How to Get More REAL Instagram Followers in 2023

Are you tired of seeing your Instagram follower count stagnate while others seem to have an ever-growing legion of loyal fans? Well, my friend, you've come to the right place! In this riveting post, we'll reveal the secret sauce to attracting REAL Instagram followers who stick around, engage with your content, and, ultimately, help you elevate your online influence to new heights.

We understand that, as a business owner, your time is precious. That's why we've done the legwork for you, so you can sit back with a cuppa, have a chuckle or two, and discover the tried-and-tested strategies that will have your Instagram account buzzing with genuine activity. Wave goodbye to bots and fake followers because it's time to roll out the red carpet for the real deal. Let's dive in, shall we?

Importance of Having Real IG followers as a Business Owner

In the fast-paced world of social media, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers game. But as a savvy business owner, you know that quality trumps quantity every time. That's why having genuine Instagram followers is crucial for the growth and success of your online presence.

Real followers are the lifeblood of your Instagram account. They're the ones who genuinely engage with your content, share it with their friends, and ultimately convert into loyal customers. These authentic connections not only help you build a strong community around your brand but also contribute to improving your reach and visibility on the platform. Thanks to Instagram's ever-evolving algorithm, having engaged followers increases the likelihood of your content appearing in users' feeds and the Explore page.

In contrast, fake followers or bots may provide an initial boost to your follower count, but they won't do much for your business in the long run. They fail to interact with your content or drive any real engagement, ultimately undermining your credibility and even jeopardising your account's standing with Instagram.

#1. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content

When it comes to building a solid and loyal following on Instagram, there's no substitute for top-notch content. By consistently sharing high-quality, engaging posts, you'll not only captivate your audience but also boost your chances of attracting new followers. So, let's dive into the essentials of creating content that makes a splash on Instagram.

I. Identifying Your Target Audience

Before you start snapping away and sharing posts willy-nilly, it's essential to take a step back and identify your target audience. After all, you can't create content that appeals to everyone – nor should you try. Instead, focus on attracting the right followers: those who are genuinely interested in your niche and more likely to engage with your brand.

To pinpoint your target audience, consider the following questions:

1. Who are your ideal customers?
2. What are their interests, hobbies, and preferences?
3. What problems are they looking to solve or aspirations do they have?

Once you've got a clear picture of your audience, you can tailor your content to suit their tastes, keeping them coming back for more.

II. Prioritise Visual Appeal

First impressions count, especially on a platform as visually-driven as Instagram. To capture your audience's attention and reel them in, you'll need to create visually appealing posts that resonate with your target market.

Here are a few tips to help you create eye-catching content:

1. Use high-quality images or videos with good lighting and composition.
2. Maintain a consistent aesthetic or theme for a cohesive feed.
3. Experiment with different content types: photos, carousels, videos, and more.
4. Showcase your brand's personality and showcase your products or services in action.

Remember, your content should not only be visually appealing but also relevant to your audience's interests and needs. Strive to strike a balance between promotional posts and content that educates, entertains, or inspires.

III. Utilise Captions and Storytelling

While a picture may be worth a thousand words, don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted caption. Captions can provide context, add personality, and encourage interaction from your followers.

To create engaging captions:

1. Tell a story or share insights related to the image.
2. Pose questions to spark conversation in the comments.
3. Use emojis to add flair and convey emotions.
4. Include a clear call-to-action, such as "Tag a friend who can relate!" or "Share your thoughts below."

Incorporating storytelling and captivating captions will foster a deeper connection with your audience, making them more likely to engage with your content and follow your account.

IV. Post Consistently and Strategically

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining and growing an engaged following on Instagram. By posting regularly, you'll stay top-of-mind with your audience and show up more frequently in their feeds.

To establish a consistent posting schedule:

1. Determine how often you can create high-quality content without sacrificing quality.
2. Use Instagram Insights to identify the best days and times when your audience is most active.
3. Leverage scheduling tools to plan and automate your posts in advance.

Remember, it's better to post consistently, even if it's less frequently, rather than overwhelm your audience with a sudden influx of content. As you find your groove and settle into a routine, you'll be well on your way to growing a loyal following of real Instagram followers.

