Fun & Famous

7 QUICK WAYS FOR MORE FOLLOWERS ON THE ‘RENEWED’ INSTAGRAM

I wrote about it here all about: Instagram has changed. The app's timeline is no longer chronological, but based on your likes and comments, you are showcased to more (or fewer) of your followers. For people with a few hundred followers, that automatically means fewer likes. How do you boost that again and stand out in the crowd? I looked it up for you.

1. Make your account public

Simply put: people are more likely to follow a public Instagram account, and you are also easier to find if your account is public.

2. Download helper apps

It may sound a bit strange, but sometimes it's smart to wait a few hours with that photo. An app like Iconosquare, for example, finds out for you at what times your photos stand out the most to your followers. Don't feel like thinking about it? With the app Bettr, you can already ‘schedule’ pictures that are automatically posted at the times you want. Timing is everything, people.

3. Call to action

Big Instagrammers do this all the time with their ‘yay or nay’ question when buying a new piece of clothing. It helps create buzz under your photos. It might be a bit awkward if no one responds, but hey, that's what you call your bestie for, right?

4. Use hashtags

You can just sprinkle them under your photos, but you can also first check which hashtags are popular and also fit your profile. And just to be clear, tags like #follow4follow and #tagforlikes are a no-go. I repeat: no.

5. Keep liking

Look at which followers often like your photos and comment on your pictures. And of course, give some love back, that keeps you engaged with your followers.

6. Fill in your bio

In a few words or sentences, your followers can immediately see if you are interesting to follow. Personally, I find the Insta-bio of Georgina Verbaan brilliant: “Actress. Scares herself and writes a bit.” Nice and short, sharp, and funny.

7. And then the most important thing...

Live in the here and now sometimes. Staring obsessively at your phone in hopes of more followers and likes doesn't make anyone happy. Life is more than Instagram. Yes, really.

So, now I'm going to hand out some hearts again...