The most effective way to build your Instagram following/why slow growth is good (and necessary).
*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo!
Resources
Listen to Ep. 63: Leveraging 2023 Instagram Trends
Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways
Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories
Listen to Ep. 67: Top 5 Instagram Features For Marketers In 2023
Can I tell you a secret? I don’t have 10,000 followers on Instagram. You may be wondering how I consider myself an authority with under 5,000 followers, and that’s a valid question. However, my client coaching business continues to grow and flourish. There are two types of people on Instagram. Stay tuned to learn which camp you’re in now, and which one you should be in!
The most effective way to build your Instagram following
Hey there, and welcome to Episode 6 of Instagram Insider Hacks! Today’s discussion is all about why slow growth on Instagram is good and necessary. There’s a saying that goes, “Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” And when it comes to Instagram, as with most things, you will find this to be true.
Engaged followers are the best kind of followers
Engaged followers save, share, and comment on your posts. They look forward to them.
The conversation continues in the dm. You build deeper connections.
And the more followers connect with your account, the more Instagram shows it to the world
You’re sharing encouraging, entertaining, or educational content that brings value
With quick growth come follows/unfollows
Those aren’t your people
They won’t engage with your content
Why you need engaged followers
Algorithm puts you lower
You’re left at the bottom of the pile with zero engagement
IG won’t show your stuff to anyone
Slow growth is good and necessary.
Next, I’m going to share best and worst practices for gaining true fans, but before I do {ding}
If you’re enjoying this podcast, would you be open to leaving a review? Simply scroll to leave a 5 star rating, write a title, and then jot a few words about the value you’re receiving from Instagram Insider Hacks. Then, hit submit, and it’ll show up in iTunes a few hours later! I can’t tell you how much this one small action helps!
Best practices for gaining true fans
• Share encouraging, entertaining, or educational content that delivers value – Serve your followers (it’s not about YOU – it’s about THEM)
• DON’T post and ghost!
• Speak to the needs of your avatar – age, likes, dislikes, pain points
Worst practices for gaining true fans
• Follow for follow threads with no common ground (choose those whose content you’d be happy to share and that delivers value for your fans and compliments your content)
• Follow Trains
Likely you’ve participated in a follow train, and for more info on this check out my IGTV Frozen Episode 1 on Loops and LIkes for likes.
Good side
Designed specifically for your niche and you meet some nice folks to collaborate with. Also potential clients.
Smaller follow threads are better and you can connect at a deeper level
These have their place and time – but only a limited place and time because:
Downside
They take up a tremendous amount of time
Most are there for the quick follow – and then they unfollow
This hurts your engagement
When your engagement dips,
This gets you frustrated
You decide to back off posting
Because you’re not active, IG penalizes you and doesn’t show your stuff when you decide to post
People aren’t interacting with your stuff because you’re not constant and more unfollow.
You quit.
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