How to Get More Instagram Followers in 2021
With over 1 billion monthly users, an ultra-smart algorithm, and tons of clever and creative accounts, Instagram is a great place to grow your account and boost your following.
We have a few tips up our sleeves to make your business stand out, get more followers and show off your brand on Instagram — so you can work smarter, not harder.
Here’s 3 new ways to reach your target audiences and get more Instagram followers in 2021:
#1: Optimise Your Profile for Search
Optimising your profile for search is a majorly under-utilised Instagram hack for growing your following — and one you should definitely try out in 2021!
Previously, if users searched for graphic design, the hashtag or accounts with the words “graphic design” in their username would populate. Now, posts with captions, names, or bios that feature graphic design should show up in search, even if that hashtag isn’t in the post.
A favourite tip of ours to be found on Instagram search is by optimising your username and name field!
The words you include in your Name field and Instagram bio are actually searchable on Instagram — making it prime keyword real estate in your bio!
Take advantage of your bio by changing your name field to something relevant to your brand or business. It’s a great way to improve your chances of appearing in the top results if anyone searches for your target keywords.
#2: Create Authentic Shareable Content
The power of authenticity on Instagram for growing your followers is massive and we're sure this will grow even more in 2021.
One of the best ways to reach a larger group of people is by creating authentic shareable content. On Instagram, shared content is one of the best ways to spread your message. Users can share feed posts on their Instagram Stories or through direct messages.
Whether it’s talking about the struggles of owning a business, or your top out home workouts, when you’re open with your audience, your followers sense it.
When you make your followers feel like friends, they may feel a natural pull to share your content with their own community of followers.
The Instagram algorithm tends to favour posts that get a lot of engagement, so when your posts are shared, it will bump the post up on peoples’ feeds. And if a post has enough engagement, it might even end up on the Explore Page. Hello new followers!
The simple act of sharing can go a long way for your brand or business — so it’s worth putting an effort into creating (authentic) shareable content.
#3: Write Longer Captions
Long captions were big in 2020 and they aren’t going anywhere in 2021 — especially with the new Instagram keyword search.
Instagram used to be all about the visuals — a cohesive aesthetic, high-quality photography, and on-brand images were a must. But now, audiences are looking to learn more about you, your brand, and your mission.
In 2021, our feeds will be filled with an average caption length of 405 characters — which averages out to be 65-70 words!
Influencers were first to jump on this trend — sharing lengthy captions on their posts to give greater insight into their world or to share their insight on current events.
But brands are starting to take advantage of the trend too — especially when it comes to raising awareness for the causes they care about.
When you share more with your audience through your Instagram posts, you build a stronger and larger community.
Ready to grow your Instagram following in 2021? Sign up for our Newsletter, email laura@littlebirdcreative.nz or message us!