#2. Master the Art of Hashtags

Hashtags are the unsung heroes of Instagram, helping your content reach new audiences and attract real, engaged followers. To unlock the full potential of hashtags, it's crucial to master the delicate art of hashtagging. This section will guide you through the process, ensuring your posts gain maximum visibility and draw in your target audience.

I. Research Relevant and Trending Hashtags

To find hashtags that will boost your content's reach, start by researching relevant and trending tags within your niche. Use the following strategies to discover the perfect hashtags for your posts:

1. Browse your competitors and industry influencers' posts for commonly used hashtags.
2. Use Instagram's search function to explore related hashtags and assess their popularity.
3. Utilise hashtags research tools, such as Hashtagify or Display Purposes, to uncover trending tags.

Incorporating relevant and trending hashtags will increase your chances of appearing in your target audience's search results and Explore page.

II. Balancing Popular and Niche Hashtags

While it's tempting to use only popular hashtags to cast a wider net, it's essential to strike a balance between popular and niche tags. Popular hashtags can quickly become overcrowded, causing your content to get lost in the noise. On the other hand, niche hashtags, though less populated, are more targeted and can help you connect with a more engaged audience.

When crafting your hashtag mix, consider the following:

1. Include a blend of popular, moderately popular, and niche hashtags.
2. Limit your hashtags to a reasonable number (around 5 to 11) to avoid looking spammy.
3. Experiment with different hashtag combinations to see which yields the best results.

III. Avoiding Overused or Spammy Hashtags

Using overused or spammy hashtags can harm your credibility and even reduce your visibility on the platform. To sidestep this pitfall:

1. Steer clear of generic or irrelevant hashtags that add no value to your content.
2. Avoid using the same hashtags repeatedly, which can trigger Instagram's spam filters.
3. Monitor the performance of your hashtags and weed out any underperforming tags.

IV. Create Branded Hashtags

Branded hashtags are a fantastic way to curate user-generated content, foster a sense of community, and increase your brand's visibility. To create a successful branded hashtag:

1. Keep it unique, memorable, and relevant to your brand.
2. Promote your hashtag across your marketing channels, encouraging followers to use it when posting about your brand.
3. Regularly engage with and share content tagged with your branded hashtag.

By mastering the art of hashtags, you'll give your content the visibility it deserves, helping you attract genuine Instagram followers and grow your online presence.

#3. Collaborate with Influencers and Brands

In today's digital landscape, collaboration is the name of the game. Teaming up with influencers and like-minded brands can significantly expand your reach, introduce you to new audiences, and, ultimately, help you gain more real Instagram followers. Let's explore the ins and outs of forging fruitful collaborations on Instagram.

I. Identifying Influencers in Your Niche

To kick-start your collaboration journey, you'll need to identify influencers within your niche who share a similar target audience. Here's how to find them:

1. Use Instagram's search function to explore hashtags and keywords related to your niche.
2. Browse the followers of competitors or complementary brands to discover potential partners.
3. Utilise influencer research tools, such as Heepsy or Upfluence, to streamline your search.

When shortlisting influencers, consider their engagement rate, content quality, and audience demographics to ensure they fit your brand well.

II. Establishing Mutually Beneficial Partnerships

Once you've identified potential collaborators, it's time to reach out and propose a partnership. To create a win-win situation for both parties:

1. Clearly outline your collaboration goals and expectations.
2. Offer value in exchange for their support, such as product samples, monetary compensation, or reciprocal promotion.
3. Foster a relationship built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect.

Remember, successful collaborations are built on genuine connections and shared values, so take the time to nurture these relationships for long-term success.

III. Co-Hosting Events or Giveaways

One of the most effective ways to collaborate with influencers and brands is by co-hosting events or giveaways. These joint ventures can create a buzz around your brand, encourage user engagement, and attract new followers. Consider the following ideas:

1. Host a virtual event, such as a webinar, Instagram Live, or Q&A session, featuring your collaborator.
2. Organise a giveaway or contest, encouraging participants to follow both accounts and engage with your content.
3. Collaborate on a limited-time offer or exclusive product release, generating excitement and driving traffic to both accounts.

