How to Grow Your Instagram Following

urban-blonde-wedding-guest-dress-1urban-blonde-wedding-guest-dress-4

Dress: NBD (Revolve Clothing) & Similar Here // Shoes: Sam Edelman // Bag: Louis Vuitton

I wrote a post called “How to Grow Your Fashion Blog” in July and promised you guys I’d be offering more blogging tips.  That being said,  I’m following though today and continuing with a new post on, “How to Grow Your Instagram Following.”

So you want to grow your Instragram following?  Well, I can say..  I don’t have the magic answer, sorry to disappoint!  😉  But seriously, I don’t think there’s one single thing that will make or break your following, but there are a combination of tactics you can take to help you grow your Instagram. With that said, I’m going to share with you what I know has helped me personally grow my Instagram following.

Instagram Engagement

It’s not called ‘Social Media’ for nothin’!  Engagement is key for growing your following on Instagram. Make sure to comment on other’s work and respond to your comments.  If someones taking the time to comment on your pictures, take the time to show a little love back.

Another tip is being part of a private Instagram comment group with other bloggers.  I’ve recently joined a few comment groups with my inner circle of fashion bloggers.  Each time we share a photo on Instagram, we also share it to the group – for mutual comments and likes.  It has helped give me an extra boost to my Instagram engagement, which is important with the new algorithms that were rolled out.

Switch to an Instagram Business Account

Instagram recently debuted business accounts, giving you access to “Instagram Insight” aka analytics!  I’m not the most analytical person in the world, but outside of blogging –  I manage several major real-estate brands social media platforms and I’ve learned that analytics are key!  This information gives you insight on the best time to post, by each day & hour! (which I find super helpful).  It also tells you where your followers are located – by gender, age, city and country. You can also see your top post, along with how many impressions, reach and engagement you’ve received on each photo.

You can even try promoting one of your best-performing posts with the ads tools to get your content in front of more people.  This will increase engagement and followers, and users may be more likely to interact and purchase from your blog directly. Here’s a helpful post on the Instagram blog if you want to make the switch to a business account.

Giveaways

Hosting a giveaway is a great way to grow your following.  If you have something you want to give away, try running a contest. You could even try a loop giveaway, if you want to collaborate with other bloggers. Here is a Loop giveaway example (note that in the post,  number’s 1-4 were deleted after the giveaway was closed, to prevent unfollow’s.) This type of giveaway usually requires a small buy in fee for the product that is being gifted & for the time of the host organizer. It’s a great way to expand your reach, because the goal is to have the other influencers followers in the group, follow you as well.  Giveaways are also a great way to collaborate with brands!  Here’s an example of a brand giveaway I did with Seaside shop, Willow Boutique.

 Hashtags

I’ve used hashtags since I first started my Instagram account and they really do work!  I’ve noticed influencer accounts that grow quickly are using hashtags as well.  I typically include a few hashtags in the caption of my posts and then hide the rest in the first comment.

Try to do your research to see what hashtags will work best for each post.   Hashtags allow you to reach your target audience, so it’s important to put a little thought into the hashtags you use.  Use hashtags that potential followers and brands are looking for and avoid over saturated ones. Instagram also categorizes hashtags with the top 9 liked photos with the hashtag at the top, meaning more exposure for you.  You can use up to 30 hashtags at one time, so my advise is to use them!

Geotag Your Photos

Using geo-filters can help expand your reach.  By adding a geotag, people that have also used the same geotag can see your photo and will potentially follow you.  I especially make sure to do this when I’m in a new city or visiting a popular restaurant or venue.

New Instagram Stories

There’s no exact right way “to do”  Instagram and grow your following.  It’s all about being relatable and finding what works for your audience.  Don’t be afraid to test new things out and see what gets the best response from your followers!

I’m not including Instagram Stories tips just yet. After all, the feature did just role out yesterday! 😉 But I have a feeling … this may be another great way to engage with your followers. Maybe once I get a feel for it, I’ll cover it in my next post.  Have you guys tried out Instagram Stories yet?  I’m not quite sure how to incorporate both Snapchat and Instagram Stories but I think having the option is exciting (..and also slightly overwhelming!)

