How to Get Your First 100 Followers on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting out on Instagram can feel like shouting into a void. You’ve got a great profile, maybe some stunning photos or engaging videos, but those follower numbers just aren’t budging. Reaching that first milestone of 100 followers is a crucial step, as it provides validation and a starting point for further growth. This guide will provide you with a detailed, actionable plan to get you there.

Understanding the Instagram Algorithm: Why It Matters

Before diving into specific tactics, it’s crucial to understand that Instagram’s algorithm plays a significant role in determining what content users see. It prioritizes accounts based on several factors, including:

• Interest: Content users have interacted with in the past.
• Recency: Newer posts tend to get more visibility.
• Relationship: Accounts users frequently engage with.
• Frequency: How often a user opens the app.
• Usage: How long a user spends on the app.
• Following: How many accounts a user follows.

This means you need to create content that is engaging, post consistently, and build relationships with other users. Simply posting and hoping for the best won’t cut it. You need a strategic approach.

Phase 1: Optimizing Your Profile for Discoverability

Your Instagram profile is your first impression. Make sure it’s a good one! Here’s how to optimize it:

1. Choose a Relevant Username

• Keep it simple and memorable: Avoid complicated names with numbers and underscores if possible.
• Reflect your brand or niche: If you’re a food blogger, incorporate food-related terms. If you’re a photographer, use terms like “photography” or “portraits.”
• Check for availability: Make sure your desired username isn’t already taken.
• Consider using keywords: If you’re a local business, including your city in your username can improve local discoverability.

2. Craft a Compelling Bio

• Clearly state your purpose: What do you do? What value do you offer? Make it instantly understandable.
• Use relevant keywords: Incorporate terms that people might search for related to your niche.
• Include a call to action: Tell people what you want them to do, like “Visit my website” or “DM me for collaborations.”
• Add a line break or emojis for visual appeal: This can make your bio easier to read.
• Consider using a link-in-bio tool: Tools like Linktree or bio.fm allow you to host multiple links, which is helpful if you have more than one place you want to direct traffic.

3. Select an Eye-Catching Profile Picture

• Use a high-quality image: Avoid blurry or pixelated pictures.
• Choose a photo that represents you or your brand: If you’re a personal brand, a clear headshot is best. For businesses, use your logo.
• Keep it simple and recognizable: The smaller profile picture format means busy or detailed images can become hard to discern.
• Maintain consistency: If you have a logo, keep the same logo on all social platforms for brand recognition.

4. Convert to a Business or Creator Account

• Gain access to analytics: This helps you track your performance and understand what content is resonating with your audience.
• Get access to more features: Business and creator accounts offer features like contact buttons, shoppable tags, and insights into your audience demographics.
• Choose the right category: Select the category that best fits your content to improve discoverability.

Phase 2: Creating Engaging Content

Now that your profile is optimized, it’s time to focus on creating content that people will actually want to see. Here’s how:

5. Define Your Niche and Content Pillars

• Identify your passion: What do you genuinely enjoy creating content about?
• Research your audience: What are they interested in? What problems can you solve for them?
• Create 3-5 core content pillars: These are the broad themes you’ll focus your content on. For instance, a food blogger might have pillars like “Easy Weeknight Meals,” “Baking Recipes,” and “Restaurant Reviews.”
• Stick to your chosen niche: It’s important to have a clear focus for your account. If you post about too many different topics, you might confuse your audience and attract the wrong followers.

6. Master High-Quality Visuals

• Use good lighting: Natural light is almost always best. If using artificial light, make sure it’s consistent.
• Pay attention to composition: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other composition techniques to create visually appealing images and videos.
• Edit your photos and videos: Use editing apps like Lightroom, VSCO, or InShot to enhance your visuals.
• Keep it consistent: Develop a style for your visuals using a particular color palette and editing style. This helps create a cohesive and recognizable brand aesthetic.

