Instagram Stories is a feature within the Instagram app that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. The content shared on Instagram Stories is displayed in a slideshow format and can be viewed by the user’s followers. Instagram Stories can be an effective way to gain more followers by sharing engaging and relevant content, using relevant hashtags, and including calls to action.
By using Instagram Stories to connect with your audience and showcase your brand, you can increase your reach on the platform and potentially gain more followers. Here are a few tips on how you can use Instagram Stories to get more followers.
- Use relevant hashtags
Using relevant hashtags in your Instagram Stories can help your content reach a wider audience. When you include a hashtag in your story, it becomes searchable, which means that other users who are searching for that hashtag can discover your content. For example, if you are a travel blogger and you use the hashtag #travel in your Instagram Story, users who are searching for content related to travel will be more likely to discover your story.
It is important to use relevant hashtags that are related to your content, as this will help ensure that your story is shown to users who are interested in the topic. It is also a good idea to use a mix of popular and niche hashtags, as this can help you reach both a wide audience and a more targeted one.
To use hashtags in your Instagram Story, simply include the hashtag in your caption or as a sticker. When a user clicks on the hashtag, they will be able to view a page with all the public content that has used that hashtag.
- Cross-promote your Instagram account
Cross-promoting your Instagram account means using other social media platforms or your website to promote your Instagram content and encourage people to follow you. This can be an effective way to attract new followers to your Instagram account and increase your reach.
There are a few ways you can cross-promote your Instagram account:
- Include a link to your Instagram account in your social media bios or website. This makes it easy for people to find and follow you on Instagram.
- Share your Instagram content on other social media platforms. For example, if you have a large following on Twitter, you can share your Instagram posts on Twitter and include a link to your Instagram account.
- Use Instagram’s “Promote” feature. Instagram’s “Promote” feature allows you to create and schedule sponsored posts that will be shown to a targeted audience. You can use this feature to promote your Instagram account to users who are likely to be interested in your content.
By cross-promoting your Instagram account, you can reach a wider audience and potentially gain more followers.
- Collaborate with other users
Collaborating with other users, especially those with a large following, can be an effective way to expose your content to a new audience and potentially gain new followers. Collaborations can take many forms, such as creating joint Instagram posts or Stories, hosting a giveaway or contest, or even just sharing each other’s content.
To find potential collaborators, you can search for users in your industry or niche and reach out to them. You can also use Instagram’s “Discover People” feature to find users who share similar interests or are in the same industry.
When reaching out to potential collaborators, it is important to have a clear idea of what you would like to achieve through the collaboration and how it will benefit both parties. It is also important to be respectful and professional, as building relationships with other users can be a valuable way to grow your following and your business.
Related: How to make money with Instagram
- Use Instagram’s “Stories” feature
Instagram’s “Stories” feature allows you to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. These stories can be a great way to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your life or business and can help make your account more personal and relatable.
To use Instagram Stories, simply tap the camera icon in the top left corner of your home screen, or swipe right from anywhere in your feed. You can then take a photo or video, or select one from your camera roll. You can add filters, text, or other effects to your story, and then share it by clicking the “Send To” button, which allows you to choose who can view the story.
Instagram Stories can be a fun and easy way to share everyday moments with your followers and keep them engaged with your content. You can also use Instagram’s “Stories” feature to promote your products or services, announce events or sales, or share special offers or discounts.
- Post consistently
Posting consistently on your Instagram account can help attract and retain followers. By consistently posting quality content that is relevant to your audience, you can build a loyal following and keep them engaged with your account.
There is no set rule for how often you should post on Instagram, as it will depend on your specific goals and audience. However, it is generally a good idea to post at least a few times a week to keep your account active and maintain a consistent presence on the platform.
When posting consistently, it is important to have a content calendar or plan in place to help you stay organized and ensure that you are posting a variety of content that is relevant to your audience. It can also be helpful to use Instagram’s scheduling feature, which allows you to schedule posts in advance. This can save you time and help you stay on track with your posting schedule.
By consistently posting quality content on your Instagram account, you can attract and retain followers and build a strong presence on the platform.
- Use Instagram’s “Explore” feature
Instagram’s “Explore” feature is a way for users to discover and engage with new content and accounts on the platform. The “Explore” feature is located in the bottom right corner of the home screen and displays a feed of recommended content based on the user’s interests and activity on Instagram.
