When you start building your brand on Instagram, it can be pretty exciting. However, as the days pass, the excitement dies down.

One of the most common reasons for this is the slow growth of followers.

The fact is it is challenging to gain your first 10k followers.

Why? Nobody knows the reason yet.

But to start getting some attention on your brand, you do need that 10k.

When you look at celebrity Instagram users, it seems easy. They put out a few engaging content, and then the number of followers keeps increasing.

But it is not so simple!

You don’t see the tricks they apply behind the scene. Here we will share some of the industry secrets on how to get Instagram followers over 10k.

Nope, it’s not a joke.

You can get your 10k Instagram followers in 6 months. All you need is some dedication and understanding.

How To Get Real Instagram Followers In 2021?

Read on to learn about the Instagram marketing strategies that actually work. And no, you will not find the common tricks here.

So, no more wasting time now. Let’s get started!

1. Join Engagement Groups on Instagram

Ever thought about how celebs on Instagram double their followers in just a night?

They do with engagement groups or “pods.”

Many lucky Instagram users stumble upon these groups by accident. But now that you are reading this blog on how to get Instagram followers, you should join these groups.

These engagement pods are available on different platforms. You will find them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Whatsapp, and even on Telegram. 

Some pods have way over 1000 active users, but smaller ones consist of 50 or fewer users.

The trick is to find your niche pod. What’s the use of joining a tech pod when your content is all about glittery fashion?

Every engagement group has its own rules. But here is an overall idea:

• Respect the pods “drop”: The term “drop” is often used in pods for a determined time to get active on Instagram for likes and comments.
• Don’t chat: These groups only mean business. They don’t want unnecessary chit-chats.
• Don’t leech: It means don’t only take advantage of the pod. You must do your share of liking, sharing, and commenting as well.

All engagements will have these rules along with some extras. Do check those before you get active in the group.

Don’t forget to see what others are doing. You don’t want to get kicked out of these groups.

These groups are your stepping stone to getting 10k followers in 6 months.

Yes, you need to fulfill a few eligibility criteria to get admission to these groups. It may be a minimum number of followers or content type.

So, ensure you have those checked before you join.

This is how to get Instagram followers fast for real.

2. Tie-Up with Bloggers for Embedded Pictures on Blog Posts

Do you know you can embed your Instagram picture in blogs?

Yes, bloggers generally like to feature Instagram pictures to explain their points. They are a great alternative to using photographs.

High-quality pictures are quite a hassle to get!

So, bloggers depend on Instagram to get their share of visual appeal by embedding Instagram pictures. They only need to seek permission from the user; that’s it!

And because Instagram users can get some visibility through these blogs, they agree instantly.

With over 570 million blogs on the web, you can get good publicity using them.

So, if you want to get Instagram followers fast, do connect with bloggers.

But the key is to get published on blog websites that have good web traffic.

For example, Nana Agyemang, a famous fashion Instagrammer got featured in Cosmopolitan’s blog! 

Although she has a great fan following, such features in top niche blogs can boost follower count.

So, when you have built your audience and are looking for ways to grow your brand, you can contact blog websites.

Alternatively, joining influencer marketing websites can also land you a deal to get featured on blogs.

Here are some of the influencer networking websites you may join:

• Upfluence
• Sway Group
• The Blogger Programme
• Hashtag Paid
• Open Influence

These are the popular ones. You will always find a few influencer networking groups on different social media sites.

Join them.

Those are the best places to find your brand. No blog on “how to get Instagram followers” will tell you this. 

3. Optimize Your Account

One of the under-utilized ways of how to get Instagram followers is account search optimization.

Last year, Instagram announced the keyword search feature for its app. Let me explain to you with an example.

Say you are a marketing agency, and someone is searching with the same keyword. When your account has the keyword, it will show on the search page.

It works like a search engine ranking page.

So, just like you do SEO for your website, you need some keyword optimization for your profile.

This is a game-changer feature for Instagram users.

Previously, people used hashtags to find business accounts. But now, any account is searchable with a keyword.

Instagram will look at a few factors to determine which account will go into the search page. They are:

• Type of content
• Captions
• Time of post
• Bio
• Hashtag
• Name

So, you will have to add the keyword you want to show up for in these. For example, if you are a graphic designer, you might want to add the term with your name. 

Image via Instagram

4. Create Genuine Shareable Content

One of the brilliant ways to get Instagram followers fast is by creating authentic content.

But when you start your journey on Instagram, you may feel like getting any kind of followers.

Just the follower count should grow, right?

But that’s not going to get you conversions.

If you are a brand that is using Instagram to get some leads, you would need genuine followers. They should connect, engage and support your brand.

So, how will you do that for so many followers?

It’s pretty simple. Be true to your brand. Be authentic. Be genuine!