7. Create Different Types of Content

• High-Quality Photos: Still images are the foundation of most Instagram feeds.
• Engaging Videos: Short-form videos (Reels) are currently prioritized by the Instagram algorithm. Explore different formats like tutorials, behind-the-scenes, and comedic skits.
• Informative Carousels: Multi-image posts are great for sharing tips, step-by-step guides, or showcasing before-and-after transformations.
• Interactive Stories: Use polls, quizzes, and question stickers to engage your audience and encourage interaction.
• Live Streams: Go live to connect with your followers in real time and answer their questions.

8. Write Captivating Captions

• Start with a hook: Grab attention with a compelling question, statement, or story.
• Provide context: Tell your audience what they’re seeing and why it’s important.
• Ask questions: Encourage your audience to leave comments and share their opinions.
• Use relevant hashtags: Research hashtags that are specific to your niche.
• Add a clear call to action: Tell your audience what you want them to do, like “Like this post,” “Follow me,” or “Tag a friend.”

Phase 3: Engaging and Growing Your Audience

Creating great content is only half the battle. You also need to actively engage with your audience and promote your account.

9. Post Consistently

• Develop a posting schedule: Figure out the best days and times to post based on when your audience is most active (Insights data will be very useful here).
• Post at least once a day (if possible): Consistency is key to keeping your audience engaged and growing your reach.
• Use a content calendar: Plan your content in advance to ensure you have a steady stream of posts ready to go.
• Use scheduling tools: Tools like Later, Planoly, and Hootsuite can help you schedule your posts in advance.

10. Use Relevant Hashtags

• Research relevant hashtags: Use a combination of popular and niche-specific hashtags.
• Don’t use too many hashtags: Instagram recommends using 3-5 relevant hashtags.
• Create your own branded hashtag: Encourage your followers to use your hashtag when sharing content related to your brand.
• Mix it up: Use different hashtags for each post to reach a wider audience.

11. Engage with Other Users

• Like and comment on other people’s posts: Engage with content that is similar to yours to make yourself discoverable.
• Follow accounts that are relevant to your niche: Focus on quality accounts that align with your interests and content style.
• Respond to comments on your own posts: Show your followers that you appreciate their engagement.
• Participate in conversations: Join in on relevant conversations on other users’ posts.

12. Utilize Instagram Stories Effectively

• Share behind-the-scenes content: Give your followers a glimpse into your day-to-day life.
• Use interactive stickers: Encourage engagement with polls, quizzes, and question stickers.
• Share your posts to your story: Reach a wider audience with your main feed content.
• Create highlight reels: Organize your best stories into themed highlight reels on your profile.

13. Run Contests and Giveaways

• Set clear rules and guidelines: Make sure the terms of the contest are easy to understand.
• Offer relevant and desirable prizes: Choose prizes that will attract your target audience.
• Promote your contest: Make sure you heavily promote the contest across your feed and stories.
• Use hashtags related to the giveaway: Reach even more people.
• Partner with other accounts for collaborations: This can introduce you to new followers and expand your reach.

14. Collaborate with Other Creators

• Reach out to relevant accounts: Find accounts that have a similar audience or content style to your own.
• Propose a collaboration: Develop a collaborative piece of content that will benefit both accounts.
• Cross-promote each other’s content: Share each other’s work on your respective profiles.

15. Track Your Progress and Adjust

• Use Instagram Insights: Analyze your performance data to understand what content is performing best.
• Experiment with different types of content: See what resonates with your audience.
• Adjust your strategy based on your findings: Continuously iterate and improve your approach.
• Be patient: Building a following takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Buying Followers: These followers are usually fake accounts and will not engage with your content. This can also hurt your engagement rates and damage your credibility.
• Using Follow/Unfollow Tactics: This is considered spammy and can get your account restricted or banned.
• Ignoring Your Audience: Engage with your followers and respond to their comments and questions.
• Posting Inconsistently: Regular posting is important for visibility and growth.
• Not Having a Clear Brand: Ensure that all posts and profile details follow a cohesive branding strategy.

Final Thoughts

Reaching 100 followers on Instagram may seem daunting initially, but with a strategic approach and a commitment to creating great content and engaging with others, it’s entirely achievable. Remember to be patient, stay consistent, and continue to learn and adapt. These steps outlined here will provide you with the knowledge and the actionable tasks you need to not only get to 100 followers but to help you build a growing and engaging audience on the platform. Good luck!