30 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram (2025 Guide)

Struggling to figure out how to get more followers on Instagram? You’re not alone. Whether you’re an influencer, small business owner, or social media manager looking to build your brand on Instagram, these strategies will meet you where you are.

You’re trying to attract customers, grow a client’s IG presence, or land your next big collaboration, gaining followers can feel like riding a bicycle uphill.

But here’s the thing—you’re not in this alone. Katelyn Rhoades, an Instagram expert with over 170K followers, has helped countless businesses and creators turn their profiles into unstoppable growth machines. Her Instagram Masterclass is packed with actionable strategies and insider tips designed to help you crack the code on follower growth.

In this guide, we’ll give you a sneak peek of 30 proven strategies you can start using right away. From leveraging the Instagram algorithm to mastering content ideas and engagement hacks, you’ll be ready to level up your profile in no time.

Ready to grow? Let’s get started!

30 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram

Before we dive into the strategies, let’s quickly tackle a few questions nearly every creator or marketer is asking in 2025:

• How do I beat the algorithm?
• What kind of content actually attracts followers?
• How can I stay consistent without burning out?
• What’s working now on Instagram—not last year?

Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and this guide is here to help you solve all of them with actionable, real-world strategies.Start here if you’re new to Instagram or want to build a strong foundation. These first 10 tips will help you get the basics right—so your growth strategies actually stick.

1. Stick to One Niche

Remember, a niche builds exclusivity—and exclusivity builds trust.

When you stick to one niche, you create a strong identity that attracts the right audience who truly value your content.

But let’s be real: the excitement of posting new content and gaining followers can often distract you from your goals.

Maybe you’re into the fitness niche and you saw a new trend in the Beauty space, and you create and post a Reel on that. It won’t help you grow. Instead, it will send a wrong signal to your audience and the algorithm, thus reducing your reach and dropping engagement.

How to Stay Consistent With Your Niche?

• Define your niche in one sentence.
  Example: “I help busy moms stay fit at home through short, equipment-free workouts.”
• Audit your last 12 posts.
  Ask yourself: Are they aligned with your niche? Remove or archive off-topic content that feels disconnected.
• Create 3 recurring content pillars.
  Choose themes that reinforce your niche, like “Client wins,” “Tips & How-Tos,” or “Behind the scenes.”

2. Create a Content Calendar

Here’s the deal: Posting random content is a recipe for inconsistency.

To truly grow on Instagram, you need a strategy—and a content calendar is your secret weapon. It helps you stay organized, plan ahead, and deliver consistent value.

How to Build a Calendar That Keeps You Consistent?

• Start with a 3-post-per-week framework.
  Choose 3 core days (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and assign themes based on your niche—this removes the daily guesswork.
• Use content categories to plan ahead.
  Think: Tips, Testimonials, Behind-the-Scenes, FAQs. Rotate these weekly so your feed stays fresh yet focused.
• Schedule it using a third party tool.
  Many tools have a visual planner to drag and drop your posts into a weekly layout. This ensures consistency without constant effort.

3. Write an Optimized Instagram Bio

Your account bio is your social resume–its what your followers see first.

A bio is a deal-maker to convert potential Instagram followers.

The challenge here is to write a crisp, compelling copy that clearly states:

• Who are you?
• What do you do? (+ website link, if applicable)
• What do you offer to your Instagram family?

Give your visitors a sneak peek of what you are and what you have to offer.

A stellar example of an Instagram Bio here would be SocialPilot. They make it clear in just few phrases who they help and how:

How to Craft a Bio That Converts?

• Use a “who + what + value” format.
  Example: “Social media tips for small businesses 📱 | Tools + strategy | 👇 Free templates”
• Add a call-to-action link.
  Use Instagram’s native link feature or third party tools to drive traffic to your site, product, or lead magnet.
• Include one keyword that defines your niche.
  This helps with searchability. If you’re a fitness coach, include “fitness” or “trainer” directly in your bio or username.

4. Add an Attractive Profile Picture

You can get creative with this.

Think about the best way you can represent your brand on Instagram. Let it be iconic and unforgettable.

Because if you’re wondering how to get followers on Instagram, picking an optimized profile picture that complements your Instagram account name and bio is the way to go.

