If you’re trying to crack the code of growing your Instagram audience, let’s cut through the noise and get straight to what really works and what doesn’t.

I’ve experimented with almost every Instagram growth strategy out there. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about having a massive follower count. It’s more about connecting with the right people.

Those services promising real, organic followers? I’ve tested them, and most of them just delivered fake accounts. It’s a classic case of too good to be true….

Strategies to AVOID:

• Using engagement tools: They promised real engagement, but all I got were bot followers. Completely unhelpful.
• Buying followers or accounts: Not only does this go against Instagram’s terms, but it also brings zero real engagement to your profile.
• The follow/unfollow method: It’s outdated and ineffective. Today, authenticity wins every time.

Common Instagram Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overloading with sales content: Your audience wants to connect with you, not be bombarded with sales pitches.
• Ignoring new Instagram features: These features are released for a reason. Use them to engage your audience in fresh ways.
• Posting low-quality, off-brand content: Your content is a reflection of your brand. Make sure it’s high-quality and aligns with your brand identity.

Quick Tips to Building a Solid Instagram Presence

• Optimise your bio: Clearly state who you are, what you do, and include a compelling call to action.
• Consistent, on-brand posting: Regularly post content that’s valuable to your audience and true to your brand’s voice.
• Engaging with your followers: Turn your followers into a community by interacting with them meaningfully.

My Simple Daily Engagement Strategy

Spend 15 minutes each day:

• Engaging with 5 posts in your feed: Comment on posts from people you follow, particularly potential clients or partners.
• Interacting with 5 stories: Respond to stories from your audience or potential people you could collab with.
• Exploring and engage with 5 new accounts: Look into the explore tab or check out accounts interacting with your competitors.

Yes a huge follower count is impressive, but building a community that resonates with your brand is where you’ll find real value.

Give the engagement strategy a go! It has worked so well for me and out of every strategy I’ve tried this is something I know every single small business owner can do and see results from.