Boosting dopamine in your brain can be achieved through various means like exercise, consuming turmeric and leafy greens, and even gaining more followers on Instagram. Just kidding, right? On a serious note, expanding your Instagram following can significantly elevate brand visibility, foster connections, and attract more customers to your business. This comprehensive guide will unveil 22 effective and free strategies (plus one paid method) to gain more Instagram followers—high-quality ones, of course!

Table of contents

This post breaks down the 23 ways to gain more followers into the following sections:

• Optimizing your Instagram bio to attract more followers
• Leveraging creativity and content to gain followers
• Utilizing follower-friendly hashtags
• Engaging other users to grow your following
• **Best practices** for increasing followers
• Effective tools for gaining more Instagram followers

Building an Effective Instagram Bio for More Followers

To effectively drive traffic to your Instagram bio and convert visitors into followers, consider it a landing page and optimize it accordingly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clearly communicate the value of following you

Instead of simply listing your credentials, slogan, or value proposition in your Instagram bio (or in addition to doing so), provide potential followers with a clear understanding of what they can expect when they follow you. For example:

• Follow for expert dog training tips; be prepared for an overload of cuteness.
• Join me on a journey to secure your financial future and explore the world of binary options.
• Your ultimate source for quick marketing tips and brilliantly original memes.
• Unlock the secrets of cooking with our easy tips for the culinarily challenged.

2. Choose a memorable and relevant username

Firstly, ensure that your Instagram username closely resembles your business name and aligns with your usernames on other social media platforms. This consistency makes your account easy to remember, find, and recognize across different platforms.

3. Switch to a business profile

An Instagram business profile provides valuable analytics that reveal who your followers are, what content they engage with the most, and whether your following is increasing or decreasing. If you haven’t made the switch yet, navigate to the hamburger menu in the top right corner of your bio, select Settings, and then tap Switch to Professional Account. Choose your business category, provide the necessary details, and you’re all set.

4. Optimize your bio link for maximum impact

Don’t waste the valuable real estate of your bio link by simply directing it to your homepage. Instead, consider regularly updating it (at least bi-weekly) to feature fresh and engaging content like new or popular posts, promotional codes, landing pages, and more. For even greater effectiveness, consider utilizing an app like Linktree to include multiple links that offer value to your audience. This could include links to specific website pages, blog posts, exclusive deals, and more.

A well-structured link tree showcases your value proposition and helps attract more followers.

5. Prioritize attracting high-quality followers

With billions of Instagram users, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. However, instead of aiming for a massive following of disengaged onlookers who add no value to your account, focus on attracting followers who actively engage with your content, appreciate your brand, have the potential to convert into leads and customers, and help you reach a wider audience. Think of building an Instagram following as curating a box of fine chocolates—you’re not just looking for quantity, but for a community that values and resonates with your brand. Looking for monthly Instagram ideas? Get our free guide » The Mega Must-Have Marketing Calendar

Creating Engaging Content to Attract More Followers

Now that you’ve optimized your profile for attracting valuable followers, it’s time to create content that draws people in. Here’s how to leverage content and creativity to boost your Instagram following:

6. Utilize all of Instagram’s content formats

One of Instagram’s standout features is its diverse range of content formats, which keeps users engaged and allows you to showcase different facets of your brand. Take advantage of:

• Feed posts: Share high-quality photos and videos that best represent your brand.
• Stories: Utilize short-lived, more casual and spontaneous content to connect with your audience (find effective Stories hacks here).
• Reels: Create captivating videos with an emphasis on entertainment (discover creative Reels ideas here).
• Lives: Utilize real-time videos for interactive experiences, such as tutorials and Q&A sessions (learn how to host a successful IG Live here). By providing a multifaceted view of your business through different formats, you increase the likelihood of people connecting with your brand and becoming followers. If you’re unsure about how to leverage these formats effectively, explore more ideas on what to post on Instagram here.

7. Post high-quality content consistently

This principle is fundamental to your overall social media marketing strategy, not just on Instagram. While the importance of high-quality content is evident, consistency often gets overlooked. While a single great post might earn you a new follower, it also puts you in the spotlight. Users who see your content regularly will quickly lose interest and unfollow if you can’t consistently deliver the value that initially attracted them. So, what constitutes great content on Instagram?

• Useful content relevant to your industry and audience’s needs, such as tips, facts, news, and ideas.
• Thoughtful content that aligns with their values, lifestyles, and personalities.
• Interactive content that makes you engaging to follow, such as polls, questions, live sessions, contests, and shareable content.
• Entertaining content that captures and holds attention through visually appealing design, motion, emotion, humor, video, and boldness. For instance, Mailchimp’s Instagram account masterfully blends a variety of posts, including useful how-to guides, thoughtful customer spotlights and small business support campaigns, interactive posts about personal development, and an entertaining video featuring DJ Khaled.