How to Choose a Profile Picture That Builds Trust?

• Brands: Use a high-resolution version of your logo.
  Place it on a solid background using your brand’s primary color. This adds consistency across your social platforms.
• Influencers: Use a bright, close-up headshot.
  Show your face clearly with good lighting and minimal distractions. People follow people—make it feel personal and approachable.
• Keep it centered and high contrast.
  Whether it’s a logo or portrait, make sure it pops in the tiny Instagram circle. Avoid text-heavy or cluttered images.

5. Go Big With Reels!

Reels are the way to go in 2025.

They’re the sure-shot Instagram followers hack, a way to grow big by attracting millions of views, likes, and followers.

Hands down, this latest Instagram feature has taken the platform by storm – with creators and brands posting funny, attractive, and educative content daily.

So why does this matter?

Reels posted at optimal times have a higher chance of going viral when people share them on their stories and DMs, allowing you to get free Instagram followers.

Take inspiration from Sephora, which consistently posts bite-sized tutorials and trend-driven Reels that rack up views in the millions.

But going viral isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy.

How to Create Reels That Attract Followers?

• Hook your viewer in the first 3 seconds.
  Start with motion, bold text, or a strong visual contrast. Ask a question or show the “after” first to stop the scroll.
• Use trending audio—but make it relevant.
  Match trending sounds with content that still aligns with your niche. This keeps your videos discoverable and on-brand.
• Post at your audience’s peak times.
  Use Instagram Insights or scheduling tools to find the best time to publish for maximum reach.

6. Create Carousels for Your Instagram Followers

Want to learn a secret growth hack for Instagram that only a few social media experts know? It’s dwell time, i.e., the average user time spent on your content.

And that’s exactly what carousels are for.

These 10-page slides motivate a user to stay on your post for long, thus alerting Instagram’s algorithm to frequently feature your account in the Explore section of potential followers.

How to make Instagram carousels work:

• Share step-by-step guides or tips across multiple slides.
• Hook your audience with the first slide and deliver value till the end.

“Instagram Growth = Satisfying the Algorithm.”

How to Design Carousels That Keep People Swiping?

• Start with a strong hook slide.
  Use bold text and a clear benefit: “5 Instagram Mistakes You’re Still Making” or “Step-by-Step: Create Your First Content Calendar.”
• Keep each slide focused and visually clean.
  Break down your topic into 5–10 digestible tips or steps. Use consistent branding, easy-to-read fonts, and white space.
• End with a CTA that encourages action.
  Your last slide should say something like: “Save this for later,” “Try this today,” or “DM us for the template.” Always lead them somewhere.

7. Work on Creative Captions

Captions are the unsung heroes of Instagram. They’re your chance to tell a story, ask questions, or spark engagement.

Write copies that intrigue users and motivate them to check out your profile. They will ultimately hit the blue ‘follow’ button.

“Your captions should tell a story or pose a question that encourages engagement. A well-crafted caption can turn a simple post into a conversation starter and build a deeper connection with your audience,” Katelyn suggests.

How to Write Captions That Connect and Convert?

• Start strong with a scroll-stopper.
  Use the first line to grab attention. Ask a bold question, share an unpopular opinion, or tease a story: “I almost quit Instagram last year. Here’s what changed everything…”
• Structure it for skimming.
  Use line breaks, emojis, and short paragraphs to make your caption more readable. Avoid big blocks of text.
• End with a call to engage.
  Ask your audience to do something: “Double tap if you agree,” “Tag someone who needs this,” or “Comment your favorite tip below.”

8. Play With Hashtags

Right hashtag sets = ‘Instagram follower boosters’.

Strategic hashtags help your content get discovered by the right people—people who are already interested in what you post. When done well, hashtags can drive profile visits, saves, and of course, new followers.

But it’s not just about dumping 30 hashtags into every post. It’s about targeting smartly, testing consistently, and adjusting based on results.

How to Use Hashtags to Attract the Right Followers?

• Create two core hashtag sets:
  • Post-specific: These relate directly to your content (e.g., #HomeWorkoutTips, #VeganLunchIdeas).
  • Niche-specific: These focus on your broader category (e.g., #FitnessCoach, #WellnessCommunity).
• Test, track, and refine.
  Post with different combinations for 30 days. Use Instagram Insights or a tool to see which sets bring the most engagement and reach.
• Use 10–15 highly relevant hashtags.
  Avoid ultra-competitive or spammy tags like #Follow4Follow. Instead, go for hashtags with engaged communities and moderate usage.

