Five of the Best Instagram Growth Tips for Authors

I’m going to be honest with you - growing an audience on Instagram can feel like pushing a boulder up a steep hill. Is it possible to actually see growth? Absolutely. But you need to have the right strategy and information to make it work. 

I know many authors are feeling a lot of pressure to grow on Instagram to get the attention of an agent or publisher. Or maybe you feel like you can’t start marketing your book unless you have thousands of followers on social media. 

But I want to stress, when we grow on Instagram we are looking to connect, not collect. It’s not about the number. It’s about the quality of your connections. The beauty of this approach is that when we focus on quality connections, we will organically grow and see a snowball effect. 

It might take a little time to get the ball rolling, but it’s worth it! 

So let’s dig into how you can grow your audience on Instagram. 

Work WITH the Algorithm 

I know we all love to blame the algorithm and think that it’s out to get us. But believe me, it’s not - it’s a big computer without feelings. The algorithm is actually there to help us get in front of the right people so they will engage with our content. Instagram wants us to spend as much time as possible on the app, so they want to make sure people are seeing what they want to see so they will spend more time in the app. 

So that means we need to feed the algorithm the right information to put our posts in front of the right people. We do that by using the right hashtags, using the right keywords, engaging with people who fit our ideal readers, and creating content that our readers want to see. 

When we work with the algorithm we are able to create our own little community on Instagram. Our readers start sharing our content, we get more engagement, and that shows the algorithm that our content is resonating with people, so it boosts your visibility. 

The algorithm is incredibly smart, so don’t try to trick it by using bots, doing engagement pods, or other shortcuts. The algorithm will see that and squash your reach very quickly. 

Create Quality Content 

When we know exactly who our ideal reader is and what they like or respond to, that enables us to create quality content. We want to share specific information that we know our ideal readers will want to see more of.

You know that your book, information, expertise, and story are excellent - but your ideal reader doesn’t know that yet. The content in your posts is the proof your readers need to build the “know, like, and trust” factors that turn mere onlooker into avid fans. 

Your content can teach your readers something, make them feel encouraged or inspired, draw them into your story, make them laugh, or make them feel like they aren’t alone. Focusing on specifics rather than just general topics will help you stand out from the rest of the pack. 

Tap Into New Features 

When Instagram announces a new feature, that’s a sign that we need to pay attention because they are going to put a lot behind that feature. For example, when Instagram announced Reels in August of 2020, people who tapped into them saw a huge increase in their engagement, exposure, and overall growth. 

A few years ago when Instagram Live and IGTV were announced, users saw incredible growth when they tapped into those new features as well. 

If you want to see growth, I’d suggest you tap into Reels. That’s the biggest and best way for you to see the swift and significant organic growth you’re looking for!

Introduce Yourself Through Comments

Engagement is still one of the best ways to organically grow your following on Instagram. But that doesn’t just mean replying to comments on your own posts. Commenting on other people’s posts is one of the best ways to connect with new people on Instagram.

But there’s a strategic way to do that. What I suggest you do is find 5 hashtags that you know will connect you with your ideal reader. Let’s say one of those hashtags is #amreading. Go to that hashtag and leave authentic comments on 5 to 10 of the posts using that hashtag that actually interest you. The goal is not to find another space to be self-promotional, but to be a part of a conversation with others who share your same interests.

Spending even five minutes a day doing this will give you results. If you’re able to spend more time connecting with new people in this way, even better!

Be YOU!

One of the best ways for you to stand out on Instagram and to grow your audience is to be YOU. You don’t have to be like someone else, dance around in a bunch of Reels, post a ton of selfies, or try to be something that you’re not to be successful on Instagram. Be yourself! Your personality, style, life experiences, and story are unique - let them shine. 

Time and Consistency 

OK - I kept this tip for last because it’s the most important. I would encourage you to have slow steady growth over a huge overnight spike of followers any day of the week. Why? When you give yourself time, you will see that sustained and authentic growth that will get better and better over time. 

When you present yourself authentically, the people interacting with you will be genuinely interested in what you have to say. Once you have their attention, it makes selling your book so much easier. 

When we feed the algorithm the right information and we put all five of these points to work, Instagram rewards that by making your content more visible and putting you in front of the right people. Is it going to happen overnight? No. Is it going to take time and effort? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely!

If you want to go a step further and get all of the tools, resources, and help that you need to market your book, grow on social media, and sell more books - join The Author Circle membership!