First things first I should say that my account has been live for 3 years but my growth happened in the last 2-3 months (700->3,000 followers).
The fastest growth happened after I pass the 2.5k bar.
I tried different methods (buying followers included, unfortunately)
π€π» Tip #1: Do not buy followers, because the algorithm shows your content to your followers, expects an engagement, and then decides to push it on explore page. If your followers are bots, you will not offer the engagement Instagram expect.
It was super depressing so I dedicated my time to removing those bought followers for 2 weeks - full detox.
π€π» Tip #2: Follow trends. This trick drives the most follower and engagement growth because trends tend to reach more people and the algorithm loves to promote it for you when it's trending. But make sure you are not late for trends, you won't get the expected boost.
π€π» Tip #3: Create content clouds. Meaning creating up to 3 topic that you are comfortable talking, about which relates to your profile and the brand you want to create.
Mine was: women entrepreneur, work/daily humor, mental wellbeing. It would be easier for people to understand you, and this clarity gives them a solid reason to follow.
π€π» Tip #4: Create content as much as you can. Some will get 100k reach some will not pass 500. It's OK because you are only increasing your overall reach, you are experimenting more and increasing your chance of growth.
π€π» Tip #5: Your content will show up to local people. If your people do not speak English or you are not using location services, use your own language.
At the end of all those efforts, I started publishing a new reel every day for 3 weeks. AND FINALLY, one of my reels got viral and got 2MN+ views. Thank god I had a follow-me CTA at the end, it cracked my account!!
I hope this helps! ππ» Leave an upvote to motivate me to share more.
xoxo, your community girl