9. Create Your Personalized Hashtag

A personalized (or branded) hashtag is more than just a clever phrase—it’s your digital signature. It helps followers identify, engage with, and share your content, making your brand more memorable and easier to discover.

And the best part? It builds a sense of community around your content.

How to Build & Promote a Branded Hashtag?

• Create something short, unique, and easy to remember.
  Think: #MadeByMejuri or #AdobePerspective. Avoid generic phrases or hashtags that already have thousands of unrelated posts.
• Use it consistently in your posts, Stories, and bio.
  Repetition reinforces branding. Add it to your captions, include it in your Link in Bio landing page, and even print it on physical materials if you’re a product-based brand.
• Encourage your followers to use it.
  Run a challenge or contest where users post with your hashtag to be featured or win something. This builds user-generated content and increases hashtag reach.

10. Schedule Your Posts

Did you know there are the best times to post on Instagram to increase your growth?

That’s why you need to figure out when your Instagram followers are active and likely to engage.

Keep in mind – this scheduling could be as specific as 7:00 PM on Saturdays or 4:30 PM on Tuesdays.

But don’t let that keep you from growing on Instagram!

How to Stay Consistent with Smart Scheduling?

• Use Insights to find your peak engagement hours.
  Go to Instagram > Insights > Audience > Most Active Times. Identify which days and times your audience is most online.
• Batch your content, then schedule it in advance.
  Set aside one day per week to prep your posts (Reels, carousels, Stories), and load them into a scheduler.
• Use SocialPilot to automate publishing.
  SocialPilot lets you post Reels, Stories, and feed content at your best times—across multiple accounts—all from one dashboard.

Already mastered the basics? These next 20 strategies are designed for creators, marketers, and brands ready to scale their presence, boost engagement, and unlock Instagram’s full potential.

11. Switch to a Business Account

Curious why switching to a Business Account matters? Here’s the scoop.

A Business Account unlocks powerful features like:

• Insights: Track your performance over 7 and 30 days to see metrics like reach, engagement, and follower growth.
• Contact Button: Add your email or phone number to make it super easy for potential customers to reach you.

But that’s not all. With a Business Account, you can also:

• Run Instagram ads for targeted growth.
• Showcase product catalogs for eCommerce integration.

How to Set Up & Maximize Your Business Profile?

• Switch your account type in settings.
  Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account > Choose “Business.” It takes less than a minute.
• Fill out all business details.
  Add a category, contact info, website link, and CTA buttons like “Email” or “Call” to make it easier for potential clients to reach out.
• Use Instagram Insights weekly.
  Track what’s working: best-performing posts, top content formats, peak engagement times. Use that data to double down on what grows your audience.

12. Collaborate With Influencers

We cannot deny the fact that people adore influencers and believe in the products they use.

Here’s what a survey revealed:

• 68% of brands prioritize influencer marketing on Instagram.
• 90% of marketers say influencers build trust for their brands.

But don’t just work with any influencer. Choose someone:

• Aligned with your brand values.
• With an engaged audience that matches your target market.

Katelyn Rhoades advises, “Influencer collaborations amplify your reach and credibility. Paid shoutouts, co-branded posts, or even letting influencers take over your account for a day can drive massive follower growth.”

Need help finding influencers? Check out our influencer marketing guide.

How to Collaborate with Influencers Smartly?

• Find the right fit—not just the biggest name.
  Use tools or search manually to find micro or nano influencers (5K–50K followers) whose audience overlaps with your target market and values.
• Make the collaboration feel natural.
  Avoid overly promotional content. Instead, co-create Reels, carousels, or giveaways that highlight how your product/service fits into their lifestyle or workflow.
• Use Instagram’s “Collab” feature for maximum reach.
  Publish posts or Reels that appear on both your feeds. This exposes you to each other’s followers and boosts credibility through social proof.

13. Repost User Generated Content (UGC)

What is a great medium to build brand authenticity and consumer trust?

Answer: Social proof.

How?