IV. Utilising User-Generated Content for Authenticity

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way to build credibility, showcase real-life experiences with your brand, and foster a sense of community among your followers. To leverage UGC in your collaborations:

1. Encourage your collaborator's followers to share their experiences with your product or service using a dedicated hashtag.
2. Repost or share UGC on your feed or Stories, giving credit to the original creator.
3. Curate a collection of UGC to showcase on your website or other marketing channels, amplifying the voices of real customers and fans.

By collaborating with influencers and brands, you'll create a snowball effect that introduces your brand to new audiences, boosts your credibility, and ultimately, helps you gain more real Instagram followers.

#4. Interact and Engage with Your Community

Cultivating a robust and engaged community is at the heart of attracting real Instagram followers. By actively interacting with your audience and showing them that you value their input, you'll foster deeper connections and encourage brand loyalty. Let's explore the various ways you can engage with your community and keep them coming back for more.

I. Responding to Comments and Direct Messages

Taking the time to acknowledge and respond to comments and direct messages is crucial in building a rapport with your audience. Here's how to make the most of these interactions:

1. Aim to reply to comments and messages promptly, showing your followers that you're attentive and available.
2. Craft thoughtful, personalised responses that address their questions, concerns, or feedback.
3. Use a friendly, conversational tone that reflects your brand's personality.

II. Actively Participating in Relevant Conversations

Engaging with your audience shouldn't be limited to your own posts. Actively participate in conversations happening within your niche to increase your visibility and demonstrate your expertise. To do this:

1. Follow relevant hashtags, accounts, and industry influencers to stay updated on trending topics.
2. Leave insightful comments on others' posts, adding value to the conversation.
3. Join niche-specific groups or communities where you can share your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals.

III. Encouraging User-Generated Content and Sharing It

User-generated content (UGC) is a fantastic way to showcase real-life experiences with your brand, boosting credibility and fostering a sense of community. To encourage UGC:

1. Create a branded hashtag and invite your followers to share their experiences using it.
2. Run contests or offer incentives for the best UGC submissions.
3. Repost or share UGC on your feed or Stories, giving credit to the original creator.

IV. Running Instagram Polls, Quizzes, and Q&As

Interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, and Q&As, are excellent tools for engaging your followers and gaining valuable insights. Here's how to use them effectively:

1. Utilise Instagram Stories' poll and quiz stickers to gauge your audience's opinions or test their knowledge.
2. Host a Q&A session, inviting your followers to ask questions about your brand, products, or industry.
3. Share the results of your polls or quizzes, sparking further discussion in your comments or Stories.

By interacting and engaging with your community, you'll not only strengthen your existing relationships but also attract new, genuine followers who appreciate your attentive, authentic approach.

#5. Utilise Instagram Features to Your Advantage

Instagram offers a plethora of features designed to help you reach new audiences, showcase your content, and grow your follower base. By embracing these tools and using them strategically, you'll be well-equipped to attract real Instagram followers and boost your online presence. Let's delve into the key features you should be taking advantage of.

I. Embracing Instagram Stories for Behind-the-Scenes Content

Instagram Stories offer a unique opportunity to share candid, behind-the-scenes content that fosters a deeper connection with your audience. To make the most of this feature:

1. Share exclusive previews, updates, or sneak peeks of upcoming products or events.
2. Offer a glimpse into your daily operations, showcasing your team or workspace.
3. Share user-generated content, testimonials, or shoutouts to your followers.

II. Leveraging IGTV and Reels for Extended Reach

IGTV and Reels are powerful tools for sharing longer-form and short-form video content, respectively. These formats can help you reach new audiences and showcase your brand in a dynamic way. Consider the following ideas:

1. Create educational or informative content that adds value to your audience, such as tutorials or how-to videos.
2. Share engaging, entertaining content that showcases your brand's personality, like behind-the-scenes footage or humorous skits.
3. Repurpose existing video content to fit IGTV or Reels, maximising your content's lifespan and reach.

