Instagram is the foundation of so many brands’ social presence. Instagram marketing has proven to drive traffic, support sales and engage customers. But if you’re not thrilled with your Instagram growth and engagement, you’re not alone. Competition on the platform is fierce. Cracking the code of Instagram’s algorithm can be tricky. However, taking steps to grow your audience is worth it. That’s because the bigger your audience, the more opportunities to delight your customers.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, this post is about building an organic following. And yes, the distinction matters! Some brands want to take shortcuts when it comes to trying to get more Instagram followers. We don’t pretend these pay-for-play sites don’t exist. But these services aren’t worth it for brands long-term. The Instagram algorithm weeds out low-quality accounts and faux engagement from paid bots. Growing your audience authentically gets you results that matter to your business: brand awareness, revenue and loyal customers.
Momentum matters on Instagram. In other words, you likely won’t
get followers on Instagram if you post at random. Creating content and providing value is what builds your audience. Doing so consistently is what helps you keep them. That’s why sticking to a regular posting schedule is crucial. In terms of when and how much to post, you don’t have to stick to a set-in-stone number. Most brands post daily or near daily. This tracks our research on how often to post as well. For reference, below is a breakdown of the best times to post to Instagram. “Optimal” engagement is during the mid-to-late morning and early afternoons during the week.