When prospective followers observe other users enjoying your product/service, they’re more likely to give you their business.

It’s true; 79% of people state that “User Generated Content” influences their buying decisions.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Encourage followers to tag your brand in posts.
2. Regularly share their content (with proper credit) on your profile.

Take inspiration from Grammarly, which frequently reposts UGC, showing how real users benefit from their software.

How to Turn UGC Into a Follower Magnet?

• Create a branded hashtag for submissions.
  Encourage your followers to use a hashtag like #YourBrandStories when sharing content that features your product or service.
• Reshare with credit—and context.
  Always tag the original creator and add a caption that reinforces why their story matters. This shows appreciation and builds community.
• Feature UGC in carousels, Stories, or pinned posts.
  UGC makes great social proof—especially when pinned to your profile or used as highlight covers.

14. Engage Through Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are where the action is—don’t miss out.

Why they matter:

• Users engage more with Stories than posts.
• Polls, quizzes, and questions make followers feel involved.

How to Make Your Instagram Stories Worthful?

• Use Instagram’s interactive stickers daily.
  Try polls, emoji sliders, “ask me anything” boxes, and quizzes. These not only boost engagement but signal to Instagram that your content is worth showing more often.
• Let people behind the curtain.
  Share sneak peeks of upcoming launches, team moments, bloopers, or unfiltered updates. Stories should feel raw and relatable.
• Reshare mentions and UGC in your Stories.
  When users tag your brand, repost it with a thank-you note or reaction. It shows you’re listening—and encourages others to join the conversation.

15. Use Cross-Promotion to Boost Reach

Want to reach a wider audience the quickest way? Leverage the power of cross-promotion.

How to Cross-Promote Your Content?

• Co-create content with aligned accounts.
  Partner with complementary brands or influencers (not competitors) for a joint Reel, carousel, or Giveaway. Example: A fitness coach teaming up with a healthy meal service.
• Use Instagram’s Collab feature.
  Publish a single post or Reel that appears on both feeds. It instantly shares reach, comments, and likes between you and your partner account.
• Share your Instagram on other channels.
  Embed Reels in blog posts, promote IG content in email newsletters, and repurpose Stories on Facebook or LinkedIn to drive traffic across platforms.

16. Host Giveaways

Successful brands know how to get Instagram followers and pull a new audience to their feed: free products.

Who doesn’t like free (luxurious) gifts?

The thrill of getting gifts from a renowned figure or brand is exhilarating. No one would want to miss that chance!

How to Run High-Impact Giveaways on Instagram?

• Pick a prize that your target follower actually wants.
  Avoid generic prizes like iPhones or Amazon vouchers. Instead, give away your product, a 1:1 session, or something only your ideal audience would value—this ensures you attract the right crowd.
• Keep the entry rules dead simple.
  Use clear calls like:
  → Follow [@YourHandle]
  → Like this post
  → Tag 2–3 friends in the comments
  Bonus: Ask them to share stories for extra reach.
• Set a deadline and build urgency.
  Time-bound contests convert faster. Use countdown stickers in Stories and remind users as the deadline approaches.

What’s more, many brands, including start-ups and influencers, conduct these offers during festivities or after hitting a particular follower mark (500K, 1M, etc.).

17. Go Live!

Nothing beats the authenticity of showing up live. It’s unfiltered, personal, and powerful for building connections that turn casual viewers into loyal followers.

Live videos aren’t just content—they’re conversations that build your brand’s personality.

How to Nail Your Next Instagram Live?

• Plan a clear purpose or theme.
  Choose a focus that resonates: a quick tutorial, product unboxing, Q&A, or sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Structure it with bullet points so you don’t lose your flow on air.
• Promote it like an event.
  Tease your Live session in Stories, posts, and even in your bio. Use countdown stickers and let people know what they’ll gain from joining.
• Bring a guest for more reach.
  Partner with an influencer, customer, or team member. Dual Lives can double your audience and give you fresh perspectives—and new followers.

18. Engage Instagram Followers via Comments

More comments are a blessing to your Instagram posts!

The key is to respond to valid comments to build a real connection with your audience.

It’s easy – be witty or direct.

Give reasons for people to talk about you! It will definitely boost your follower count.

Take inspiration from Boss.

