How to grow on Instagram, with a bulletproof way that will resist any platform or algorithm update? Let’s start with my favorite Instagram tips for 2022.
I know you might be tired of hearing you need to find a Niche, post 3 times a day, make Reels, make tutorials, and this post won’t be anything like that. BUT I will have to say that “clarity” is one of the most important things to get you started the right way. And this is something I see so many of my students skip it, and get overwhelmed every time Instagram decides to change their “system”. So, let’s talk a little bit more about all these.
Now, on the other side, if you are expecting quick tips and engagement boosting hacks, I share most of them over my Instagram, on my YouTube Ina Media, but also on my e-learning here “How To Become An Instagram Manager“.
Let’s start with this post:
1. Find Your Goal
What do you want to achieve with your Instagram. What do you want to be known for?
Ask yourself : What is the reason you want to grow on Instagram? Is it to have popularity, and influence? Is it to inspire, is to monetize, to make more sales? Or is it to advertise your services, projects, business, & get more clients?
2. Clarify
Find your target audience, or ideal follower. Clarify it to others, tell them why they should follow you.
When someone looks at your profile, can they immediately understand what it is about, and why they should follow you?Are you already doing that by answering their questions in your IG Bio and with your content?
3. Communicate
Summarise your IG Bio to clarify who you are, what you do, and who would find this beneficial.
Nowadays, we have a very short attention span; so all visitors of your Instagram will make a quick decision wether they want to engage with your posts and follow you. The first impression you give, is that you know what you want & you take yourself seriously. Clarify with your Profile Picture and IG Bio what you represent, what you do and who you are.
Your Bio Statement should answer 3 questions:
- Who are you and what do you like?
- What do you do and for who?
- Why should others follow you?
4. Plan Ahead
Treat your personal image & social media like your own Personal Brand / Business. Because you are your own brand.
Wether you are a creator, brand or business, you should treat your profile like a business and plan to be consistent. Decide how many times per week you will be posting, decide a specific time of the day and plan that ahead. Create the pictures, videos and the captions for the week in advance, with the intention to get viewers keep looking for more, and this will help you to stay consistent.
5. Do Your Research
Hashtags are still important in 2022, but not as much. You must use keywords relating to your niche in your captions & use the right hashtags relating to each post, for maximum reach.
Do your keyword & hashtag research. Try to make 3 to 5 different hashtag groups. As per the latest updates, you should use 3-5 main niche hashtags, but from my own testing, this is not giving you the most reach. Try using 10-15 hashtags, but always relating to your post.
You should be combining small, medium, and big hashtags, relating to your niche/ profile category, to the content itself, and your target audience. Also, include keywords in your captions, because the Instagram SEO is becoming better and better to get your profile discovered based on the words you use.
PRO TIP: Never repeat the same hashtags over and over.
6. Content Strategy
Does your content keep followers on your page, and makes them want to ask for more? This is all about content strategy. Content is King.
You can maximise all chances to turn every visitor into a follower. Show them why they should follow you, why they need your advice and expertise. Every time you post, keep in mind this specific follower that would ideally love all your posts, & talk directly to them every time you post.
Think how you can give help and inspire your followers.
This will build your true community. But also step Nr 7…
7. Branding
Having a recognisable aesthetic & style will make you more noticeable. But, are you also bringing authenticity?
There are so many tools at your disposal on Instagram and third party apps. If you ask me, a perfectly curated feed is so 2016.
People want to see the real you and not just a perfect picture. Keep in mind not to overload the feed with only selfies, or only photos of your product. Make a mix of educational & entertaining posts, plus promotions.
8. Metrics
Learn how to use the analytics in your advantage and double down on the content that is performing better.
See what kind of posts are getting more shares, more saves, more interactions and double-down on that.
Don’t be afraid to re-purpose and re-create old content. Example: Make captions of last month into a carousel, make the carousels into reels, and reels into topics for a Live or video material.
Recreate what is performing better. This will set you up for success & save you so much time!
9. Cross-pollinate
Getting on another platform will bring even more people, and will grow your Instagram. You can simply use the same content you have and share it on Youtube Shorts, TikTok, Facebook… When I first started my TikTok I had no wish to start growing another platform, I was just sharing my IG Reels, and one of them hit over 100K views, and so I got 10K followers in a week. A lot of them came over my instagram also. You just never know!! This will create a “cross-pollinatin” a system that gets people coming to you!
Pro Tip: Try not to jump on another platform, before you feel confident that your Instagram is setup properly. Otherwise, it won’t work!
I’m pinning this to save. Great info. Thank you!
I find it tough to keep Insta going month after month, so these are some great reminders of important things to do. tysm
great ideas