How I grew to 133K+ Followers on Instagram (6 Easy Tips)

I get asked a lot how I grew my Instagram.  I am here to say there are a few very important tricks I have learned along the way.... You want in on the secret?  Here you go.......

1-Instagram Home Decor Profile

I CANNOT stress how important this is.  Think of Instagram like a resume for a job.  When someone clicks over to your page they should instantly know what you are all about.  9 times out of 10 a person will make a decision as to whether they are going to follow you within the first 10 seconds they are on your page.

I am all about DIY and home decor so my followers are not coming to my business page to see what I had for lunch, they have come to get ideas.  I put my prettiest pictures on Instagram because like I said before this is my resume and I want my best foot forward!

2 - Finding the Perfect Posting Time

You will have to play around with this a little bit to figure out when you get the best interaction, but I get the best interaction from my followers around 8am and 5:30pm.  Strange times right?

But every time I post at these times I get more likes and comments!  With the new Instagram algorithm I try to post 2 to 3 times a week.  I don't always make that. However I do post at least 1 minute long story everyday.  This makes it so I stay in contact with my audience.

3-Be Social - Put Yourself Out There

I have found Instagram to be a lot more interactive than other social media platforms.  If I comment on someones photo most of the time they will respond to me and vise versa.  I try to answer as many questions and I can and thank people for their kind comments.

I also have made it a point to comment on others post as well.  I have a goal to comment on at least 20 posts a day and I try to make them meaningful.

If someone posts a picture of their kitchen I will find something I REALLY love about it and express that in the comments.  Rumors has it that Instagram is only counting comments with 3 or more words so make those comments count!

4-Interaction Group

In the beginning I was part of a few groups where we all make it a point to comment on each others posts.  Once we post we share it to the group message so the others know we have a new post up and it and allows everyone to comment on it when they have a free minute.

This is a great way to find your people and connect.  As my account has gotten bigger I had to leave the groups.  Mainly because I ran out of time after I answered my followers comments and messages.

4- Create a Story Share Group

This is a great way to find new followers as well as make new friends.  When I set up a share group it usually consists of 6 other accounts.

I will add all 6 accounts into one group message and over an 6 week period of time we all agree to share one person a week and link to each others stories.

Since we are all in a group message it is a great time to talk and get to know the others in the group as well.  I have made lots of real life friends this way.

Tip: When creating your group try to find people in your niche with around the same amount of followers.

5- Reels

Instagram made a statement that they are NO LONGER A PHOTO SHARING APP.  This means if you post photos they will not be seen by as many people as a Reel will.

The first 3 seconds of a reel are the most important.  This is when a person decides if they are going to stop scrolling and watch or not.  Make it eye catching and keep your reel moving fast.

Instagram is now offering creator bonus'.  Which means they are paying creators to post reels.  They don't pay much, but something is better than nothing.

6- Algorithm

I have still not fully cracked the code or figured everything out, but here is what I do know.

1. Posts are weighted now similar to Facebook, where the most popular posts are on top instead of being in chronological order like they used to be.
2. Interaction is key. - Shares and saves hold the most value
3. Post frequently and consistently.  I try to post Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Morning.
4. Most importantly have fun and make a few friends along the way!!

You may have realized by now...A LOT of work goes into growing a following.  We joke around here that it is a full time job.....but if you are hoping to make money blogging building a following is key.

You can see my Instagram account here