III. Experimenting with Instagram Shopping for Product Promotion

Instagram Shopping enables you to tag products in your posts, making it easy for followers to shop directly from your content. To utilise this feature effectively:

1. Set up an Instagram Shop by connecting your Instagram account to a Facebook Catalogue.
2. Showcase your products in visually appealing, lifestyle-driven posts, providing context for how your products can be used or enjoyed.
3. Tag your products in your posts and Stories, making it seamless for your audience to shop for their favourite items.

IV. Optimising Your Instagram Bio and Profile

Your Instagram bio and profile are your digital storefront, offering the first impression of your brand to potential followers. To make your profile stand out:

1. Craft a compelling bio highlighting your unique selling points, brand values, and personality.
2. Include a clear call-to-action, such as a link to your website, newsletter sign-up, or latest promotion.
3. Ensure your profile picture is high-quality and consistent with your branding.

By fully utilising Instagram's features, you'll be able to showcase your brand in a comprehensive, engaging manner, ultimately attracting genuine followers who appreciate the diverse content and value you bring to the platform.

#6. Monitor, Analyse, and Adjust Your Strategy

Attracting real Instagram followers is not a one-size-fits-all process, and it requires ongoing monitoring, analysis, and adaptation to ensure your strategy remains practical and relevant. This section will guide you through the essential steps to optimise your approach and maximise your results.

I. Tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To measure the success of your Instagram strategy, it's crucial to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as:

1. Follower growth: Monitor the rate at which your follower count increases, indicating the effectiveness of your efforts.
2. Engagement rate: Assess the level of interaction (likes, comments, shares) your content receives relative to your follower count.
3. Click-through rate: Evaluate the percentage of users who click on your call-to-action or website link.

By monitoring these KPIs, you'll gain valuable insights into the performance of your content and overall strategy.

II. Identifying Content That Resonates with Your Audience

Understanding the types of content that resonate with your audience is key to attracting real Instagram followers. To identify top-performing content:

1. Review your Instagram Insights to determine which posts and Stories receive the highest engagement.
2. Analyse the content's characteristics, such as format, topic, and style, to pinpoint what drives its success.
3. Use these insights to inform your future content strategy, focusing on what works best for your audience.

III. Adjusting Your Approach Based on Analytics

Your Instagram strategy should be a living, breathing entity that evolves based on data-driven insights. To fine-tune your approach:

1. Regularly review your KPIs and content performance to identify areas for improvement.
2. Experiment with different content types, posting times, and engagement tactics to discover what yields the best results.
3. Continuously refine your strategy based on your findings, ensuring your efforts remain effective and aligned with your goals.

IV. Staying Up-to-Date with Instagram Trends and Algorithm Changes

Instagram is an ever-changing platform, with new trends and algorithm updates constantly reshaping the landscape. To stay ahead of the curve and maintain your competitive edge:

1. Keep a pulse on industry news, blogs, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends and updates.
2. Adapt your content and strategy to reflect these changes, ensuring your approach remains relevant and effective.
3. Attend webinars, workshops, or networking events to learn from industry experts and exchange best practices with your peers.

By regularly monitoring, analysing, and adjusting your Instagram strategy, you'll be well-equipped to attract real Instagram followers and drive sustainable growth on the platform.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our deep dive into attracting real Instagram followers, let's take a moment to recap the essential strategies that will propel your business towards social media success:

1. Understand the importance of genuine Instagram followers for your business.
2. Create high-quality, engaging content tailored to your target audience.
3. Master the art of hashtags to expand your reach and visibility.
4. Collaborate with influencers and brands to tap into new audiences.
5. Interact and engage with your community to build strong, lasting relationships.
6. Utilise Instagram's features to showcase your brand and products.
7. Monitor, analyse, and adjust your strategy to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Now that you're equipped with these proven strategies, it's time to implement them and watch your Instagram following grow. Remember, attracting real Instagram followers is a long-term endeavour that requires consistency, creativity, and a genuine connection with your audience. By implementing these techniques, you'll be well on your way to expanding your online presence and driving meaningful business growth.

We'd love to hear about your experiences implementing these strategies and the impact they've had on your business. Feel free to share your success stories, challenges, and additional tips in the comments section below. Let's continue the conversation and learn from each other as we navigate the ever-evolving world of Instagram marketing.