I’d love to hear what your thoughts and as always, feel free to leave any questions in the comment section! xoxo

xO -Steph (1)

 

35 Comments
  • accordingtoblaire

    same post, same day, same name, our twinning is out of control! wouldn’t want to twin with anyone else! 🙂

    Love your tips and they are all so true and important when growing your IG! have a great Wednesday! xoxo – Stefanie

    • UrbanBlonde

      It blows my mind we wrote the same post on the same day!! Lol, Crazy! Guess is was bound to happen eventually since we’re always twining. 🙂 Loved your tips too!

  • Kelsey Lance

    I love these tips Steph! I think you’re right about Stories too! I haven’t seen anyone ever mention geotagging photos as a way to grow. I’m definitely doing that now!

    -Kelsey
    http://www.kelseyatfirstglance.wordpress.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks Kelsey!! 🙂

  • Kelsey

    Loving these tips!! I always love reading these types of posts from other bloggers!

    xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks so much Kelsey!

  • Nicole Leffew

    This is a great post babe and of course I am going to take your advice! You have so many followers, you go girl! I love all of these tips! Thanks babe xo

    • UrbanBlonde

      So glad it was helpful! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by doll! xoxo

  • Jessica Weinberg (@whatsfordinesq)

    These are all such great tips!
    xo Jessica
    http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks Jessica!! 🙂

  • darlingdearestblog

    I’ve loved the insights that having a business account provides. This post reminds me that need to start geotagging more! Definitely agree about engagement though. Great post!
    Emily
    http://darlingdearestblog.com

  • dressupbuttercup

    Ahh love love that dress and thanks for the great tips!

    xx,
    Dede Raad
    http://www.dressupbuttercup.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks so much Dede! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  • WhatWouldVWear

    Steph, what a great post! Super great tips! I’m using the business option and it’s fantastic! You learn a whole lot more of what your followers like most…Also, you look stunning, as always!
    I hope your day is as beautiful as you are!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks so much Vanessa! I’m loving the business option, it is so helpful! xoxo

  • modernlymaddie

    Love these tips!! I have recently been researching the best ways to engage with my Instagram following! An app that I love to help me plan my posts in UNUM, its completely free and allows you to layout posts to see how well they flow!
    Hope you have an amazing day!
    Maddie
    http://maddieowen.com/

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks so much Maddie! I’ve heard a few bloggers talk about UNUM and I haven’t tried it out yet but downloading it now. Thanks for the tip, have a great day! 🙂

  • Amanda

    As a relatively new style blogger, this is helpful! Thanks so much for sharing!

    xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      So glad it was helpful!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Amanda!

  • jscorse

    Soo helpful! Especially for someone just starting out! Thank you!

    • UrbanBlonde

      Yay! Happy it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  • ruthieridley

    Wow, I loved this post so much!! This is so good. I will be using some of these tips for sure.

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks Ruthie!! 🙂

  • Lauren of An Explorer's Heart

    Thanks for sharing your tips! I think geotagging is a really great way to reach new people and to find some other people to engage with 🙂

    Lauren
    http://www.anexplorersheart.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks so much Lauren! xoxo

  • Kait Elizabeth

    I haven’t decided how I feel about the Stories yet either! Hugs, Kait
    http://www.makeminemaroon.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      I def. have decided I don’t like it as much as Snap! It needs filters.

  • marblelouslypetite

    Thank you for sharing your tips!! I’ve been meaning to do a loop giveaway and was wondering which loop coordinator do you recommend? <3

    Abby xx
    http://www.marblelouslypetite.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Hey Abby! If you want to shoot me an email I’ll refer you to a few loop coordinators that send me weekly emails. Stephlaurenkonkle@gmail.com. xO – Steph

  • simplylaurenrose

    This post was so helpful!! Great tips!

    Xo! Lauren
    http://www.simplylaurenrose.com

    • UrbanBlonde

      Thanks Lauren!! 🙂

  • Morgan Klein

    This is super helpful Steph!! Thanks!!

  • UrbanBlonde

    Of course! 🙂 So glad it was helpful! xoxo

  • Lindsey Lutz

    Loved your tips! And you are too cute! I am feeling soon overwhelmed by Insta-stories and Snap. Which did you decide to do? Hotty Toddy!

    • Steph

      Thanks love! I decided to do a little bit of both. I don’t think I’ll ever stop using Snap b/c of the filters! And Hotty Toddy!!! Do you go to Ole Miss? xO – Steph