If you are reading this, you probably already know the basic formula for achieving traction on Instagram: pick the right niche, produce solid photos and videos, and buy your first 1000 Instagram likes or more from BuzzVoice for social proof.
This is the formula. But is it enough?
Let’s get one thing clear, people are not going to follow you on Instagram for no reason.
Get the idea out of your head that people will follow you randomly. It doesn’t work that way. They have to like the content that you post and you have to keep their attention.
A lot of Instagram marketers fully understand the first part of the previous sentence. They get it. They put a lot of effort into making sure they get the right content so they can draw the right attention.
So far so good. They even go the extra mile to know about the right hashtags that are sure to draw the attention of their target audience members.
The problem is, you can’t stop there. You have to go all the way. And unfortunately, this is where a lot of Instagram marketers fail.
They think that as long as they can rack up a huge following count, it’s all a numbers game. In the back of their heads, they are fully prepared to let go of a large chunk of their follower base.
They’re not interested the least bit in maximizing the reach, influence and engagement level of their content. They feel that as long as they can get a certain percentage to engage with their content and ultimately convert on whatever marketing materials they send, then they are good to go.
This is a serious problem because your market, no matter how big you think it is, is not going to be all that big to play this game. Not even close.
The problem is, a lot of people are under the impression that as long as they have the right social proof and they buy the right Instagram likes so as to maximize user engagement levels and encourage organic growth, they are playing the game to win. Well, they have the social proof right, but you have to take proactive steps in actually motivating people to keep following you.
You have to understand that a lot of people on Instagram don’t bother to unfollow you. That’s a simple fact. Just because your follower count continues to grow and grow, it doesn’t necessarily mean that people are engaging and your influence is growing. In fact, it might be the opposite.
So, do yourself a big favor. Put in the work and the time to actually motivate people who are following you to stay engaged. This is crucial to marketing effectively on Instagram. This takes quite a bit of work because this requires you listening to them.
Maybe you can post a quote and ask for feedback. Maybe you would have to change all your posts so there is always a call to action. Whatever the case may be, you can’t just let things play out and assume that things will work out.
You can’t just assume the best. It doesn’t work that way. You have to be in the mix.
You have to mix and match your content. You have to motivate people through calls to action. You have to post a poll, or do something so they feel engaged and they feel that you’re listening to them. And when they do engage, acknowledge them.
Social proof, as powerful as it is to grow your base, isn’t enough to maintain your base. Keep them motivated and your audience will take care of you.