8. Prioritize entertainment

The entertainment factor holds increasing significance in today’s social media landscape. Last summer, when Instagram revealed how its algorithm works, it emphasized a shift towards “full-screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video” content. Entertaining content doesn’t necessarily need to be action-packed or humorous; it simply needs to be captivating, creative, original, expressive, and engaging. For practical tips on creating captivating Instagram videos, check out this resource.

9. Implement Instagram SEO strategies

SEO isn’t limited to improving your website’s ranking on Google search results. Social media platforms also function as search engines, and Instagram’s search feature now supports standard keyword searches, not just account or hashtag searches. This development makes optimizing your Instagram content for search even more crucial. Make sure to:

• Incorporate relevant keywords into your captions and bio.
• Add your location to Instagram
• Add descriptive alt text to all images.

10. Cross-promote your Instagram account

One of the most effective ways to promote your Instagram account is through cross-promotion. Include links to your social media profiles in your website footer, email templates, and email signatures. Consider printing your Instagram username and displaying it creatively in your office. Encourage your Facebook page visitors to connect with you on Instagram. Additionally, promote your branded hashtag across various channels, including receipts, print ads, and relevant events. Don’t assume people will automatically discover your Instagram account or hashtag; guide them directly to it.

11. Create a unique Instagram aesthetic

The beauty of design lies in the endless possibilities for expressing your brand’s individuality. Opt for a distinct style that sets your posts apart and makes them instantly recognizable in users’ feeds. People are more likely to follow accounts that offer a cohesive and visually appealing experience. A prime example of this is Oatly:

To cultivate your own unique style, ensure you have a well-defined overall brand identity. Factors such as your brand positioning, voice, color palette, target audience, and offerings all contribute to shaping your Instagram aesthetic.

12. Craft compelling captions

While visuals are central to Instagram posts, your captions can significantly influence their impact on potential followers. So, what constitutes a good caption? Originality. And what makes something original?

• Wit and humor
• Inspiration and meaning
• Relatable and engaging stories
• Self-deprecation and humor
• Intrigue and suspense For instance, National Geographic excels at weaving captivating storytelling into its Instagram photos, effectively driving engagement and sharing. Whatever style you choose, strive for consistency to cultivate a loyal following.

The possibilities for originality are boundless. Avoid generic captions and strive to create something that truly stands out. For inspiration, explore these resources:

• 76 Non-Generic Valentine’s Day Instagram Captions
• 54 St. Patrick’s Day Instagram Captions (The Cliche-Free List)
• 131 Not Overused New Year’s Instagram Captions
• 78 Actually Unique Holiday & Christmas Instagram Captions
• 80+ Instagram Captions for Any Business Download our free guide » 135 of the Best Words & Phrases for Marketing with Emotion

13. Host engaging Instagram giveaways

Instagram giveaways are incredibly effective for attracting followers. After all, who doesn’t love freebies or the chance to win something special? Running regular giveaways not only attracts new followers but also provides an opportunity to encourage engagement. Consider making following your account or tagging a friend part of the contest entry requirements. Ensure the prize aligns with your target audience’s interests to attract high-quality followers. Remember, quality over quantity. Speaking of giveaways, we have the perfect resource for you » How to Use Instagram Giveaways to Grow Your Following

14. Incorporate local elements

Tailor your Instagram marketing strategy to attract followers through content that resonates with both your ideal customers and your local community. People are naturally drawn to familiarity and enjoy seeing aspects of their identity represented online. Here are some effective strategies:

• Feature local landmarks and popular spots in your photos and videos.
• Share local news and niche recommendations.
• Participate in local events. Search for your city or town on Instagram and tap “Places” in the search results to discover upcoming events.

For more insights and tips on local social media marketing, check out the LOCALiQ Social Media Marketing Lab. No medical degree required.

Using Hashtags to Grow Your Instagram Following

Hashtags on Instagram serve multiple purposes—providing context, injecting humor, categorizing posts, and creating a interconnected network of content that guides users. Here’s how to leverage hashtags effectively to lead users to your profile:

15. Employ a diverse range of hashtag types

Think of Instagram hashtags as keywords for Google—they can be broad or specific, high- or low-volume, location-based or universal, and vary in search intent. Let’s illustrate:

• Broad: #dogsofig
• Long-tail: #dogtraining101
• Local: #dogsofsouthie
• Low intent: #smartdogs
• High intent: #dogtrainerboston
• Evergreen: #clickertraining
• Trending: #valentinedogs
• Branded: #chewydogs Similar to long-tail keywords, highly specific hashtags indicate stronger intent and help you connect with the right audience. Meanwhile, broader hashtags increase your reach to a wider audience. A balanced mix of both is crucial for growing your following on a platform as vast as Instagram.

