Three Things Authors Need to Stop Doing to Grow an Instagram Following

I know trying to grow your audience on Instagram can feel challenging and we want to cover all of our bases to make sure we are doing it right. But there are some “strategies” that have come out that are actually driving readers away. 

In short, they are annoying your readers. And if you’re like me and these things happen, it’s a good reason to block or report a profile. 

But there is an authentically more effective way to grow your audience on Instagram. Below I’m going to highlight three annoying ways I’ve seen people try to grow their audience and what you should do instead.

Let’s jump in! 

Problem #1: Random promotions in the comments

This is a new “strategy” that I’ve seen pop up in the past few weeks that is not cool - at all. Thankfully I haven’t seen any authors doing it yet, but I wanted to nip it in the bud and save you from the embarrassment of annoying your readers. 

I don’t know if this is a “service” of sorts that people pay for, but the idea is that a person (mostly a private account) leaves a comment on a post that tags a person or company they are trying to promote to try to drive people to their profile to follow their account. Here’s a screenshot of a recent example: 

This comment has absolutely nothing to do with the post it was left on. Obviously spam and absolutely ineffective.

What I suggest you do instead:

One of my favorite ways to start conversations with ideal readers is by using hashtags. What I do is I find several hashtags that are relevant to my genre and I start following those hashtags. When someone uses that hashtag, that post will pop up in my feed and I can like or comment on that post. It’s a genuine way to interact with people who share your interests AND it will make new connections in a thoughtful way. 

These thoughtful conversations will get you in front of your ideal readers, make real connections, and grow your audience. Nothing annoying about that! 

Problem #2: Tagging accounts that aren’t in or a part your post 

I see this A LOT and it’s doing more harm than good. Here’s what they do. They tag an account in a post or on Instagram Stories with the HOPE that that the tagged account’s followers will see this post and follow their page.

For example, my account was tagged in a post about a new book that was coming out - a book that I had never heard or worked on - saying that it was now available for purchase. It’s a long shot, right? And it’s not going to happen.

What WILL happen is that your account will be marked as spam or be blocked, especially if it has nothing to do with the account that you’re tagging. 

Tagging relevant people who were a part of your post or in the content you’re sharing is totally fine. But don’t tag random people just to try to get their attention. 

What I suggest you do instead:

If you come across a post that you like or you feel would benefit your audience, repost it in your feed or share it on Instagram Stories. This is a great way to share relevant content with your audience but it also gives a shout-out to someone you admire or who produces great content. 

The easiest way to share a post in your Instagram Stories is to click on the little paper airplane figure below the post and select “add to your story.” You can add some stickers or text along with the post to add your personal touch. 

Problem #3: Direct Messages asking for a shout-out 

I saved this one for last because, in my book, this is the biggest annoyance! Listen, I know when people see accounts that have thousands of followers or who are considered “influencers,” it can be assumed that if they could get a “shout out” on that account, it will blow up their following in an instant. 

Here’s the thing: accounts who have worked for years creating trusted connections with their audience are VERY selective about what content they share and who they promote. They aren’t going to give random shout-outs for people they don’t know. That can hurt their credibility and there really isn’t a return for doing it.

There are also some large “influencer” accounts that will “give you access to their audience” for a fee. Don’t waste your time or money.

Fixating on numbers and trying to use someone else’s large audience for your own benefit means you’re not focusing on what actually helps your career: creating meaningful lasting relationships with people.

What I suggest you do instead:

If there is someone that you admire or look up to who you feel shares a similar audience, leave genuine comments on their posts or share their content with your readers. I know when I see someone share one of my posts or leave comments, I notice! I check out their profile or see what their book is about. 

Growing your audience isn’t just about the number of followers and likes you get. It’s about how strong the connection is with your followers. And that’s something that takes time and authentic human interaction to build.

If you’re looking for a way to see better results on Instagram and reach your goals faster, download my FREE Instagram Posting Formula - it’s a game changer for authors and writers!