How to Grow Your Following on Instagram and Start Getting Brand Deals

With 1.4 billion people on Instagram, standing out and growing a substantial following can seem extremely challenging and daunting. But it is also an enriching process once you've built a strong following; the door to brand deals and exciting collaborations opens wide. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to grow your Instagram following and start attracting lucrative brand deals!

Define Your Niche and Voice

Start by defining your niche – what are you passionate about? Fashion, travel, tech, or fitness? Your niche should reflect your interests and expertise. Once defined, develop a unique voice and style. This helps in creating content that resonates with your audience and makes you memorable. 

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Post about the companies you like or want to work with

Believe it or not, one of the best ways to get a brand collaboration is to post about the brand you’re looking to work with! Make an honest review or comment about a product to your followers and ensure you mention it being unpaid. Over time, as your account gains traction, brands will recognize your content and value, which will likely lead to them wanting you to be part of their community.

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Consistency is Key

Regular posting is crucial. It keeps your audience engaged and helps with the Instagram algorithm. However, quality should never be sacrificed for quantity. Strive to maintain a balance where your content remains high-quality, relevant, and consistent.

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Engage with Your Audience

Engagement is a two-way street. Respond to comments, like and comment on followers’ posts, and engage with other accounts in your niche. Don’t be afraid to answer people’s DM’s! This will show that you care about the lives of your followers and it will maintain their loyalty to your page. It also builds a community around your profile and increases your visibility.

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Use Instagram Stories and Reels

Leverage Instagram's features like Stories and Reels. These formats are highly engaging and favored by the Instagram algorithm. Share behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, or fun moments to connect with your audience on a more personal level.

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Optimize Your Hashtags

Hashtags increase your content's discoverability. Use a mix of popular, niche-specific, and branded hashtags. Avoid overused hashtags as your content might get lost in the crowd.

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High-Quality Visuals

Instagram is a visual platform, so high-quality images and videos are non-negotiable. Invest time in learning basic photography and editing skills to make your content stand out.

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Collaborate with Others

Collaborate with influencers or brands in your niche. This not only gives you exposure to their audience but also signals to other brands that you're open to collaborations.

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Analyze Your Performance

Use Instagram Insights to understand what works. Analyze your top-performing content, best posting times, and audience demographics. Use these insights to refine your strategy. A great strategy is to actually ask your audience what they would like to see from you so you can tailor your content appropriately.

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Stay Authentic

In a world of curated content, authenticity is refreshing. Share your real experiences and stories. Authentic content creates deeper connections and builds trust – a quality brands look for in influencers.

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Starting with Brand Deals

Once you’ve built a substantial following and have consistent engagement, here are some tips that can help you land a brand deal!

1. Identify Brands That Align with Your Niche: Focus on brands that align with your content and values.

2. Build a Media Kit: A professional media kit showcases your best work, statistics, and testimonials if available.

3. Network: Attend events, join online communities, and connect with other influencers and brand representatives.

4. Be Professional and Proactive: Treat your interactions as business transactions. Be professional, deliver on your promises, and always seek feedback.

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Growing your Instagram following and securing brand deals requires a mix of creativity, strategy, and persistence. Stay true to your niche, engage with your audience, create high-quality content, and proactively seek opportunities. If you’re looking for an even more in-depth analysis of becoming an influencer check out this guide to get started!

Remember, every big influencer started with zero followers – you can do it too!