Are you ready to start thinking about your feed more strategically and attract your ideal client on Instagram? Then you’re in the right place. Today I’m so excited to be sharing my tried and true tips that I use to leverage my own account with the followers I already have. As a smaller account, (around 4,100 some) I have found ways to SERVE the followers I already have, let go of the like count, and create a community of engaged followers that are interested in HIRING ME and following along with my work.

I’m passionate about this topic because I started by building my business on this platform and I continue to leverage my smaller account to book profitable work. I believe so strongly in this next statement so listen up.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE THOUSANDS OF FOLLOWERS TO MAKE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Instagram constantly changes their algorithms and it is certainly not easy for smaller accounts to get their content in front of people. Here are my best tips for accounts that have around 500-5,000 followers and will help you gain exposure as a business.

1.consistency is key

The brands that show up with quality content that is original consistently are the ones that are doing best on Instagram. These accounts will grow their followings the fastest and get the most engagement.

2. hire a professional photographer & shoot brand images

At least twice a year I hire a professional photographer (I use the same one every time) to curate an on brand photo shoot. This is one of the best investments I make for my business because I pepper them into my blog and Instagram content. Not only does it create a cohesive and consistent look throughout all of my platforms, it saves me tons and tons of time. I used to take all of my own photos and now I spend those precious hours designing.

4.create an aesthetic for your feed that is appealing to your ideal client

This is so important!!! An aesthetic isn’t just to be pretty…it’s to attract YOUR IDEAL CLIENT.

5. Figure out who your ideal client is.

So many times on Instagram accounts are just shouting to the masses and seeing what sticks. If you figure out who it is that you’re actually trying to reach and talk to that one person you will have much more success. Not only will you start to attract the people that will actually book you, honing in your voice will make your account more personal.

6. show up for your brand

This is something I have to challenge myself to do when running my own business. Showing up for your brand on Instagram is one of the easiest ways to market your business and it’s free. It is much easier to hide behind your brand and work. Part of running a business is letting yourself be seen, being vulnerable, and sharing your talents with the world. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential to show up for your brand. I always challenge the businesses I work with to show their faces- people are hiring YOU and they need to know who you are and what you’re all about. Whether this is sharing tips and tricks with your audience, behind the scenes peeks of your process, writing blog posts, starting to share on Instagram stories, or simply doing an intro post- all of these things will help your business grow.

7. don’t be afraid to promote a post

Once in a while promoting a post on Instagram is a great way to reach new people. I love promoting posts because I can target people that are in a certain demographic. Instagram allows you to save different audiences so depending on what kind of post it is, I can go in and choose who I want to target. I am really strategic about the posts that I throw money at and make sure they really explain who I am and what I can do for other businesses.

8. create content that sells a lifestyle

Nobody wants to be sold to all of the time- this is a huge mistake I see a lot of product based brands making. When you think about why people are opening up the instagram app, it’s likely because they are searching for inspiration of some sort. Don’t sell a product, sell a lifestyle. If you can tell a story of why your customer needs to be a part of what you’re doing instead of selling a product, you will have success on Instagram.

9. curate the feed, blow up stories

Stories is really where it’s at. With the algorithm choosing who to show your posts to, you’re really not guaranteed to show up in people’s feeds even if you are posting something great. If you are consistent on stories, that bubble is much more likely to pop up at the top of other people’s accounts. This is also a much more promotional part of the platform and a great place to plug a new product, service, or course you’re selling.

10. test what time is best to post

When you’re first getting a rhythm down, decide how many times per week you’re going to post and then go through a trial period where you’re testing out different times of the day to post. If one of your posts tanks at a certain time, don’t ever post during that time again. Eventually, you will find what works for your account and when your followers are active and engaging.

11. use strategic hashtags

Hashtags are important for new followers to find you in the niche you’re in. We recommend doing some research to see which hashtags are really being engaged with in your niche. It’s also important to switch up your hashtags. If you’re just copying and pasting all of the same hashtags onto every single post, you’re missing an opportunity to find new followers. Try adding a few specific hashtags based on the photo you’re posting so it’s relevant to what people are searching for and so your posts pop up in different places.

12. make it personal

You are a business, but you’re also a person. The Instagram algorithm really likes accounts that don’t act like businesses. If you post with a personal mindset versus a business mindset, your account will do much better on the platform. Last but certainly not least, Instagram is all about connections. If you make your account a resource for others and let go of the like count, people will enjoy your content and engage.

Last but not least, if you can’t do it yourself, hire it out. Social media is such an important touch point for your brand and a smart investment. If this is not where your skill set lies or you simply don’t enjoy doing it, there are many people you can hire this out to. I have seen such amazing growth with a client’s instagram I took over just from consistently posting 7 days per week and planning out their content in advance.

We are currently taking on very select instagram accounts to manage if you’re interested in our services reach out via the contact page!