Personal stories, brand stories, and messages get more attention. People feel a connection to them.

And when there is a strong message with an emotional appeal, people will start sharing it on their Instagram.

It can be anything – your struggle of starting a business or your voice for a social cause! People like it when a brand opens up and shares its thoughts.

Image via Instagram

It shows that there is a human behind the page who is similar to them.

Another way of creating shareable content is by coming up with unique information. Try to become a niche expert.

Start sharing information that no one has talked about. If people like it, they will share or save it.

So, give time to do your research and surveys to come up with new information. Create unique infographics.

It will not only increase your authority but also bring more engagement to your content through shares.

5. Write Longer Captions

With Instagram’s new keyword search, content writing becomes essential. Good content with keyword mentions will show up in the search.

Do you know the average number of Instagram caption characters in 2020 was 405?

And it’s expected to grow more.

However, Instagram is about visuals, so you can’t focus on writing only. You also require aesthetic and high-quality images.

Along with the images, you may send out your long message in the caption. But the picture should align with your caption.

The caption should resonate with your brand and mission.

Here are a few tips for writing a long-form caption on Instagram:

Start with a scene. The picture should set the scene. You may also pose a question or announce a piece of news.

Continue explaining the different aspects of the scene, news or the question. For example, if you are starting a new service, you should tell your audience about its benefits.

Add a call-to-action at the end after the conclusion. Your audience might be so engrossed with reading they might miss what to do next. So, tell them with a proper CTA.

Every long caption post on Instagram should stick to this format. It doesn’t matter how long the post is.

But yes, you don’t have to use this format for “how-to” or listicle posts. The format for these posts is different.

Image via Instagram

Ensure that your caption has the following things:

• Emotional appeal
• Background story
• No grammar or spelling errors.

Try to write your caption on a different platform and copy it in your Instagram post. In this way, you will have clean and clear writing that people will love.

So, having more extended captions is a way of how to get Instagram followers for real. 

6. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers

Yes, the big Instagram accounts do look tempting! One share from their profile, and your follower number will keep increasing.

However, sometimes, you need to get along with the micro-influencers as well. If you are a company that wants an engaging audience, then you should definitely go for this.

Most blogs on “how to get Instagram followers” will not tell you about this.

But remember, you need to find influencers from your niche.

For example, you are a wedding planner company. So, you should collaborate with bridal makeup artists (Micro-influencers) on Instagram.

These makeup artists will have followers who might be interested in your company. As both your influencer and you are working on “weddings” so collaborating will help.

When the micro-influencer shares your content, the followers will look into your posts, too, as they are interested in the wedding topic.

It doesn’t matter that the follower count is less. However, try to collaborate with influencers who have at least 4k followers.

You may directly contact them through the DM or else use influencer networking websites.

However, if you have fewer followers, it would be best to contact the influencer through DM. You may have to make a deal with them.

Most companies use a barter system when they are dealing with micro-influencers. But if you want, you can ask for a post share on a payment basis.

They will be more than willing to help you.

Things will change when you have to collaborate with prominent influencers. But when starting new, you can take the help of the micro-influencers to achieve your follower goals.

7. Work According to Your Instagram Insights

Do you want to know how to get Instagram followers fast? then make Instagram insights your best friend.

Yes, the insights tool is a massive help to learn about your post’s performance and your account in general.

The Instagram insights option comes with business and professional accounts. So, ensure you have that.

Once you have more than 50 followers on your account, the insights will start working.

Here are a few things you will learn from it:

• Total number of post views
• Gender percentage of followers
• The age range of followers
• Top locations of followers
• High activity time on your profile

And more. 

So, you can use this data to create more engaging content.

For example, you know that your content works well with people between the age of 25-34. So, you should start publishing more content for these people.

You should make the content look more professional and use light colors. Add extended captions as these people might be interested in reading more.

In this way, you can utilize the details of the insights to make changes in your post.

The more you understand your audience, the more your followers will rise. When your present followers like your content, they will share.

The more the shares, the more the following to your account.

How to Get Instagram Followers FAQ:-

Q1. How to get 1000 followers on Instagram?

A. To get 1000 followers in a week, you can use the “follow for follow” trick. It’s quite controversial, but it’s work.

What you need to do is find accounts popular in your niche. Then select any picture and click on the “number of likes” line.

It will show up the list of followers who have liked the content. So, you want to target these people. Start following them.

These people are interested in your niche, so it’s a guarantee that they might like yours too. So, in this way, you can have active followers on your account.

Q2. How much money do 10k Instagram followers make?

A. If you have 10k followers and have a high engagement rate, you can earn $50-$200 per post. However, the rate depends on the niche, audience demographics, locations, etc.

