11 Keys to Instagram Success

If you’re struggling to gain followers on Instagram, then you’re probably missing one or more of the following fundamentals.

Xtra Startups
Published in
3 min readMay 21, 2019

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Instagram is no longer a small niche platform for targeting young consumers in the US. With over one billion monthly active users worldwide, Instagram is worthwhile for both B2C and B2B brands operating globally.

However, it’s not as easy as it looks to build a following and drive sales. Here are the fundamentals which you must master to get results.

1. Attractive Visual Content

Use photos or videos that your target audience will enjoy. Stop trying to advertise or market to them. Share content that is either entertaining, inspirational, or educational to be an account worth following.

2. Relatable Written Content

Write a description worth reading. 90% of people won’t read it, but those that do want something entertaining, inspirational, or educational. Make them want to follow you for more.

3. Tagging Places

Place tags give you more reach. Use the location the photo/video was taken. If you don’t know, then guess. You can tag the city, state, or country if you’re not sure.

4. Tagging Other Accounts

Add the Instagram handle of people, businesses, brands, or publishers that are relevant. They may Like, comment, or follow your account, which will signal to Instagram’s algorithm that your account is worth giving more exposure to.

5. Using Relevant Hashtags

Use at least five, and up to thirty. Place them either at the very end/bottom of your description or in the first comment. Don’t just copy-and-paste the same hashtags for each post or try to target popular ones. Use hashtags that accurately describe the content of the image/video you are posting.

6. Meaningful CTAs (calls-to-action)

What do you want people who see your post to do? Visit the link in your bio? If so, give them a reason to do so. Use only one CTA per post; otherwise, people will get confused and not take any action.

7. Giving Credit Where Due

If you’re using a free stock photo, give credit to the photographer and the site you got the picture from. If possible, use the Instagram handles for each.

8. Engaging Authentically

Most Likes, Comments, and Follows that people get on their posts are from bots (automated tools that try to fake human interactions). You can stand out by writing a meaningful comment that both the account owner and their followers can see.

9. Using Stories

Instagram Stories will appear at the top of your followers’ feeds, so be sure to post one per day. If you don’t have anything to share, grab a beautiful vertical/tall photo from a free stock image site such as Unsplash.

10. Staying Active

Post at least daily. If you’re super busy, use a tool such as Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later to schedule posts ahead of time. However, remember that quality is more important than quality.

11. Be Consistent

Popular Instagram accounts tend to have a consistent visual style and writing tone. You can’t please everyone, so try to find your brand’s voice and stick to it.

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Xtra Startups

A resource for entrepreneurs and executives seeking to achieve more while reducing costs and growing profits. https://xtra.global/articles