11 Reasons Why Your Instagram Isn’t Growing
Is your Instagram engagement stuck? Have you noticed that your Instagram audience has stopped growing? Are you finding it difficult to increase your followers? If you have answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, don’t worry, because you’re not the only one! We’ll be looking at 11 reasons why your Instagram isn't growing and how you can work towards boosting your account again! But for starters…
Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm Changes
Instagram’s algorithm determines what you see on your feed and what gets shown to users. It is ultimately designed to prioritize posts that are most relevant to each individual user, based on their past activity. This means that Instagram’s algorithm decides what appears on your followers’ feed, Stories, Explore and Reels.
In other words, this algorithm plays a huge role in your page’s visibility, engagement, and yes growth! Here’s how it can impact you and your accounts -
Prioritizes engagement
Places emphasis on relationships
Prefers fresh content
Favours video content (especially Reels!)
Penalizes inconsistent activity, as well as overly promotional content
Instagram’s algorithm can be challenging, but it is not unconquerable! By understanding how it works and altering your social media strategy accordingly, you can improve your engagement and growth. Our tips? Focus on crafting high-quality, engaging content, be consistent in your posting, and leverage Instagram's latest features and trends to boost your success :)
Now let’s dive into the 11 Reasons Why Your Instagram Isn’t Growing below, as well as practical solutions to help get your growth back on track -
Inconsistent Posting Schedule
If you are not posting on a regular basis, it is difficult to stay at the top of your audience’s mind. Instagram’s algorithm, as previously mentioned, favours accounts that are consistent, whether that means daily posts, a few times a week, or at the very least, sticking to a reliable time table.
Solution - Create a calendar for your content creation and plan out posts in advance. We recommend tools such as Later or Hootsuite to help schedule posts and stay consistent.
Not Using Reels
Instagram sees Reels as top priority in its algorithm, pushing them to more users than regular posts. In other words, if you’re not taking advantage of this feature, you are missing out on an opportunity to reach new audiences!
Solution - Start incorporating Reels into your social media marketing; focus on trending topics in your niche, popular music, and engaging content that immediately captures one’s attention!
Low-Quality Content
Instagram is a visual platform, so blurry and poor-edited photos/videos can scare off potential new followers. Your content should be visually pleasing and eye-catching in order to stand out in a crowded feed.
Solution - Invest in good photography gear or use editing apps such as Canva (very user-friendly!) to help polish your photos and videos. Remember - quality content is much more important than quantity!
Zero Engagement With Your Audience
If you are solely posting without engaging with your followers, you are dismissing a crucial aspect of growing your Instagram profile. The algorithm rewards accounts that foster genuine interactions, such as replying to comments and DMs.
Solution - We recommend spending at least 15-30 minutes each day engaging with your audience i.e. responding to comments, liking and supporting their own posts, and answering questions/concerns in your DMs.
Using The Wrong Hashtags
Using hashtags is one of the best ways to increase your reach on Instagram, but implementing overly popular or irrelevant hashtags can lead to your posts getting lost in the crowd.
Solution - Be sure to use a combo of popular, niche and branded hashtags, and take the time to research hashtags relevant to your subject area!
Disregarding Instagram Stories
Stories are a fantastic way to connect with your Instagram audience on a deeper level. Try not to ignore this feature as it can allow for increased visibility and engagement!
Solution - Start posting stories just as frequently as on your feed; this could include sharing behind-the-scenes content, quick updates, polls and questions to engage your audience!
Poor Profile Optimization
Your bio, profile picture, and overall “aesthetic” of your Instagram is the first thing that new visitors see. It is significant that your profile clearly communicates who you are and what you are offering in order to entice people to hit the ‘Follow’ button!
Solution - Optimize your bio with clear and specific information about who you are and what value you offer. Also use a recognizable profile picture, and consider adding Story Highlights to your profile to spotlight special content.
Inconsistent Branding
If your Instagram account lacks a cohesive aesthetic or branding, it can confuse your audience and make your profile less inviting. A strong, consistent brand has the power to help you stand out and keep followers engaged!
Solution - Take advantage of tools such as Canva to create branded graphics with a consistent colour palette and theme.
Ignoring Analytics
When you pay no attention to Instagram insights, you are missing out on valuable data that can inform your content strategy. Growth is difficult when you are uncertain of what is working and what is not!
Solution - Check your Instagram Insights on a regular basis to see which posts receive the greatest engagement, as well as which demographics are interacting with your content. You can then adjust your strategy based on these insights.
Focusing Too Much On Selling/Promotion
If all of your posts are sale-sy and promotional, your followers are likely to lose interest. Instagram is ultimately a social platform, and people are there to be entertained and inspired - not just sold to!
Solution - Before introducing your products or services to your audience, focus on building relationships first!
Not Adapting To Algorithm Changes
Instagram’s algorithm is constantly advancing, and strategies that worked a year ago might not be successful today. If you don’t stay up-to-date with these changes, there’s no chance of growth!
Solution - Keep informed about the latest Instagram trends and algorithm updates by following expert social media managers and noteworthy blogs. Experiment with different content formats and strategies to see what works best for your followers!
A Formula To Overcome Instagram Stagnation And Gain Traction
To shake things up on your Instagram profile and help you break through the stagnation, here’s our final 5 tip formula
Give Your Content A Refresh
Engage CONSISTENTLY With Your Audience
Keep An Eye On Your Analytics
Be Open To Collab Opportunities
Pay Attention To Hashtags + SEO Optimization
Growth on your Instagram accounts is much more difficult to achieve than it used to be, but it’s definitely not impossible! By narrowing down what is holding you back and making strategic changes, you can get your Instagram following back on track and growing more than ever.
Key take-away: Consistency, engagement and adaptability are hugely important factors to success on a social platform that is ever-evolving.
Do you need a little extra help in the social media aspect of your business? The Social Snippet offers an array of services, including Social Media Coaching, so be sure to get in touch or visit our website for more info! :)