How to Start and Grow on Instagram in 2024
Starting an Instagram account from scratch can be daunting, especially in today's world where the competition is fierce and algorithms are constantly changing. But don't let that discourage you from pursuing your passion on this platform.
With over 8 years of experience in running a social media agency and working as marketers, we've learned the ins and outs of growing a successful Instagram account. And now, we're here to share our knowledge with you so you can skip the mistakes and achieve success on this platform in 2024.
Keep reading for the steps you need to take to start and grow your Instagram account, and make the most of this platform this year.
Prefer video? Watch the video that inspired this blog post below:
Define Your Goals
Whether you're starting from scratch or revamping your profile in 2024, setting a goal is crucial for success. Having a clear endpoint helps you define what value you want from your time investment in Instagram. Consider what you want your brand to represent in 2024, the type of audience you want to attract, the content you want to create, and how often you want to share it.
Know Your Target Audience
Not everyone will be interested in your products or services, so it's essential to pinpoint your target audience and create content that appeals to them. Define your niche to reach the exact group of people you want. This will also help the algorithm understand who to send information to. Understanding your audience will allow you to cater to their interests directly and keep them engaged with your posts and products.
Choose Your Username
Your username is often a permanent signature of your brand, so choose a handle that makes sense and is consistent across all platforms, including your website. Do research on the name to ensure it's not already in use, and if it is, be creative by adding a relevant suffix or prefix (but avoid underscores). For existing Instagram accounts, audit all platforms to ensure consistency in your usernames..
Go Professional
Having a Professional Instagram account offers numerous benefits, whether it's a Business or Creator account. A Professional account provides reliable data and insights into various actions on your account. Depending on the type of Professional account, you can access tools to grow your followers, including a call-to-action button and access to trending audio. A Professional account shows that you take your brand seriously on the platform.
Optimize Your Profile
Optimizing your Instagram profile is a great way for potential followers and search engines to find you. Make your page SEO-friendly for maximum exposure and include an attractive, high-resolution profile picture. Your bio should be creative, straightforward, and speak directly to what you want people to know about your business. Pinning key posts to the top of your profile is also a great way to highlight your most valuable content.
Create Compelling Content
Content creation is a critical aspect of running an Instagram account, so it's important to be efficient. Define content pillars or categories to guide your content creation, such as business education, inspiration, or social media marketing. Consider your niche, your audience's interests, and the tools you need to create content. Take inspiration from competitors or influencers, and use natural lighting for better image quality.
Batch create content by setting aside a few hours to create multiple pieces, then schedule your posts using a scheduling platform like Later or Sprout. This will allow you to focus on other aspects of managing your Instagram account, such as community management, engagement, ads, and growth.
Determine Your Posting Frequency
Sharing content consistently on Instagram creates familiarity, increases engagement, and boosts your account's SEO. Find a posting frequency that works best for you, and stick to it. Quality content is more important than posting bland content frequently.
Take advantage of our Social Media Planning & Content Tracker for a comprehensive spreadsheet that will help you plan your content for up to a year, including all the 2024 Social Media holidays you need to know about.
