In this post I’m excited to share with you 3 tactic my clients and I have been experimenting with to increase Instagram reach organically.
The best thing is, each of these tactics is quick and easy to execute, and they don’t have to cost you a thing.
This is important because unless you have deep pockets for advertising and working with influencers, you need to identify a strategy for increase your instagram reach and engagement that works for you.
Sooner, rather than later!
Now, I’m sure I probably don’t need to spell this out, but just to make sure we’re 100% on the same page, before we go any further let’s clarify one thing.
What is Instagram reach?
Simply put, this is the unique number of users to see your Instagram content each day.
With every algorithm change, it seems reach decreases more and more. That’s why unless supercharging your posts with an ad spend behind them, unfortunately, the majority of your followers will hardly ever see your content, even if they want to.
Personally I can never stick to over complicated Instagram marketing strategies.
But I’ve found these 3 simple tactics have helped to rapidly increase my Instagram reach and I think you’ll find them helpful too.
1. Send your followers a voice note.
I know the shy ones and introverts out there are horrified at this idea. I was too, till I realised how effective it is. The good thing is, it doesn’t have to be long.
But if your Instagram followers see your voice note and engage with it, this signals Instagram’s algorithm that this person engages with you, and the algorithm will then push your content into their feed more often.
How we’ve been doing it: When you get a new follower, send them a quick voice note to welcome them.
Follow up 7-10 days later with a discount code.
You can send a image, voice mail, or even a video.
If you need to find way to scale this and reduce the time it takes, though personally, I find it far less time consuming than typing a message. Then you could even pre-record an audio or video welcome that you send.
I’d encourage you personalise it in someway though, so even if you put first (written) message as: Hi (name), then you attached your audio, this would be preferable.
This will help your followers no you’re not some weird bot.
You won’t increase your instgram reach organically if people are blocking and reporting you because you appear spammy.
Try and space these out as Instagram has a limit on how many direct message you can send per day, and in a certain length of time.
Little and often is the best approach. As they will ban you (and will) from messaging. Or, worst still, shadow ban your account for a little while. Ask me how I know.
That said, for me personally, this is my favoured and most used of all these tactics, as it gets me the best results.
Also it’s important to remember that the goal is not just to sell. Or at least it shouldn’t be!
It’s to start a conversation and connection (that leads to a conversion) so make sure you respond in a timely way to replies.
2. Ask your followers to save your posts
If you really want to increase Instagram reach, so more of your followers see your content, then I want you to pay special attention to this.
There are several ways that your followers can engage with your content, but the signal Instagram values the most is ‘saves’.
This signals that your follower wants to come back to your content which = more time spent on Instagram.
That’s want Instagram wants.
Don’t believe me?
Latergram, the popular Instagram scheduler that I (and many others) use to stay consistent so I can increase Instagram reach organically, explains just how Important saves are in this post.
Sign up to use Latergram for free here.
How we’ve been doing it: We don’t ask for a save on every single post.
2-3 x per week ask your followers to save your posts – tell them why even – transparency never hurts.
Instagram have a wide range of tools now, and they show preference to their newest release.
That’s why as well as mentioning it on your feed, if you really want to increase your Instagram reach, then you also need to mention it 2-3 x per week within your stories, reels, IGTV also.
3. Refresh your hashtag list
It’s so easy to get into a hashtag rut.
Dropping the same tired list of hashtags that struggle to get you 50 likes, on your best day. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Part of the reason so many boutique owners don’t win with hashtags is they’re doing it completely wrong, luckily that’s easily fixable.
How we’ve been doing it: Have a complete hashtag overhaul.
Think about the current status of your page and select your hashtags accordingly.
What you might.not realize is that it’s actually pointless – In fact, it can do you page more harm than good – to target certain hashtags with a tiny account. Learn why and want to do instead here.
Always check your analytics after you post, and drop hashtags which are under performing.
That’s it from me today.
Here are some other popular posts you might also enjoy:
- The real costs of starting on online boutique
- How to find high quality wholesalers
- How to package a product for shipping
Let me know in the comments if you found any of these 3 tactics to help you increase Instagram reach organically helpful.
