I don’t know about you, but the follow/unfollow tactics as a “marketing strategy” for Instagram are driving me bonkers. Following and unfollowing people is NOT a strategy. Let me say it again for the people in the back - following and unfollowing people is NOT a strategy!
Having a stagnant follower number for months on end can be frustrating, but I have been testing out some organic tactics to get consistent growth and engagement for my clients and I know they’ll work for you too.
The biggest key to my success with Instagram is setting time aside to do it. I will time block 30 minutes per client per day to log into Instagram and do the following things:
Find your target audience by location
If your product is something you want to sell only to a certain location, then finding users in your area is going to be KEY to your marketing strategy. Find locations that are near you and where your ideal follower may be visiting, then look through the photos with that specific location tag and engage with them by commenting something genuine on their photos.
Slide into your target users’ DMs
Sliding into DMs may have a whole different connotation, but using my method can be a great plan for your business! What I want you to do is to target five accounts that are your ideal customer and whose account you actually enjoy and would want to follow. Next, like and comment on some of their photos and then send them a DM with a very meaningful comment. Don’t just say, “I love the vibes of your feed.” This is where you can really be genuine. Think that their sharing with their audience would benefit you? Send them a product or discount code.
Use (and ENGAGE!) Hashtags
Think about the types of hashtags your ideal customers are using. Next, go into the explore tab and search these different hashtags. Look for accounts that seem to have similar interests as your products or brand and interact with them. Each time you find a hashtag your ideal follower is using make a note of it so you can go back to it in the future. People are more likely to follow you back if you engage with them!
The best part about all of this is that over the course of seven days, by doing these three things you will see organic, targeted growth. Want more insight to grow your brand? Contact us, and let’s chat!