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If you are a blogger or business owner, you’re most likely on Instagram, and one of your goals is to grow your account.
Instagram has quickly become one of the largest and most effective way to connect with others. I am by no means an expert but I have been getting a few emails asking for some tips and so I thought I would share five things I am doing to grow my account.
- Engagement. Engaging with other bloggers and accounts on Instagram is essential. Building a community around your brand is key. Take an hour or so each day and genuinely comment and like others photos. You can have a million followers but if your engagement rate is low, companies will most likely not work with you. I have made so many friends from all over the world by engaging daily on Instagram!Â
- Join Facebook groups. There are so many groups you can join on Facebook for commenting, liking and blog post comments. These are also support groups of bloggers just like you helping each other out! Are you #girlboss and not a member of Style Collective? It’s the best network for fashion and lifestyle bloggers and will help take your blog to the next level! Click here to learn more.
- Loop Giveaways. A loop giveaway is a group of other bloggers and businesses that pool money together for a big prize. In order to be entered to win, people have to follow your page and everyone in the loop. I don’t recommend doing these all the time but once a month or so is a great way to boost your followers and introduce your brand to fresh eyes.Â
- Photos. Having clear and eye catching photos is extremely important. No one wants to follow an account with grainy photos. Lots of people think you have to have a fancy expensive DSLR to succeed but that’s simply not true! The newer androids and iPhone’s have great cameras now and when taken at great lighting, can produce beautiful photos. If you are considering a camera, I recommend this one. If you want to get more blurred backgrounds I would start with this lens on a budget or this one for even better quality photos. Make sure your feed is clean and cohesive. If you are a food blogger don’t post photos of your cat or if you sell clothing, don’t post photos of what you are eating. You get the point!
- Hashtags. I can’t stress enough the importance of the RIGHT hashtags. This is how people find you! Instagram allows a max of 30 hashtags per post. You don’t have to use all of them but be sure to use ones that go with your photo. For example, if I am posting a photo of me in a red dress some of them would look like this: #ootd #reddress #outfitoftheday #whatiwore and NOT #foodie #vacation #gymtime etc. (I do use all 30)
- BONUS!! Do not add your hashtags in your caption. This makes it looks super messy and unattractive. Add your hashtags in the comment section of your post.
Thanks so much for reading! What are some of the things you do to grow your Instagram? Tell me below! You can connect with me on Instagram here. xo
If you enjoyed this blog post, I would be thrilled if you shared the image below on Pinterest!
xo, Anca
I LOVE your comment about not doing the follow/ unfollow method. I hate this. My IG has been up and down way more of late with people doing this. I blocked 2 people who followed me multiple times in a month! I find it spammy and so disingenuous! This was such a great post. I often wonder how you get involved in your loops, they look so good! The FB groups and Style Collective have really helped me with my blogging and It’s so fun to get to know the community of other bloggers near you!
Happy Friday lovely!
Ellie
http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Thank you so much for all your tips! These are so true and Style Collective has definitely helped me.
Cheers, J
http://www.cheersj.com
Such a fun post! Loved all your tips and couldn’t agree more. I also especially love outfits number 4 and 6 – you look fabulous!
x- Leah
http://www.ellemaebloom.com
These are all such great suggestions! It took me a little while to find out about these things. This is a great post for newbies!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
These are all such great tips! I completely agree with Engagement being #1. Happy Friday, babe!
xox,
Kristin
http://www.amidwesternmix.com
Such a helpful post! Your points are absolutely true and I do exactly what you outlined here all the time!
Excellent points, I’d actually never heard of loop giveaways until now! Also, that red dress on point.
Thank you! These are great tips! I am not gonna lie, I am concerned with participating in loops. Sometimes they look so spammy! I just need to find the right one that works with my niche.
Angie
http://www.bobodesignstudio.com/blog/2017/1/31/free-valentines-card-download
Great tips babe! Posting quality content also has helped me grow! 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/personal/up-close-personal-qa/
All great tips! I’m personally not a fan of loop giveaways, but know that a lot of people do them. Maybe I’d do it if I found the right one. 🙂
http://www.stylebymemory.com
Great tips Anca!! Engagement is so key! I need to check out Style Collective as well! 🙂 Thanks for sharing xx- Mitra
http://www.leopardcouture.com
Couldn’t agree more, Instagram is all about aesthetics and quality images make all the difference! Loving that red outfit on you.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Such a great post, and great tips! I find the engagement groups are really helpful – plus it’s nice to meet other fabulous bloggers…just like you! xo, LA
Yay what a great post! I totally agree, all of these methods are so important. I also LOVE all your outfits. 🙂
– Bailey
Thanks for the great tips! I agree with all of them, and make sure I use these in my daily Instagram life. Haven’t tried the loop giveaway yet, though. Maybe something to think about in 2017 😉
Great tips! I’ve never heard of style collection, I’ll be joining it soon!
Fantastic read and tips! I’m all about trying to grow my Instagram account now, and I definitely need to put more work into it! Good photography is essential, and I believe the most important thing. I think Facebook groups and loop giveaways are a great way to boost the following, and I’ll be using them more!
Thanks for these amazing tips! xo
Sabina | I’ve Got Sunshine
Such great tips we completely agree with posting great photos and engaging with others. Thanks for sharing
Hi Anca! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m slowly trying to grow my blog, and am happy to see I’ve been taking similar steps. I’m really happy I stumbled upon your blog. xx
Hey Anca! This is such a great post with such informative tips!! Engagement and photography are such key points! Plus with the ever changing algorithm, any help is great!!