6 Ways to Get More Followers: How the Influencers Do It

March 1, 2018

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One million followers is a benchmark that many Instagram users strive for. It can “change a new brand’s trajectory, encourage household-name status, and provide an entrée into the world of branded partnerships, fashion and product marketing, and more,” according to The Wall Street Journal.

“At that number, you’re at celebrity level when it comes to brand partnerships,” says Mae Karwowski, founder and CEO of Obvious.ly, which connects influencers or popular social-media users with marketers.

Having a big-name Instagram account notice you or repost something of yours is crucial to gaining thousands of followers, she says. And posts that show off a brand or account personality, or reveal a look behind-the-scenes, are often the most popular.

Brands are also making sure that a following is authentic — they notice if the number of followers doesn’t match up to the engagement level of an account, says the Journal. Beware of services that offer boosting your numbers for a fee, as buying or selling followers is against Instagram’s policies.

1. Engage with your followers on posts and respond to their questions through direct messages or comments.
2. Find out what hashtags are popular for the kinds of content you post and use them.
3. Get to know other popular Instagram users. Appearing in one of their posts or being tagged by them can boost your following.
4. Tag brands and related accounts in your photos to encourage reposting.
5. Post consistently and on a daily basis.
6. Consider getting involved with an influencer-marketing agency to connect you with brands.