8 Ways to Double (even Triple) your Instagram Followers – BiAnnual Blogathon Bash Mini-Challenge

I shared with you guys on this post about how Instagram had only just become my obsession, years after many of my fellow influencers had already learned to navigate and excel in the space.  I’d had an Instagram account for about a year and a half with 160 mercy followers and no actual posts. Then I tried my attempt at my first Instagram pic which was a poorly lit, unfiltered, un-staged,  but sweet image of my little brother, our nephews, Leila, and myself…and that was how I lived on Instagram for several more months. 

Today, I have over 16K followers and find Instagram to be one of the biggest tools I used for my business.  When done right, you’ll find it can be the same for you with just some time and concentrated effort. 

Today I’ll be sharing some simple tips on how to double (or even triple) your Instagram followers in 60 days or less! 

Just over 90 days ago, I took on a personal challenge to grow my Instagram followers by following a few specific “rules” for Instagram growth.  I started off at a measly 400 followers and my goal was actually just to double my Instagram followers.  Well, by following those simple tips, along with a few others I learned along the way, I have now reached approximately 4000 steady, highly engaged, awesome followers!  This is actually a huge accomplishment for someone who rebelled against Instagram in its early stages.  

How did I do it?  

Well, it took a little bit of work and diligence, but by following these simple tips, you can do it too!  As you read through these tips, feel free to view my Instagram profile as a reference. 

1. Write a catchy, fun, and/or interesting bio

Your Instagram bio is your chance to show potential followers how fun, cool, knowledgeable, bad-ass, or talented you are.  It tells them not only why they should follow you, but where to find out more about you via your blog or website link.  

2. Post quality photos that support your brand. 

What constitutes a “quality” photo can vary in some instances, according to your brand.  In general, clean photos with bright white backgrounds are the most appealing, but tend to apply best to DIY, fashion, and home improvement bloggers.  Nature, lifestyle, parenting, travel, and fitness bloggers will have a different Instagram theme.  The basic rule of thumb, however, is to maintain attractive photos that peak your viewer’s interest, either by its content or appearance.

3. Use photo editing apps.  

Going along with the idea of quality photos, use photo editing apps wherever possible to enhance your photos.  As a lifestyle and parenting blogger, I can admit that some of my photos have the potential to be fairly bland.  With the help of apps – such as Pictapgo, Facetune, and my newest fave, Ripl – I’ve managed to turn many a photo into a far more interesting piece that aesthetically appeal to my followers.  Take this cinnamon churro mix image for example.

4. Post more frequently

First, relax – posting 50 times a day is not necessary to grow your Instagram following! 2-3 times a day with quality photos and engaging content will do the trick.  

5. Use Relevant hashtags

So how do you find relevant hashtags?  

I’ve come across quite a few sites and apps that offer help you find trending hashtags, including Hashtagify.me, Ritetag.com, and TagsForLikes – to name a few.  Another easier way to is to see what hashtags other popular and similar Instagrammers are using to get an idea of what works.  

Also, as you type in a hashtag through the Instagram app, it will usually show auto-fill options along with the number of posts for each hashtag.  Don’t be afraid to select the ones that are not quite as massive with posts, as your post will have a better chance of being seen on that hashtag page, particularly under “recent posts.”  Keep in mind, however, that in order to show up on top under these recent posts, you must have had the hashtag listed with the original post.  In other words, if you go back and edit an old post, it will not show up.  

5. Schedule your posts ahead of time.

Now that we’ve seen how much work actually goes into posting these amazing, quality photos with the perfect caption and hashtag, it makes sense to pre-schedule these posts to ensure that you’re posts are aligned with your strategy.  I use the Latergramme app, which allows me to schedule as far out as needed and sends me an alert when it’s time to approve the post, rather than automatically posting.

6. Be Social

This is one of the most important steps to being able to double your Instagram followers.  Search for “your people” or the people with similar interests or lifestyles as you on Instagram, typically through hashtags, locations, events, etc., and start engaging with these people.  Start liking their photos, commenting, and even following those you love.  A great Instagram community management tool to use to help with this is called Iconosquare.

Also be sure to communicate with those who are liking or commenting on your posts, particularly if they don’t already follow you.  A simple response to their comment while tagging them or a “Thanks for liking my post” goes a long way.

7. Host a Giveaway 

This one’s a little controversial, as they don’t always lead to longstanding followers.  However, there is no doubt that Instagram giveaways or “loop giveaways” are a great way to gain a bunch of followers in a short amount of time.  I’ve managed to find loop giveaway hosts either through Facebook groups or reaching out to past participants.   Again, these followers you gain may not stay with you for long, but you’ll have a better chance of retaining them with quality posts. 

8. No Surprises

Many experts will warn you that you will lose followers by posting that single random, out of character, unexpected picture. This is especially true earlier in the game and as you are working to develop your core Instagram followers.  If you want your readers to recognize you for brilliant nature pics, refrain from posting that less than pretty bathroom selfie.  Give your followers a chance to get to know you and your brand.

Following these tips and doing so consistently will be a surefire way to double your Instagram followers!  

So now to the Blogathon Bash Mini Challenge – Double your Instagram Followers…

Start with the Instagram bio and start implementing these tasks listed.  Immediately.  For the purposes of this challenge, go ahead and create that killer Instagram post with a quality photo that best represents your brand.  To turbo-charge your Instagram growth, sign up for this ecourse: Master Instagram in 14 Days.  

Ps. Be sure to message me on Instagram and let me know