From a social platform to a marketplace- Instagram has greatly evolved over time!
Today, it serves as a digital storefront, a customer service hub, and a reflection of your brand’s personality- all rolled into one feed. And while anyone can post a pretty picture with a filter and some hashtags, only a select few brands manage to hack Instagram growth.
If you have been wondering how these brands seem to explode while others barely get noticed, this is a question many ask! Let’s look at what those winning brands are doing differently so you can stop wondering and start growing your account.
They Do Not Just Post Content- They Build a Narrative
Content without context does not serve much purpose. The brands growing rapidly on Instagram do not just put up posts- they are telling a story! Through every carousel, caption, and Reel, they create a narrative that their audience cares about.
So, instead of randomly posting a product photo “Link in the Bio,” think about how that product fits into someone’s life. Could you show how it solves a problem, how it is made, or how people use it?
You can use carousel posts to break the story into small moments. The more swipes, the more signals Instagram gets that your content is valuable.
They Use Reels Smartly
You may have heard that Reels are the real growth drivers on Instagram- and that is true. However, the magic is not only in making a video. It is about grabbing attention in the first few seconds. The first three seconds are usually the window in which someone decides if they want to keep watching your video.
Successful brands use bold text overlays right up front to catch attention. You can combine them with trending sounds, some punchy visuals, and quick cuts and make the Reel people will want to watch and maybe even share too.
Reels with a duration of 60 to 90 seconds are the ones that currently have an edge. They are long enough to deliver value but short enough to keep attention, too.
They Do Not Solely Rely on Organic Growth
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: followers! If we are being honest here, growing purely organically on Instagram has become harder than ever. The algorithm is crowded, the content is endless, and even the best posts can go unseen.
This is where strategic amplification can help! While some shy away from it, savvy brands sometimes invest in services to boost visibility. They employ platforms like Mixx.com to get quality Instagram followers, likes, and views, which offer them an edge.
You can also consider using these tools to amplify good content. While no magician, these services act like a microphone that can help amplify your noise so that it gets heard amidst all the noise.
At the same time, it is vital to stay away from fake followers, which, sadly, many service providers do. Having a reliable platform by your side can make a world of difference.
They Cross-Pollinate their Audience
The brands that make it big on Instagram do not treat it as a standalone platform. They leverage email lists, podcasts, YouTube channels, LinkedIn, TikTok, newsletters- you name it- to funnel traffic to their Instagram account.
Here are a few tips you may want to consider in this regard:
- Add your Instagram link in email footers and newsletters.
- Promote Instagram-exclusive giveaways across other platforms.
- Use Instagram QR codes at in-person events or in your physical products.
When you drive traffic from multiple touchpoints, it increases exposure and makes your Instagram easier to discover, too.
They Collaborate Strategically
The Collab feature on Instagram is one of its most underused features. Instead of just tagging another account, you can use Instagram’s co-authoring tool so that posts appear on both feeds. This enables you to double your reach instantly.
Do not just focus on influencers. You can partner with complementary brands, past customers, and even local businesses too. For instance, a coffee brand can collaborate with a local pottery shop that makes mugs. This makes for relevant, valuable, and creative content for both audiences.
Final Thoughts
There may be no magic pill for Instagram growth, but there is certainly a blueprint. The tips mentioned here are just some of the many hacks that successful brands on Instagram employ to grow their presence. These are the brands who have cracked the code on what it takes to make it big on an otherwise very competitive platform.
At the same time, it is vital to ensure your presence evolves as the platform continues to grow and evolve too. Keeping up with the algorithmic shifts, changing trends, and audience preferences is a must if you, too, want to join the league of these successful brands.
Sources
https://buffer.com/resources/grow-on-instagram/
https://www.socialpilot.co/instagram-marketing/instagram-growth-hacks
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