The most common thing I hear from people getting started on Instagram is that they feel stuck and they aren’t growing. They have tried different strategies, they are overwhelmed, they have tried everything and nothing is working.
Does this sound like you? Do you have 2000 followers or less on Instagram? Well, I have a few quick and simple strategies for growing your audience that you can start implementing TODAY.
My hope for you is that you would leave that stagnant place of being stuck and feel confident in your strategy and results. So, keep reading for tips that will guarantee you fast growth!
Focus on your Instagram as a brand
If you are feeling stuck and do not see any growth, you need to start showcasing yourself or business on Instagram as a brand. In order to do this, you have to have a clear and specific target audience for the ideal client you are serving.
Consider these things: Who are you serving on Instagram? Why would people follow you? What problem are you solving? Knowing these things will help you communicate your brand, create a clear picture for your audience and make your Instagram account succeed.
Make this information clear in your content and in your bio. The information in your bio is the first impression that anyone who stumbles across your page sees of you. If you have nothing in your bio about what you do or who you serve specifically, then your account will not connect with anyone. Confused people don’t buy.
Within the 2-3 seconds that someone runs their eyes across your Instagram account, they are subconsciously asking themselves, “What’s in it for me?” and “Why should I follow this person?”.
You want to attract and serve the right people – the ones who are your ideal clients, so clearly communicate your brand with your pictures, with your bio, and with your content.
Cultivate 1:1 relationships
Creating the opportunity for 1:1 relationships with your followers is vital to the continual growth of your account. Your relationship building is important in two ways, through relationships with people similar to your business niche and with people who are your followers.
Especially in the beginning, new followers are exciting! So do yourself a favor and celebrate it. This is a big deal for you, so message them and make a point to connect 1:1. Do your best to avoid thinking of followers as numbers. While numbers are important to some degree, your followers are also people and they want to be influenced by you. So, send them a DM, introduce yourself, and make a personal connection!
You never know what could come of that relationship, so cherish each and every opportunity to make a connection with people. Avoid talking about business, and embrace the personal aspect of that connection. No one likes to be sold to, so focus on the relationships and make an authentic connection.
When connecting with other business owners in a similar industry or niche, cultivate a personal relationship. Try to veer away from connecting with people who do exactly what you do, so that your ideas don’t overlap, but other similar business owners are a great connection point.
Community is SO important. Even more so for new business owners. The community keeps you grounded, they are a sounding board for questions, failures and advice. Your community is your support group.
When I first got started on Instagram, the relationships I built as my support group carried through with me to be the most important resource and now some of my greatest friends. I recommend looking for other business women in your area and industry who you can connect with. You can research Instagram groups and hashtags in your search to make these connections.
Avoid the loneliness that can happen when first starting out on Instagram by making these connections! Business relationships are a great way to communicate over strategies, tips, advice, and experiences. You are not in this alone, so don’t be!
Relationships are the backbone of a successful and profitable Instagram account. It isn’t the perfect sales that reaches people , it’s the pre-established relationship.
If you have 2000 followers or less, then take the time to focus on communicating your brand and establishing 1:1 relationships to grow your audience. This can work for you whether you have 2 followers, 200 followers or 2000 followers, trust me!
What are you going to do today as your first small step in this new opportunity for growth??
I am always cheering for you and I’m excited to hear about your experiences!
Love,
Monica