Q3. How to get Instagram followers in 2021?

A. Here are some of the best ways to grow Instagram in 2021:

1. Post-high-quality pictures.
2. Use IGTV and reels.
3. Comment on other posts of your niche.
4. Decorate your Instagram grid.
5. Create your unique hashtag.

Q4. Should I buy Instagram followers?

A. It’s not a good idea to buy followers for your Instagram. The websites and apps selling will only provide inactive or bots as followers.

It will only grow your followers, but you won’t get any engagement. So, stick to organic ways to get Instagram followers.

Q5. How do you get noticed on Instagram?

A. There are several ways to get attention on Instagram. Here are a few ways:

1. Choose aesthetic grid design.
2. Stick to your niche.
3. Comment on niche posts.
4. Use hashtags wisely.
5. Post at the right time.

Are You Ready To Get More Followers on Instagram?

Just like other social media, getting followers on Instagram is quite tricky. No matter how many “how to increase Instagram follower” blogs you read, you must stick to what works for you.

Not all tricks might help you. You need to experiment with different types of Instagram hacks to find out.

Connect with other niche accounts. Talk to them and learn what hacks they use to get more followers.

However, uploading at least three reels every day and starting an IGTV series can help you gain many followers fast. In addition to these, you should also follow the above-mentioned hacks.

Experiment and let us know which ones work for you.

With more than 2.8 billion monthly users on Facebook, it is a lucrative platform for marketers. Facebook and other social networking sites have opened doors to several possibilities for small businesses. 

However, businesses around the world are struggling with organic reach. Even with professional aid, getting organic reach is difficult. In such a scenario, Facebook boost posts come as a solution.

Boosting helps in targeting the right audience with a few clicks. You don’t even have to spend a hefty amount on it. 

So, let’s get to know a bit more about Facebook boosted posts!

 Image via Hootsuite

What is Facebook Post Boosting?

Facebook posts are content shared by users, which shows in your newsfeed. But with the help of a Facebook boost, you will be able to show your posts prominently to other users. 

You will be able to show it to users in a specific location and/or having specific interests. 

It means when you click on the ‘boost’ button, it will share your post to the target audience. Although, it is not free but you have the liberty to select your preferred audience. 

For example, you own a beauty salon and are offering a 20% discount. In the settings, you may select the gender, age-group and location to target the right people. This will show the discount post in their newsfeed. 

In this way, you can use the Facebook boost to promote a post with details of the offer. 

How to do a Facebook Boost Post?

When you use the Facebook business tools for the first time, it may seem daunting. There are a lot of things. You have to select the right options. If you do any mistake at this stage, your investment may get wasted.

So, here we will share a simple way to do a Facebook boost post.

 Before you start, you need to get a few things:

1. Create your own Facebook page if you don’t have one.
2. Ensure that the Page roles you have selected allow you to use the Facebook boost post.

Once you have got these things done, you may move on to the next.

Step 1: Open your Facebook page.

Step 2: Select the post that you wish to boost or promote. 

Step 3: Click on ‘Boost Post’ which is on the bottom right corner.

Image via Hootsuite

Step 4: Insert all the data for the promotion. 

Here are a few things you can select:

• Audience: You can select the audience type, the zone, and more. There are different categories according to various businesses. Try to refine your target audience by using interests. 

For example, your store is in Brooklyn and you provide home delivery in the city. Then you may select the city as your audience.

Image via Facebook

• Budget: Facebook will recommend you a budget but you can customize it.

Image via Hootsuite

• Time: Facebook boost post runs for a fixed duration. You can choose a specific time to start and end the campaign.

Image via Hootsuite

• Payment: The last thing you need to do is review the payment method. You will have your own Facebook payment account. However, you may change your payment method

 Step 5: After completion, click on BOOST.

Facebook allows you to promote your posts on Instagram. Facebook owns Instagram so, you will find an option to share the post on Instagram in Facebook. It is not necessary to own an Instagram account for promoting any post.

How to Optimize your Facebook Boost Post?

Facebook boost posts will help you increase engagement. However, for conversions you have put an extra effort. If you do not set your Facebook boost accurately, you may end up wasting your money.

It’s because the competition is too high on Facebook. Your offline competitor may be on Facebook as well. If they can deliver better Facebook posts with correct targeting, people engage with their content.

So, before you make your Facebook boost post, you need to know a thing or two about Facebook as well.

Facebook is still new to the promoting posts process. It is updating its algorithm often to help businesses grow. Sometimes, even if you select the right audience, Facebook may not find the ideal leads for you.

However, most of the time, it is not Facebook, but the post quality which fails to attract leads. If your post is not engaging, then chances are people will ignore it.

