There seems to be a lot of interest in my Instagram Business content. For that reason, I thought I would share another blog post devoted to it. I receive many messages about advice regarding how to accumulate followers on Instagram. What’s the best way? How can I build a following quickly? I am by no means the biggest blogger or have the most knowledge about this, but I am happy to share my thoughts based on personal experience. Before I start, please note, just like fad diets don’t work, quick ways to grow your account don’t either. Unauthentic shoutouts, giveaways, or buying followers is not the way to grow. If you are in it for the long haul, do it organically.

How to Build a Following:

1. My number one tip for how to build a following is not to care about building a following. I know this is WAY easier said than done, but the more you focus on producing quality content rather than the numbers, you will automatically accelerate.

2. Your current followers are your biggest advocates. Don’t neglect them. It can be tempting to focus on growth and think of ways to attract new followers. It’s important to focus on the followers that are already there. They follow you for a reason, trust you and want to see more from you. By catering to them, they will market for you. They will tell their friends about you, they will post about you and they will constantly comment and like your photos/videos.

3. Think about your why. Why did you start? Why are you here? What are you trying to accomplish? Dig deep and remember why you began your account. Did it have anything to do with “being famous on Instagram” or having a certain amount of followers, probably not. Most likely, you started your account to share your passion with the world - to share healthy recipes, fabulous affordable outfits, easy house DIY’s etc. It had everything to do with helping others through your passion and nothing to do with how many people you would reach. Focus on going back to simple sharing your passion to help others. This will lead to consistency and constantly producing content with the intent for others to benefit.

4. Engage with your community. Comment, like, share and support. Answer every DM, answer every comment and show your community that you care. Cater to your followers. They support you. Go above and beyond for them. For those of you that don’t know, I worked in the Hospitality Industry before all of this. I believe that experience has helped me SO much. Just like I always put the customer, attendee or guest first, I do the same with my followers. If someone replies to my story saying they are excited for an upcoming recipe, I personally message them with the recipe link when all is live on my website. I write down their name to make it a point to send them a message. Recently, a follower messaged that she would love an oatmeal cookie recipe. I added that to my list of recipes to create. Once the recipe was created and announced, she messaged me knowing I created the cookie based on her request. I am here to help others. You are here to help others. Go above and beyond for them and you will be rewarded. You may not be rewarded right away. Don’t expect that. Just be consistent. Instagram might suck sometimes. Your photo might only be shown to ¼ of your following. BUT the ¼ will always be your number one advocates. The ¼ will always be the people you engage and connect with the most. That’s the way Instagram’s algorithm works. That’s to your advantage.

5. Lastly, be unapologetically you. There’s only one version of you. Don’t try to copy someone else’s content because they have a certain amount of followers, likes (NUMBERS). Be you and create the unique content that your followers followed you for in the first place. Don’t worry if Sally is creating video content every other post or using a special preset and you never made a video or don’t use presets. Doesn’t matter because you are you and Sally is Sally. Believe in yourself and your abilities. No one can stand in your way, but you.

Grow Organically 🌷