The brand ensures to strike meaningful and long-lasting relationships with its followers and radiates a positive branding image for potential followers.

Why Does This Really Matters to You (and Your Followers)?

You’re not just replying to a comment—you’re building a relationship.

Each time you respond, you’re telling your audience:
“Hey, I see you. You matter. I’m here for this conversation.”

That kind of presence builds more than engagement—it builds trust, community, and brand magnetism.

Here’s what happens when you take engagement seriously:

• Faster Replies = More Respect.
  People notice when you don’t leave them hanging. A fast reply says, “I’m on it.” That’s a big deal in a world where attention spans are short and expectations are high.
• Context = Confidence.
  When you know the full backstory of a conversation, you sound sharper, more helpful, more “on brand.” You’re not guessing—you’re connecting.
• Less Chaos = Better Focus.
  When your messages are organized (thanks to SocialPilot Inbox), you can focus on what really matters.
• Every Reply = A Touchpoint.
  Even a simple “Thanks!” is a moment to leave a good impression. Stack those moments, and suddenly you’re not just another account—you’re the account.

Bottom line? Don’t just post. Show up. Respond. Be the creator or brand people remember because you actually cared.

19. Create Useful Guides

Guides are a relatively new Instagram feature, where accounts can collect similar published posts under one virtual roof for easy user access.

This educative effort builds brand authenticity and invites a large number of free Instagram followers.

Here’s a great example:

In an attempt to assist people affected by the COVID-19 virus, many non-profits and influencers are sharing Instagram Guides packed with resource links and helpline numbers.

How to Create Instagram Guides?

• Choose a theme that solves a pain point.
  Whether it’s “Instagram Tips for Small Businesses” or “Top 5 Tools Every Creator Needs,” create Guides around what your audience constantly asks for.
• Use existing content to reduce effort.
  Repurpose your Reels, Carousels, or Posts into Guides. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just organize the value you’ve already shared.
• Add commentary to connect deeper.
  Use the text area to share context, personal tips, or explain why each post is included. This turns your Guide into a resource, not just a playlist.

20. Drop Valuable Comments

Don’t underestimate the power of dropping comments on other accounts where your audience usually hangs around.

How to Make Your Comments Stand Out?

• Comment early on high-traffic posts.
  Turn on notifications for key accounts in your niche. The sooner you comment, the higher up you stay. This gives your profile more exposure to engaged readers.
• Add real value to the conversation.
  React to the post with thoughtful insight, a mini-tip, or a clever take. Example: Instead of “Love this,” try “This tip saved us hours—also recommend batching Stories on Sundays!”
• Use soft CTAs to spark curiosity.
  Slip in subtle clues about your content: “We shared a similar hack last week and saw a 2x engagement spike—love that it’s working for others too!”

21. Have a Clear Username

Naturally, you need an Instagram username that defines your brand.

But how can people find you if they need to type a barrage of characters and numbers to get to your page?

That’s why it’s best to keep it simple. Use lowercase alphabets and avoid numbers and symbols to get discovered easily.

How to Choose a Username That Works for You?

• Keep it simple, short, and spellable.
  Avoid underscores, random numbers, or hard-to-remember spellings. Think: @thebeautyedit not @the_beauty_93_x.
• Match it with your brand name across platforms.
  Consistency builds trust. If your handle is @cleanbeautyco on IG, make sure it’s the same on TikTok, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn.
• Use a keyword if your brand name is taken.
  For example, if @dailybites is taken, try @dailybites.food or @dailybites.co—both are clean, searchable, and brandable.

22. Show BTS Scenes

Who doesn’t love to watch bloopers, employee bonding videos, or wholesome clips of pets?

People love to listen to raw behind-the-scenes stories.

It’s a fact: transparency fosters relationships.

Do you have an office pet that steals everyone’s heart? Show his tactics!

A favorite colleague moment shared every Friday? Create a Reel!

Post anything ‘real’ and experience overflowing love from your rising Instagram followers!

How to Share BTS Content for Loyalty?

• Turn everyday moments into Story content.
  Record your team setting up for a shoot, packing an order, brainstorming, or even having a coffee break. It’s the normal stuff that feels special to your audience.
• Introduce your team or “work family.”
  Feature short “meet the team” clips or share quirky facts about the people behind your brand. This adds warmth to your profile and makes followers feel part of your journey.
• Start a recurring BTS series.
  Think: #FridayFails, #StartupSaturdays, or #BehindTheBrand. Consistency keeps your audience looking forward to new updates and stories.

