake when it comes to growing your account:

Your Real Followers Know What Fake Followers Look Like

Social consumers are getting smarter by the day.

With privacy concerns and a rise in social scams, people are now more alert to suspicious activity online. Simply put, today’s users are spam-detectors.

If you see a sudden spike in current followers, it’s a major red flag. Plus, having bots cluttering your account with spam followers can seriously hurt your reputation.

This all stands in the way of building a genuine Instagram following.

Fake Followers Bring Nothing to the Table

You’re likely keeping an eye on your Instagram metrics, and that’s totally understandable.

But here’s the deal: your follower count doesn’t really matter if those “followers” aren’t engaging with your content.

Sure, a big number can make you look impressive at first glance, but who cares if it’s all smoke and mirrors?

An inflated follower count can actually hurt your engagement rate, making it harder to connect with your real audience.

If Nothing Else, Buying Instagram Followers Violates TOS

Meta has been clear about its stance on buying engagement. They've even shut down companies that sell likes and followers because this practice goes against their terms of service.

They take these actions to maintain a genuine user experience on the platform.

How Are You Growing Your Instagram Following?

Here’s the truth: gaining more followers on Instagram isn’t going to happen by chance.

And despite what you might have heard, there’s no magic fix for it.

The strategies mentioned earlier will help you lay the groundwork for an organic following that genuinely engages with you.

Implementing these tips is a breeze when you have a powerful publishing and analytics team like Assistanova behind you.

Want to see our results in action? Start a free consultation today and check it out for yourself!

FAQs

How can I get 1000 followers on Instagram fast?

To get your first 1,000 followers quickly, focus on creating engaging, high-quality posts consistently. Use relevant hashtags, collaborate with micro-influencers, and engage actively with potential followers by liking, commenting, and sharing their content. Hosting a giveaway or contest is also an effective way to attract more followers.

How to increase Instagram followers naturally?

Increase followers naturally by posting consistently, creating valuable content, and engaging with your audience. Use hashtags and keywords that align with your niche, share Stories daily, and reply to comments and DMs. Building genuine relationships with followers and other creators leads to organic growth.

How to get a million followers on Instagram?

Reaching a million followers requires a consistent posting schedule, high-quality content, and niche focus. Collaborate with influencers, leverage viral trends, and prioritize content formats like Reels to increase reach. Engaging with your audience regularly, analyzing content performance, and adapting based on what works best will help you scale your follower count.

How to get more followers on Instagram in 2024?

In 2024, maximize followers by using Instagram’s newest features (like Reels templates and interactive stickers), optimizing your profile with keywords, and staying consistent with high-quality, authentic content. Engaging with followers and collaborating with others in your niche remains key to gaining a steady follower base.