If you’ve been trying to figure out how to grow your Instagram following without any luck, feel defeated by the algorithm, or are completely stuck on Instagram with no direction, I couldn’t be more excited that you’ve stumbled upon this post! As a social media strategist, the Instagram algorithm was initially an obstacle. The strategies I had previously been implementing were no longer effective and as you may have experienced, engagement became more difficult to increase and follower counts remained stagnant. Articles encouraged Instagram users to spend hours on the app engaging with other accounts so that they would engage back with theirs. In addition to the fact that most of us don’t have time to use Instagram all day in the hopes of getting a few more followers, this method doesn’t feel authentic.

However, despite what you many have experienced on Instagram post-algorithm change, you may have noticed that there indeed still are lnstagram accounts that are flourishing. You may be asking: if there are others on Instagram whose engagement and followers are increasing, why can’t mine? They can! Today I’m sharing the game-changing strategy that has enabled not only me, but fellow bloggers and my social media clients to authentically:

Gain 1000+ followers in 24 hours
Gain 20,000+ followers in less than one year
Increase engagement to over 10%
Be discovered by target audience
Establish a meaningful relationship with followers resulting in exciting opportunities such as brand partnerships and sponsored posts

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How to Grow Your Instagram Following: The Strategy That Changes Everything

Through hosting authentic giveaways, my Instagram following has grown exponentially. In fact, through one single giveaway, I gained 1000+ followers in less than 24 hours. Not only that, but the followers who have joined my page through giveaways are engaged, loyal, and genuinely interested in my content. These aren’t just any giveaways though, they are incredibly well-thought out, and a result of countless trial and errors.

Prior to trying them, I was skeptical about Instagram giveaways. As I’ve mentioned, my goal was to discover an authentic Instagram growth strategy. The majority of the Instagram giveaways I’d seen (and still see all the time) do not appear authentic (are loop giveaways for iPads really a genuine way to grow a loyal audience?)

However, through extensive brainstorming and experimentation, I developed a strategy for making giveaways an authentic, thoughtful, and exciting experience for followers and target audiences. See below for the components every giveaway must include in order to maximize Instagram audience growth.

Hosting Instagram Giveaways: The Authentic Way

In order to host an Instagram giveaway, the giveaway host chooses a prize to give away on their Instagram page. The giveaway host will post a photo of the prize and include a set of giveaway rules in the caption. These rules require everyone who enters the giveaway to follow the host’s Instagram page.

#1 Know Your Target Audience

The giveaway prize you choose is the single most important determining factor of a giveaway’s success rate. Choosing the wrong prize for your audience can cause your engagement to decrease dramatically. In order to determine which prize will attract your target audience and increase engagement, you must truly know and understand your audience. Think of this process as choosing a gift for a friend. If you need help defining you who your target audience is, get my “Meet My Audience Worksheet” here.

#2 Promotion

Understand how to effectively promote your giveaway. Otherwise, your target audience won’t be able to find it. If you have an Instagram Business account, you can invest in a promotion which is a great way to help your target audience discover your giveaway and enter it. Another effective way to promote your giveaway is by collaborating with accounts similar to yours and hosting a giveaway together.

#3 Understanding the Logistics

Finally, in order to host a successful Instagram giveaway, all the logistics must be considered. This means the duration of your giveaway, the rules, the process in which you choose a winner, collaborative strategies, etc. You’ll find these items addressed in my Instagram giveaway check-list which is included in my Guide to Authentic Instagram Growth.

I couldn’t be more excited to share this strategy with you! After refining my giveaway method including the steps outlined above, Instagram friends excitedly reported that after years of stagnant growth, their audience was finally growing, and their engagement was increasing too. As a social media consultant, this approach has enabled my clients to grow their businesses and promote brand awareness in a fun and meaningful way.

Have you ever hosted an Instagram giveaway? Share your experience in the comments below! If you have any questions, I’m happy to respond with tips & guidance!