What not to do when growing a following on Instagram
It's no secret that engagement is key to growing a following on any social media platform, but when it comes to Instagram, there are a few things you definitely DON'T want to do if you're looking to expand your reach. Here are 10 things to avoid if you're trying to grow your Instagram following:
1. Don't neglect your profile
Your profile is the first thing people see when they come to your page, so you want to make sure it's appealing and informative. Include a clear profile picture, a brief but informative bio, and a link to your website or blog (if you have one).
Ideally, make sure you use a link in bio service such as Foyer.
2. Don't be spammy
This should go without saying, but don't spam people's feeds with your content. If you're constantly posting multiple times a day or reposting the same thing repeatedly, people are going to get sick of seeing your stuff, and they're likely to unfollow you.
3. Don't post low-quality photos
Instagram is all about visuals, so you want to make sure the photos you're posting are high quality and eye-catching. People are much more likely to engage with and follow accounts that post beautiful, well-composed photos.
4. Don't use too many hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by more people, but using too many of them can be off-putting. Stick to 1-2 hashtags per post, and make sure they're relevant to the content you're sharing.
5. Don't ignore your comments
Engagement is critical on Instagram, and that includes responding to comments on your posts. If someone takes the time to leave a comment, take the time to reply back. It'll make your followers feel appreciated, and it could lead to further engagement down the line.
6. Don't post random content
If your feed is full of random, unrelated content, it's going to be confusing for people who stumble across your page. Stick to one niche or topic, and make sure the majority of your posts are related to that.
7. Don't be inactive
If you're not regularly active on Instagram, chances are your following will stagnate. If you want to grow your account, you need to be posting regularly and engaging with other users on a regular basis.
8. Don't buy followers
It may be tempting to buy followers in an attempt to boost your numbers, but this is a huge Instagram no-no. Not only is it against the platform's terms of service, but it's also evident to anyone who looks at your account. Your followers should be organic, and they should be engaged with your content.
9. Don't use automated comments or likes
Another Instagram no-no is using automated comments or likes. These are fake engagements, and they're not going to do anything to help you grow your following. In fact, they're more likely to turn people off from your account.
10. Don't post too often
You don't want to spam people's feeds with your content, but you also don't want to post too infrequently. If you're only posting once a week or less, people will likely forget about you and your account. Aim for 2-3 times per week for the best results.
By following these tips, you can avoid some of the common mistakes people make when trying to grow their Instagram following. Engagement is critical, so focus on posting high-quality content and interacting with other users. If you do that, you'll be well on your way to growing a large and engaged following.