16. Avoid overusing hashtags

While the long lists of hashtags you often see at the end of posts serve a purpose, using them excessively can make your content appear spammy and desperate, potentially deterring followers. Instead, be strategic and selective with your hashtag usage. Vary the number of hashtags you include in each post, and don’t be afraid to have fun with them. Incorporate hashtags for aesthetic purposes, humor, brand voice, or simply for fun, even if they’re not directly related to your brand. Here are a few examples:

• #twothingsthatdontmix
• #oneoftheseisnotliketheother
• #mylifeinanutshell
• #youhadonejob
• #neveragain

17. Create an engaging and actionable branded hashtag

Speaking of fun, consider creating a follower-friendly branded hashtag. Instead of simply using your business name or a behind-the-scenes hashtag, come up with something that encourages your followers to participate and engage. UPS’s #upsdogs hashtag is a brilliant example. This simple yet effective hashtag allows anyone to join the fun and share their dog photos alongside the UPS brand. More posts using your hashtag translate to increased exposure and, ultimately, more followers.

Engaging Other Users to Increase Your Following

Three main types of Instagram users can contribute to growing your following: influencers, your existing customers and followers, and your competitors. Let’s delve into each category:

18. Leverage influencer marketing strategically

It’s no secret that getting mentioned by an influencer can significantly boost your follower count. However, successful influencer marketing requires a well-thought-out strategy and doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s a breakdown:

• Research: Create a curated list of influencers who align with your brand and are most likely to resonate with your target audience.
• Start small: Focus on building relationships with smaller accounts and gradually work your way up.
• Be genuine: Dedicate time to genuinely engage with influencers before reaching out. Follow their content, turn on post notifications, explore their online presence, and interact with their posts. This demonstrates genuine interest in their work, making your outreach more appealing and increasing the likelihood of building a lasting relationship.

19. Encourage user-generated content (UGC)

No matter how exceptional your brand is, content created by your customers will always hold more weight and authenticity. That’s where user-generated content (UGC) comes in—posts from other users who tag your account, mention your business name in captions or hashtags, or use your location tag.

When users encounter UGC, whether on your profile or others’, it enhances your brand’s credibility and increases the chances of them following you. Here’s how to cultivate more UGC:

• Develop a memorable and easy-to-use branded hashtag.
• Create an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity at your physical location.
• Engage with and repost UGC (explore seven different ways to repost on Instagram here).
• Host contests that encourage participants to share photos or videos using your product or service.

20. Analyze your competitors

If you find yourself constantly trailing behind a competitor, consider conducting a social media competitive analysis. Examine their posting frequency, content formats, posting schedules, and overall strategy. Follow them closely for a week or two to gain insights into their tactics and identify potential areas for improvement. This can provide valuable ideas for optimizing your own content strategy, determining the optimal posting times, and identifying effective strategies for gaining more followers on Instagram.

Utilizing Tools for Instagram Growth

Managing multiple social media accounts for your business can be overwhelming, especially as your following expands. Fortunately, several free tools can help you streamline your social media efforts and maximize your impact:

21. Social media management tools

While automation might seem counterintuitive to genuine engagement, social media management tools are designed to enhance your personalized strategy, not replace it. These tools help you stay organized, monitor conversations, schedule posts for optimal timing, track competitor activity, and gain deeper insights than those offered by the native Instagram platform.

22. Design and photo editing tools

Instagram offers built-in filters, stickers, stamps, and special effects to enhance your visuals. However, external design and editing tools provide greater creative control, allowing you to cultivate a unique aesthetic for your brand. Additionally, you can create templates to maintain consistency and streamline content creation. Canva is highly recommended, but other free tools like Afterlight and Facetune are also worth exploring.

23. Instagram advertising

As the only paid strategy discussed in this post, Instagram advertising can significantly expand your reach. While organic reach on Instagram is generally considered high, it typically hovers around 9%, meaning your posts only reach a small fraction of your total following.

In contrast, advertising allows you to target thousands of relevant users directly. Moreover, viewers can access your profile directly from your ad, providing another avenue to gain followers. While advertising shouldn’t be solely focused on increasing your follower count, it can be a valuable bonus if Instagram aligns with your overall marketing goals.

Recap: 23 Effective Strategies to Gain More Instagram Followers for Free

The key to gaining high-quality Instagram followers who contribute to your business growth is patience. Building a thriving community takes time, experimentation, and consistent effort. Here’s a recap of the 23 best strategies to increase your Instagram followers:

1. Select a memorable username.
2. Switch to a business profile.
3. Craft a compelling bio that entices people to follow you.
4. Optimize your bio link for maximum impact.
5. Focus on attracting quality followers.
6. Leverage all of Instagram’s content formats.
7. Consistently post high-quality content.
8. Prioritize entertainment.
9. Cross-promote your Instagram account.
10. Implement Instagram SEO strategies.
11. Develop a unique Instagram style.
12. Write captivating captions.
13. Host engaging Instagram giveaways.
14. Incorporate local elements.
15. Utilize a diverse range of hashtag types.
16. Avoid overusing hashtags.
17. Create an engaging and actionable branded hashtag.
18. Leverage influencer marketing strategically.
19. Encourage user-generated content (UGC).
20. Analyze your competitors.
21. Use social media management tools.
22. Explore design and photo editing tools.
23. Consider Instagram advertising. Trying to decide between Instagram and Facebook for marketing? We break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision here!