There are a lot of Instagram influencers nowadays. If you pick up a stone right now, and chucked it with your eyes closed you’ll probably hit one of them. That aside, I have received questions on how exactly people become ‘Instagram famous’ in order to earn some kah-ching and freebies. You can stop scratching your head now. I’ve come up with a mini guide on getting followers and you could be the next micro-influencer, or Saffron Sharpe if you’re dedicated enough.
1. Account set up
If you don’t already have an account set up, do it now. Pick out an Instagram handle and profile picture that’s appealing to you (and others). It can be your name, because you’re your own brand, or if you are modelling yourself after Batman, pick something more mysterious. Don’t forget to set your account to public! Most people wouldn’t follow a private account unless it belongs to their friend. Marketers also wouldn’t want to just market to your handful of friends, so double-check your privacy settings.
2. Describe yourself
Yes, it’s one of those dreaded ‘Tell us more about yourself!’ things, but that’s one of the first things people will check out when they are scrolling through your ‘Gram. Let people know what your Instagram is about. Excessive emojis are fun to use on your friends, but not as your description. Keep things short and sweet so people can read it with a glance.
3. What are you good at?
Choose a theme for your profile. Something important to note: if you try to appeal to too many people, you won’t be appealing at all. Pick a theme you’re passionate about and run with it.
4. Photos are your bread and butter
Remember that Instagram is first and foremost a photo-sharing platform, therefore you should be prepared to take plenty of photos. Spend time taking photos from multiple angles and different lighting. Try something new every day; find out what works and what doesn’t.
After all that photography work, look through your photos and pick the best to share. You might have taken a lot of nice photos, but don’t flood your feed with multiple photos of the same thing. One is enough.
5. Photo-editing apps are your best friends
There are a lot more filters for you to play with now, but that’s not enough for an Instagram influencer. Some popular apps for your photos include include Facetune, Snapseed, and VSCO. A lot of influencers edit and filter their photos to death before posting it.
6. Maintain a posting schedule
It’s easier to keep track of things this way and you’ll know when to post what. Your followers will be able to keep track of your activity and expect a post from you.
7. Don’t be boring
Post pictures that you want to see on your followed accounts. Have a think of what your audience would want to see. If your account is about your jet-setting adventures, photos of your backyard wouldn’t appeal to your followers.
8. #HashtagIt
Make use of hashtags. They are one of the ways to get more eyeballs on your post. Keep from using common ones such as #flowers, #dog, #cute. Instagram is flooded with photos tagged with them. Instead, use unique ones that would go with your chosen theme or current project. If the account is dedicated to your art, why not use #Mindoodles, #Mincreates, and #Mindraws? Do take note that if you use too many hashtags, people might think you are desperate. Desperate for followers that is.
9. Interaction is key!
Pick accounts that you would like to model your Instagram after and follow them! Reach out to them when you feel like you have enough followers. Or if you’re lucky enough, they might take notice of you and reach out.
Don’t forget your followers. Feed them with generic comments and likes every once in a while. Take time to build relationships. Online relationships count too and can go a long way!