23. Consistency Is the Key

Instagram rewards consistency.

And that’s exactly why you need to show up regularly.

How to Stay Consistent Without Burning Out?

• Create a flexible content schedule.
  You don’t need to post daily—but do it intentionally. Aim for 3–4 quality posts or Reels per week, plus a few Stories to maintain daily presence.
• Batch and schedule your content weekly.
  Use tools to create and queue a week’s worth of content in one sitting. This saves time and keeps your feed active, even on your busiest days.
• Repurpose content across formats.
  Turn a blog tip into a carousel, a carousel into a Reel, and a Reel into a Story. You don’t always need to start from scratch—just remix and reuse.

24. Keep Room for Moment Marketing

All it takes is one post to go ‘viral’ on Instagram.

Brands should keep enough flexibility to incorporate moment marketing – it can skyrocket your followers instantly!

Always remember:

“People love trends – give it to them!”

How to Capitalize on Trends?

• Stay plugged into what’s trending daily.
  Check the Explore page, Reels trends, Twitter (X) trending hashtags, or even pop culture news. Tools like Google Trends or TrendTok can help too.
• Act fast, but make it relevant.
  Not every trend fits your brand—and that’s okay. Pick ones where you can offer a funny, smart, or thoughtful take. Add your spin to keep it authentic.
• Use trending formats, sounds, or memes.
  Even if you’re not joining a trending topic, using a viral format (like a trending audio in Reels) can help your content surface to new audiences.

For example,

The recent Suez Canal transfix received rising attention from the creative industry and soon turned into an opportunity for moment marketing.

Take a look at how the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team capitalized on the Suez Canal moment!

25. Invest in Instagram Ads

Instagram offers ample room to grow organically.

But as a brand, you need to understand the power of Instagram ads and invest a plumpy slice of your marketing budget towards it.

How to Run Instagram Ads for Followers?

• Use the “Profile Visits” objective.
  When setting up your ad, choose a goal like Profile Visits or Engagement rather than just website clicks. This drives traffic straight to your page where you can convert views into follows.
• Target by interest + behavior.
  Go beyond basic demographics. Target users based on Instagram behaviors (like people who follow similar accounts) and specific interests that align with your niche.
• Promote high-performing organic content.
  Don’t start from scratch—amplify what’s already working. Boost a Reel or carousel that performed well organically to get even more eyeballs on it.

26. A/B Test Regularly

Are you wondering how to gauge whether your efforts are working? The simple truth is that you will never fully understand what is effective and what isn’t until you A/B test your strategies.

How to Run A/B Testing Without Overwhelm?

• Test one variable at a time.
  Don’t change everything at once. If you’re testing post timing, keep the content the same. If you’re testing caption tone, post it at the same time on different days.
• Compare performance across formats.
  Run the same message as a carousel and a Reel. See which gets better reach, saves, and follows—and double down on that format.
• Use analytics to track results.
  Monitor reach, engagement, and follower gain from each variation. Review weekly or biweekly to adjust your strategy based on what the data tells you.

“Regularly A/B test your Instagram strategy with different content formats, posting times, and hashtags to identify what resonates most with your audience. A/B testing is crucial for refining your strategy and achieving optimal results.” – says Katelyn Rhoades.

27. Give Shout-Outs to Followers

Recognition breeds loyalty. When you spotlight your followers, you’re not just saying “thank you”—you’re showing that your brand listens, celebrates, and cares.

Even better? People love to reshare when they’ve been featured. That means more visibility for you and more social proof in action.

How to Shout Out Followers?

• Highlight comments or DMs in Stories or carousels.
  Did someone drop a great comment or share a success using your product? Screenshot it, tag them, and turn it into a branded visual or Story shout-out.
• Feature community wins regularly.
  Whether it’s “Follower of the Week,” contest winners, or someone who just hit a milestone—make it a thing. Create a consistent format so it feels official.
• Turn testimonials into content.
  User love? Use it. Repost mini testimonials or kind words in your captions, or as part of a UGC roundup.