Using the “Explore” feature can be a good way to discover new accounts to follow and expose your content to a new audience. To use the “Explore” feature, simply tap the “Explore” icon and browse through the recommended content. You can also search for specific hashtags or accounts in the search bar to find more specific content.
By using Instagram’s “Explore” feature and engaging with new users, you can potentially gain more followers and expose your content to a larger audience. However, it is important to remember to only engage with accounts that are relevant to your interests and content, as this will help ensure that you are reaching a targeted audience.
- Include a call to action
Including a call to action in your Instagram Stories is a way to encourage your viewers to take a specific action, such as double-tapping the screen, leaving a comment, or tagging a friend. A call to action can be an effective way to increase engagement with your content and potentially gain new followers.
To include a call to action in your Instagram Story, simply add text or a sticker that asks your viewers to take a specific action. For example, you might include a text overlay that says “Double tap if you agree” or “Tag a friend who needs to see this.” You can also use Instagram’s “Poll” or “Questions” stickers to ask for input from your viewers.
It is important to keep your call to action simple and clear and to make sure it is relevant to your content. By including a call to action in your Instagram Stories, you can encourage your viewers to interact with your content and potentially gain new followers.
- Use Highlights to drive traffic (even if you have less than 10,000 followers)
Instagram Highlights are a way for users to save their Instagram Stories and display them on their profile permanently. By using Highlights, you can showcase your best content and make it more discoverable to your followers and potential followers.
To create a Highlight, simply tap the “New” button on your profile page and select the Stories that you want to include in the Highlight. You can then give your Highlight a name and cover image, and it will appear as a circle on your profile page. When a user clicks on the Highlight, they will be able to view the saved Stories.
You can use Highlights to drive traffic to your website or other social media accounts by including links in your Stories and saving them to a Highlight. For example, you might create a Highlight called “Blog Posts” and save all of your Instagram Stories that include links to your blog to that Highlight. This makes it easy for your followers to access your content and can help drive traffic to your website.
Using Highlights can be an effective way to showcase your best content and drive traffic to your website or other social media accounts.
- Take polls and quizzes
Taking polls and quizzes on Instagram is a way to interact with your followers and potentially gain new followers. Instagram offers a variety of poll and quiz stickers that you can use in your Stories to ask for input from your followers.
To take a poll, simply tap the “Poll” sticker in the sticker tray and enter your question and answer options. Your followers will be able to vote by tapping one of the answer options, and the results will be displayed in real-time.
To take a quiz, use the “Questions” sticker and ask a question that your followers can answer by responding in the comments. You can then respond to their answers and start a conversation.
Taking polls and quizzes on Instagram can be a fun and interactive way to engage with your followers and potentially gain new followers. It can also be a good way to learn more about your audience and gather feedback on your content.
- Make GIFs, fonts, stickers
Creating GIFs, fonts, and stickers on Instagram is a way to add personality and creativity to your content. There are a few different tools and features that you can use to make GIFs, fonts, and stickers on Instagram:
- GIPHY: GIPHY is a website and app that allows you to search for and create GIFs. You can use GIPHY to create custom GIFs for your Instagram content by uploading your own images or videos and adding text and other effects.
- Canva: Canva is a graphic design tool that allows you to create custom graphics, including fonts and stickers. You can use Canva to design and download fonts and stickers that you can then use in your Instagram content.
- Instagram’s “Fonts” feature: Instagram’s “Fonts” feature allows you to add custom text to your posts and Stories. To use the “Fonts” feature, simply tap the “Aa” icon in the text tool and select a font from the options.
By making GIFs, fonts, and stickers, you can add personality and creativity to your Instagram content and make it more engaging for your followers.
Related: How Do Instagram Stories Work? | Instagram Stories Explained
Conclusion
There are many ways that you can use Instagram to gain more followers and increase your reach on the platform. Some strategies include using relevant hashtags, cross-promoting your account, collaborating with other users, using Instagram’s “Stories” and “Explore” features, posting consistently, and including a call to action. You can also use Instagram’s “Reels,” “Highlights,” and “Questions” features to interact with your followers and potentially gain new followers.Â
Finally, you can link to your content and make custom GIFs, fonts, and stickers to add personality and creativity to your content. By using these strategies, you can build a strong presence on Instagram and gain more followers.
