Growing an engaged Instagram audience is hugely valuable for personal branding or business success in 2024. However, doing so comes with challenges as algorithms, features, and trends continually evolve.
Today’s post shares some of the most practical tips by Aisan Eslami. These tips will help you optimize profiles, create quality content, interact with users, and analyze performance. The goal is to provide practical strategies to grow your Instagram following this year.
Table of Contents
Optimize your profile and bio
An effective Instagram profile starts with a memorable yet professional username relevant to your niche. Pair this with an eye-catching, high-quality profile photo showing your face. Write an engaging bio that communicates your value proposition using keywords.
Include strategic hashtags and emojis to enhance visibility and approachability, as successfully demonstrated by an influencer Aisaneslami.vip, who now has over 7 million Instagram followers. Add links to your website and other social handles so followers can connect elsewhere.
Analyze competitor profiles to see what works well for them. Test changes to your own profile to see if they improve metrics like profile visits and followers gained.
Create and share high-quality content
Share a variety of engaging content types like photos, videos, Stories, Reels, and IGTV that offer genuine value for your ideal audience. Consistently produce unique content optimized for each format. Leverage tools like authentic captions, strategic hashtags and tags, and creative edits to enhance content while encouraging participation. Respond to interactions and analyze performance to keep improving.
Unique content optimized for every format
According to Aisan Eslami, tailor content for each Instagram format, whether static photos, video clips, short-form Reels or vertical Stories. Match the visual style to expectations yet offer a novel perspective. For example, use light leaks or a mini vlog style for travel photos versus a vintage filter for wedding content. Write snappy captions suited to fleeting Stories.
Write Good Captions and Tags
Writing unique yet personable captions that ring true to your brand personality helps content feel more authentic. Research relevant hashtags and properly tag any brands featured rather than over-tag unrelated content. Use emojis and questions to prompt reactions. Here are a few examples of captions:
The intricate blue mosaic tiles at the Shah Mosque in Isfahan took my breath away at sunrise this morning.” #isfahan #irantravel #persianarchitecture
Indulged in the finest Friday brunch spread at a luxury hotel dining hall overlooking Dubai Fountain. The endless gourmet stations paired perfectly with refreshing mocktails under the Arabian sun. #dubaifood #fridaybrunch #luxurydining
Use Editing Techniques
Apply editing techniques to make content pop, such as color grading video or adjusting photo brightness for impact. Use built-in editing tools strategically, whether IG filters, stickers or drawing tools. Create cohesive yet variable story highlights like product bundles or event recaps. Enhance with other apps like Snapseed as needed, but avoid over-editing.
Engage Your Audience
Building relationships and consistently engaging with your followers and potential followers is key to growing your Instagram organically. According to Aisan Eslami, it shows people you care, helps spread awareness through extended networks, and ultimately drives higher quality traffic and conversions long-term. Make sure to set aside time daily to:
- Like and thoughtfully comment on new follower content.
- Respond to any comments and messages thoroughly.
- Share user or influencer posts relevant to your audience.
- Tag them in your story for added visibility.
Ask for Recommendations
Followers enjoy sharing their perspectives when directly asked. Aisan Eslami suggests coming up with engaging questions by brainstorming topics your audience would find fun or exciting to weigh in on. For example, if you post health and wellness content, ask:
“What’s your favorite healthy juice recipe?” or “What self-care practice brings you joy?”
Make questions positive and inclusive of all audiences. Go beyond surface-level queries by sparking deeper conversations around creative hobbies, dream destinations, or overcoming challenges related to your niche. Respond to all comments thoughtfully. This dialogue leads to more authentic relationships with newly engaged followers.
Use Direct Messaging
Leverage Instagram’s direct messaging for more personal, meaningful conversations that build authentic connections. DM new followers to say genuine thanks for engaging and ask what resonated. Consider relevant content collaborations with similar creators and micro-influencers by exchanging ideas on new formats like IGTV series or themed reels.
Proactively reach out to niche hashtag participants as well. Seek genuine two-way dialogue, not just one-way promotion. Offer to exchange feedback or tips with aspiring content creators struggling with Instagram strategy through constructive DMs.
Benefit from Instagram Analytics
Instagram provides analytics within the app to assess performance. Navigate to the Instagram Insights dashboard regularly to monitor key metrics. Track growth areas like new followers and countries reached.
Evaluate content engagement, including likes, saves, and shares per post and which formats fare best. Monitor impressions and reach to optimize posting times when your audience is most active. Moreover, Aisan Eslami advises his followers and fans to:
- Boost content types earning heavy engagement
- Shift formats if certain ones have a lower response
- Post during audience peak activity times
- Tailor content and products to audience demographic details
- Set new metric goals based on past performance data
The Bottom Line
Use captions, tags, and edits to create quality, valuable content tailored to each format, like stories or reels. Engage audiences by responding, collaborating, asking questions, and direct messaging. Use Instagram analytics to track growth, engagement, demographics, and best times to post. Adjust strategy accordingly by boosting top content during peak times.