So here are a few tips you may use to optimize your Facebook boost post:

1. Plan your Campaign Goals in Advance

It is difficult to move forward without a proper strategy. So, you need to have a crystal clear idea about your Facebook boost post campaign. You will have to select the right goal on Facebook to achieve your campaign goal. 

Here are a few goals options you will find:

• Get more website visitors
• Promote your page
• Get more messages
• Get more leads
• Get started with automated ads

Image via OptinMonster

You have to plan the goal because it will be your CTA. For example, your goal is to acquire more leads but, if you select ‘get more website visitors’ then you would not receive expected results. Also, your post must align with your CTA.

2. Study your Competitors

Facebook space is competitive. You need to be careful about your competitors from the first day. If you wish to be ahead, you must routinely keep an eye on their posts.

Facebook is  transparent with their data. So, if you want details of any particular advertiser, you can look it up. All you have to do is click on Facebook Ad library.

Facebook Ad library will find ads according to category and country. You may also type in your competitor’s name and find which of their ads are running the longest.

You can then study their ads and make a better version.

3. Go for A/B Tests

A/B testing is one of the leading methods to find out which post will work efficiently. It is also called the split test. You can use this method for any content testing. 

In the A/B test, you select two posts conveying the same message. With this, you will have two versions of the same post. Facebook also allows you to do multiple A/B tests. So, you can find the best and boost it.

The A/B testing method is the most used method for optimization.The market for A/B testing software is estimated to grow over $1.08 billion by 2025. (QY Research)

So, to do an A/B test, visit the Facebook Ads manager. Select the post you want to test. Then click more and select the A/B test. Alternatively, you may use Facebook experiments.

Image via  OptinMonster

4. How to Select Post for Facebook Boost?

Your choice of post may not always get high engagement. So, you must let your audience decide which post should go for a boost.

The post with the highest engagement is the popular one. There are chances it will work better compared to others. So, try to boost it. 

According to Socialbakers, live videos (39 median), images (14 median), and video (12 median) have higher organic reach. So, you need to use these as your posts.

Image via Socialbakers

Initially, you have to try to increase your organic reach. Live videos, videos, and images may help you with that. 

So, first, go for organic posts, and then if it is required, use the Facebook boost post option. If you have to do a boost, try to use the content which has higher engagement. In this way, you can get the best out of your Facebook post.

5. Upload your Content at the Right Time

There are certain times and days when your posts may get better engagement. You have to find which time generates higher engagement. The engagement rate depends on the audience and the location.

For example, in Seattle, if you upload a post at 8 in the morning, it may work. However, the same cannot happen for London. You have to understand the lifestyle of people and experiment with different days and times.

Using the analytics will make things easier for you. You will understand when your posts are receiving higher engagement.

According to Sprout Social, the best time to upload on Facebook is Wednesday at 11 a.m and between 1 to 2 pm.

Image via Sprout Social

There are several ways to optimize your content. But there is no guarantee that every trick may work. You have to use the trial and error method to find what works.

6. Adjust the Ad Run Duration Accordingly

The duration for a Facebook boost post depends on your goals. You should try to test it for 3-4 days. After the experiment, you may review the data from the analytics to get an idea whether the boost worked. 

If it is getting a good engagement you may go forward according to your budget and plan. 

However, if your plan is only to spread awareness about something, then running at least 5 days is good. You can set the budget low and run it for a longer time.

The things will be different if you need to get conversions. So, use the analytics to get an idea about how things will work from next time. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):-

1. What is the cost of a Facebook boost post?

The cost will depend on the duration of the ad run. It starts from $1USD per day and depends on the audience you have selected. You may adjust the cost for the post using the slider.

2. How long can you do a Facebook boost?

It depends on your post and the message you want to deliver. You can select the start and end date for the campaign.

3. How long should you wait before hitting the boost button?

According to Jay Baer, you should wait for at least six hours. After that, if you wish, you may use the Facebook boost post option.

4. Which is better – Facebook Ads or Facebook boost posts?

If you want to increase engagement then use Facebook boost posts. On the other hand, if you want conversions, then Facebook Ads is a better option. Facebook Ad gives you options to refine your target.

5. Who gets to see the boosted content?

The audience who you have targeted in the settings will find the post in their newsfeed.

Ready to Try Facebook Boost Post Today?

Using Facebook boost is easy. All you need is a Facebook account, and you are good to go. You can directly click on the boost button on a post to get started. Later, you have to fill in data.

Facebook will take care of the rest. 

However, if you want to get optimum results from the Facebook boost post, you will have to do optimization. There are technical and non-technical optimization methods. But even the non-technical methods like uploading at a definite time is more than enough.

If your post is of high quality, it will surely receive better engagement. So, make your Facebook Ads manager account and get started. Don’t forget to share details of your experience with us in the comment section.