TikTok might be the latest, greatest social media channel, but don’t think for a second that Instagram is to be ignored. You can build a huge, active, and engaged audience on Instagram using this strategy. Read this Mini-Case Study: How to Achieve 90,000 Instagram Followers in 365 Days.

Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, it was the most downloaded app at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. Instagram users are active, with 59% of users logging in daily.

The most expensive influencer charges $1.015 million per post, and yet the most liked photo on Instagram is a photo of an egg with 59 million likes.

In other words, while people are making big money on Instagram, if you can post something more interesting than an egg, then there may be hope for you, too.

It’s not surprising, given the worldwide fame of the World Cup, and also of Lionel Messi himself. Messi is reportedly the third most followed account on the Instagram platform. He follows Instagram’s own account and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is another soccer player.

Now let’s get back to the 90,000 followers. Here’s how “SocialMediaQueen” built her following from zero to over 90,000 followers in 365 days:

Content is key to achieving followers

First, you need content. A LOT of content. But that’s true on any platform. When you’re trying for organic growth, you’ve got to put your message out there several times a day.

And the content must be valuable your audience.

Generally, content has value if it’s entertaining, encouraging or educational.

If you can manage to hit all three, then that’s even better.

New ideas are not critical to achieving followers

Second, you don’t need new ideas to make this work. If you can find a hundred different ways to say ten different things (that’s 1,000 posts right there) then you’ve got what it takes.

Remember, not everyone will see all of your posts. And no one will remember all of your posts, either. Repetition of message works great if you can just find news ways of conveying your message.

For example, “Don’t give up, you can do it.” How many different ways do you think you could convey this message? There’s no doubt you could find a thousand different quotes, anecdotes and stories with this theme, or perhaps even ten thousand.

I whole heartedly agree, and believe this to be accurate. Expressing content differently can create unique perspectives. It is not surprising that given different personalities, possessing different skillsets, interest and ideas, repurposing content, (stating in different ways) can have very positive and beneficial results.

Consistent scheduling and variety to achieve 90,000 Instagram followers

Third, you’ll need a content schedule to keep you on track. Here’s Katelyn’s weekly schedule:

• 3 photos or carousels
• 4-7 Reels
• 9-15 Stories
• 1-2 Videos

This is as much as 27 pieces of content every week, or approximately 100 per month. That sounds like a lot for one person to create, but keep in mind the plan is to grow your following. And an aggressive schedule will do just that.

If you check out Canva you’ll find templates for creating quality content quickly. Sit down once per week and create all of your content for the week, or even spend an entire day making content for the month.

Notice, too, that on Instagram you can monitor not just your number of followers but also the number of accounts you reach. Even if you fall short of 100 posts per month, you can still reach a large number of people on Instagram. Even starting from scratch, you can reach 25,000 people every week.

Note that the vast majority of your reach will likely come from Reels, since the algorithm is currently pushing those.

There are additional steps that you should take and activities that you can do to engage and attract followers. Beyond content and being active, here are three strategies that you should incorporate into your normal day to day activities to build your followers.

1. Use relevant hashtags: Using relevant hashtags can help you reach a wider audience and attract users who are interested in your content.
2. Collaborate with other users: Collaborating with other users, especially those who have a large and engaged following, can help you reach a new audience and gain more followers.
3. Use Instagram Stories: Instagram Stories allow you to share more personal and behind-the-scenes content, which can help you connect with your followers on a deeper level and encourage them to follow you.

It is also important to be authentic and genuine in your interactions with others on the platform, as this can help you build a loyal and engaged following.

By implementing these strategies and focusing on a clear theme or niche, you can attract users who are interested in your content and build a loyal and engaged following on the platform.

And lastly, remember that it does take time. There are those that do rise to fame and stardom quickly, however this is the exception and not the rule. Not everyone can be egg-ceptional.

Thanks for hanging in there with me tonight. It’s been a long day.

Work hard and shoot for the stars. All the best.

Dave,

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