Ever wonder why your Instagram growth hits a wall? From one-person businesses cracking wise online to the largest brands in the world, the frustration of a static following and decreased engagement is a shared experience.
The most common hurdles are low post frequency and neglected engagement, both of which can be fixed.
Today we’re focusing on the exploration and implementation of organic growth strategies, offering a solution to the common challenge of stalled follower counts. It isn’t just about sharing some of the wisdom we’ve picked up over the years: we’re equipping brands with practical and actional tips to make their audiences bigger.
Is there a universal answer to the ideal growth rate across social media platforms? Spoiler alert: there isn't. That’s because each platform boasts unique audience targeting, preferred content types, and algorithm structures shaping follower growth rates.
Before deciding how much help you need with follower growth, you have to know where to set your benchmark. What constitutes “normal” growth? If your follower growth is lower than these numbers, you need to put a new plan into effect.
Growth rates by platform:
If you’re shooting for above the average, which we hope you are, it's good to understand what influences these rates to help you find your strategy. And to figure out what isn’t working.
Let's shine a spotlight on the actual stuff shaping the trajectory of your growth journey.
Content Quality. The cornerstone of follower growth is good content. It has to be engaging, yes, but also valuable and relevant to your audience. Captivating visuals, complemented by compelling captions, can significantly boost engagement and increase social media followers.
Posting Frequency. Every time you post content, it has a chance to be seen and engaged with by your followers. However, finding the right balance is crucial. Frequent posting keeps your brand active in users' feeds, but overdoing it may lead to saturation and unfollows. Best practices, varying by platform, include:
Content Optimization. Tailoring your content to each platform is essential for follower growth. Each social media platform has its own audience, preferred content types, and algorithm for rewarding content. Understanding these nuances allows you to optimize your content strategy.
Community Engagement. Social media is not a one-way street. To boost growth, brands need to actively talk with their audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and interact with them: no one likes to feel ignored.
Genuine engagement builds relationships and encourages people to follow and interact with your brand.
Each of the following strategies plays its part in boosting your follow count.
Improve your online visibility by creating and putting out content that is not only interesting and engaging but also shareable. Infographics, videos, and images are perfect for this. Include a clear call to action (CTA) in the content itself to prompt your audience to take the next step.
Related: When Should You Jump on a Social Media Trend?
Social media is a two-way street. Actively engage with your followers by starting conversations, responding to comments, and posing questions. Social listening should be a cornerstone of your strategy to make this easier.
Further reading: From Likes to Loyalty: Cultivating an Engaged Social Media Community
Recognize that not all strategies are foolproof. Regularly monitor performance metrics and audience engagement, adapting your strategies based on insights.
Related: Maximizing Your Instagram Strategy with Insights
Partner with niche/audience-relevant influencers to tap into their followers and elevate your brand visibility. This strategic alliance not only expands your reach but also adds authenticity and credibility, connecting your brand with a wider audience through a trusted channel.
Further reading: Navigating Influencer Marketing and FTC Guidelines (Part 1)
Bonus points for collaborative giveaways with other brands. Organize engaging contests or giveaways that encourage participants to follow your social media accounts. It seems simple, but getting your audience involved will amplifyt your reach. Collaborate with other brands for joint promotions, expanding your audience.
Related: Infographic: The Power of User-Generated Content
At the root of the issue, followers are an audience. Audiences of any kind want to see something interesting, they want to learn, they want to laugh and feel. If your brand’s social media feed can provide them with these, you’re golden.
A quick recap of the steps to boost your follower count:
If you can have two guiding stars (we’re not sailors), they ought to be “adaptability” and “refinement.” These strategies for follower growth work, but they require an ear to the ground and agility.
Your social media success is an ongoing process, a journey. If you’re looking for company on that journey, reach out to Inspira Marketing today: our social media team loves hiking. We’ve lost the metaphor, but you can help us find it by clicking the button.
This article has been published in the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) Marketing Knowledge Center. Click here to visit their blog.
Written By: Alexa Sorensen, Client Engagement Executive