Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. As of January 2021, the platform had 1.221 billion monthly active users, making it the sixth most popular social media platform in the world. If you are looking to increase your Instagram following, you are not alone. Many individuals and businesses are looking for ways to grow their following and reach more people. In this blog post, we will discuss how to gain your initial Instagram following and provide consumer data on Instagram buying trends.
Post High-Quality Content
The first step to gaining more followers on Instagram is to post high-quality content. According to a recent study by Hubspot, 60% of Instagram users say they discover new products on the platform, and 75% of users take action, such as visiting a website, after being inspired by an Instagram post. This means that the quality of your content can directly impact consumer behavior.
When creating content, make sure it is visually appealing, interesting, and relevant to your niche. Using good lighting, composition, and editing techniques can help make your content stand out. It's also important to be consistent in your posting schedule, so your followers know when to expect new content from you.
One great example of a brand that does this well is H&M. H&M's Instagram page features high-quality images that showcase their clothing in a visually appealing way. They also use user-generated content to show how their products are being used in real life.
Use Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to increase the reach of your Instagram posts. According to a study by Sprout Social, using at least one hashtag can increase engagement by 12.6%. When you use hashtags, your posts become more discoverable to people who are searching for content related to those hashtags. However, it's important to use relevant hashtags that are related to your niche. Using too many hashtags or using irrelevant hashtags can make your posts look spammy and decrease engagement.
One brand that uses hashtags well is Nike. Nike uses hashtags that are related to their brand, such as #nike and #justdoit. They also use hashtags related to specific campaigns, such as #teamnike and #nikewomen.
Engage with Your Followers
Engaging with your followers is a great way to build a relationship with them and increase engagement on your posts. According to a study by Hootsuite, Instagram users who receive responses to their comments are more likely to continue engaging with a brand. When you receive comments or messages, respond to them in a timely manner. You can also like and comment on other users' posts that are relevant to your niche. This can help increase visibility of your brand and build relationships with other users.
One brand that does this well is Sephora. Sephora frequently responds to comments and messages on their posts, and also engages with their followers by liking and commenting on their posts.
Collaborate with Other Users
Collaborating with other users is a great way to increase your reach and gain more followers. You can collaborate with other users by hosting giveaways, partnering on campaigns, or featuring each other on your Instagram pages. When collaborating with other users, make sure they are relevant to your niche and have a similar target audience.
One brand that does this well is GoPro. GoPro frequently collaborates with other users by featuring user-generated content on their Instagram page. They also host campaigns where users can submit their own content for a chance to be featured on GoPro's page.
Run Instagram Ads
Running Instagram ads can be an effective way to increase your reach and gain more followers. According to a study by Hootsuite, 72% of Instagram users have purchased a product they saw on the platform. Instagram ads allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, making it easier to reach your target audience. When running Instagram ads, make sure your ad is visually appealing, relevant to your niche, and has a clear call to action.
One brand that does this well is Airbnb. Airbnb uses Instagram ads to promote their listings to people who are interested in travel and vacation rentals. They use visually appealing images and videos that showcase their listings and encourage people to book their next vacation through Airbnb.
Consumer Data on Instagram Buying Trends
In addition to the strategies listed above, it's important to understand the buying trends of Instagram users. According to a study by Hootsuite, 87% of Instagram users have taken action after seeing product information on the platform, such as visiting a website, searching for more information, or making a purchase. This means that Instagram can be a powerful tool for driving sales and increasing revenue.
One trend among Instagram users is the use of influencer marketing. According to a study by Influencer Marketing Hub, 63% of marketers plan to increase their influencer marketing budget in 2021. This shows that businesses are recognizing the power of influencers in reaching their target audience and driving sales.
Another trend is the use of shoppable posts. Shoppable posts allow businesses to tag their products in their Instagram posts, making it easier for users to purchase products directly from the platform. According to a study by Shopify, businesses that use shoppable posts have seen a 1,416% increase in traffic and a 20% increase in revenue from Instagram.
In summary, gaining your initial Instagram following requires posting high-quality content, using hashtags, engaging with your followers, collaborating with other users, and running Instagram ads. By implementing these strategies and understanding the buying trends of Instagram users, you can increase your reach, drive sales, and grow your following on the platform.