After years studying Instagram, I’ve uncovered what makes some accounts explode while others flop.
Apply these timeless Instagram growth principles to rapidly build your audience this year.
Videos outperform images overall. But good photos still work well, especially after Adam Mosseri said Instagram is rebalancing feed priority.
So use both strategically:
See what resonates best with your audience and niche. Have a mix of video and image content.
Photos and video balance each other’s strengths. Try both formats to determine what your audience best responds to.
85% of Instagram users watch videos without sound. So optimize for muting:
This massively improves muted view retention, increasing reach.
Assume sound is off by default. Make videos visually compelling and easily understood with subtitles and opening captions.
Every post needs a strong hook in the first 3 seconds:
Hooks stop scrollers and entice them to watch or read more. Most tune out immediately without a hook.
You have seconds to grab attention. Lead with bold hooks before presenting broader context.
To perform well, content should:
Ideally combine multiple value types. But ensure at least one.
If content doesn’t provide value, it won’t resonate. Determine what value you offer and double down on it.
Some claim hashtags are useless now. Others obsess over them. The truth lies between:
Hashtags still help rankings and search discovery. But aren’t a growth panacea.
Hashtags shouldn’t be ignored or obsessed over. Thoughtfully incorporate relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
Posting frequency matters. Consistency signals you’re actively using Instagram.
Post at least 4x per week:
Finding your ideal posting cadence takes experimentation. Start with 4x per week minimum.
Frequent posting gives Instagram more signals to understand your content and audience. Daily is ideal, but start with at least 4x a week minimum.
Creating content daily takes effort. Build systems to scale:
Systems let you produce high-quality content consistently with less effort.
Look for ways to streamline and systematize every part of your content process. Think long-term efficiency.
Check Insights to see when your audience is on Instagram:
Post 30-60 minutes before your audience’s peak hours for maximum early engagement and momentum.
Optimizing timing ensures your posts reach followers when they’re most likely to engage.
Broadcast channels let you message all followers instantly:
This builds closer, long-term relationships with your audience.
Broadcast channels provide a direct line to your audience. Use them to strengthen connections.
Tweak all content as if it’s being shown to new potential followers who don’t know you yet on Explore. This leads to more engaging and identifiable content.
If you can interest and resonate with totally new audiences, you’ll grow faster. Adopt an Explore-first mindset.
Breaking Instagram’s rules can get your reach “shadowbanned” without warning.
Go to Settings > Account > Account Status to check for violations lowering your reach. Then fix them.
Verify your account is in good standing. If violations are suppressing your content, get back in good graces fast.
Instagram Notes are like Twitter. They broadcast short messages to your closest followers.
Use notes to:
Notes strengthen connections, which indirectly boosts your overall reach.
Don’t expect mass reach from notes. Use them to deepen ties with top fans who will engage with your content.
Better organic content reduces future ad costs. Invest in:
Then ads performed even better.
Perfect your content first, then amplify it with ads. Higher quality content converts better.
Instagram is boosting search. Include keywords people may search for:
This helps you get discovered by searchers interested in your niche.
Keywords in your profile and content make you more findable for relevant searches.
Engage with your audience and niche community:
Being social builds loyal followers who engage more.
Nurture real relationships and community on Instagram. This forms connections that convert to active followers.
Here are the core Instagram growth principles for 2023:
These timeless tips work in any era. Apply them diligently to rapidly grow your audience this year.
What’s your top Instagram growth tactic? Let me know in the comments!
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