28. Link Your Instagram Account to Your Website

Don’t let your Instagram brilliance stay hidden—bring it front and center on your website.
Embedding your top-performing posts onto your homepage or blog draws attention to your content’s best moments and drives new traffic directly to your Instagram.

It’s more than just linking—it’s creating a seamless visual experience that turns casual site visitors into engaged followers. 

The reason is simple: it will highlight visually appealing posts to your users and direct them to your Instagram handle.

How to Seamlessly Link Instagram to Your Website?

• Embed a live Instagram feed on key pages.
  Use plugins like SnapWidget, Elfsight, or Instagram’s own embed code to display your top-performing Reels or posts right on your homepage, footer, or blog sidebar.
• Use clickable social icons in prime locations.
  Don’t bury your Instagram link. Add it to your website header, about page, and post footers with strong CTA copy like “See this in action on Instagram.”
• Create visual CTAs that align with your content.
  For example:
  “Follow us for daily behind-the-scenes tips 👉 @YourHandle”
  “Want more tips like these? Check out our IG Reels.”

29. Share Exclusive Details on Your Instagram Handle

Are you launching a new product, disclosing a much-awaited detail, or anything else?

Release the announcement on Instagram first!

Exclusive first-hand knowledge piques interest and provides reasons for people to give you a follow on the platform!

How to Create FOMO-Worthy Exclusives on Instagram?

• Announce new launches or updates first on Stories or Reels.
  Use countdown stickers, teaser clips, or cryptic captions to build buzz. Let your audience know, “Instagram sees it before the rest of the world.”
• Offer Instagram-only promos.
  Run limited-time discounts, giveaways, or early access codes just for your IG followers. This rewards your loyal base and encourages new ones to hit follow.
• Post sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes previews.
  Give your audience a VIP pass into your creative process. Whether it’s packaging mockups or product R&D, this kind of access makes them feel invested—and more likely to follow and stick around.

30. Try Instagram Shopping

A nifty tip for growing your customer base:

Host your virtual Instagram store and use strategies to promote your eCommerce sales.

Trust us, marketers in the past have recorded positive results (more reach and followers) by enabling Instagram Shopping to showcase their products directly on the platform.

How to Use Instagram Shopping to Grow Followers?

• Set up a shop through Meta Commerce Manager.
  Connect your catalog, set up your shop tab, and get approved by Instagram. Once it’s live, your profile becomes a shopping hub.
• Tag products in your content for passive discovery.
  Add shoppable tags to lifestyle photos, Reels, and UGC. When users tap the product, they’ll land on your shop—boosting engagement and follower count.
• Use Reels + product tags for viral visibility.
  Reels have massive organic reach. Combine trending audio with product showcases and tag those items—making it easy for interested viewers to follow and buy.

Instagram Growth Shortcut? Don’t Fall for the Trap

Let’s be honest: when growth feels slow, it’s tempting to consider shortcuts like buying followers.

But here’s the truth: purchased followers will hurt more than they help.

• People can spot fake followers: Today’s social media users are savvier than ever. A sudden spike in followers with zero engagement doesn’t impress anyone but it raises eyebrows.
• Bots don’t boost your engagement: Those extra numbers won’t like, comment, or share your content. And the Instagram algorithm notices. Less engagement means less reach, which means even your real followers stop seeing your content.
• It violates Instagram’s terms: Meta actively cracks down on fake engagement. That means bots, fake likes, and purchased followers aren’t just risky, they’re a violation of the platform’s rules. The cost? Potential account suspensions or shadowbans.

Bottom line? If your goal is long-term, authentic growth (the kind that builds community and drives results), buying followers is never the answer.

Instead, double down on the 30 tips above and use tools like SocialPilot to do it smarter and faster.

Instagram Is Your Playing Field!

Your account is at your discretion to work with – keep your goals in sight and enjoy the process as you move forward.

By incorporating all the power-packed strategies listed in this blog, you can successfully grow your audience on Instagram.

Another way to improve user engagement is through tools like SocialPilot, which gives you the power to schedule posts, reply with social inbox, and analyze your Instagram account performance.

And most importantly, be patient. Your potential followers are out there, waiting to be approached with the right strategies that will incentivize them into hitting the blue follow button!