5-Minute Instagram Growth Strategies

What if there were some things you could do right now that only took a few minutes and would completely boost your Instagram? Would you do it? I’ve got some 5-minute Instagram growth strategies for you and I’m sharing them all here in this post. I want to make growing on Instagram as easy as possible for you because it is one of the best ways to grow right now. These quick strategies will help you get those Instagram stats that blow you away!  

 

Don’t you love it when your Instagram coach gives you easy fixes you can implement right away? It’s my favorite too. These 5-minute Instagram growth strategies are things you can put into action today and will soon see positive results from them. It’s time to take control of your Instagram journey and stop letting the algorithm get in the way. Use it to your advantage rather than blaming it for making you stuck. I’ve cracked the code, and I’m not holding back on the tried and true strategies that work. Here’s what you need to know to finally get that Instagram growth you’re working so hard for! 

 

 

5-Minute Instagram Growth Strategies

Instagram is the best place for community and connection. If you have big goals to become a successful influencer or brand on Instagram, I want you to implement these strategies right away (like today). Do not overthink it and just start. You can always pivot along the way. The most important step here is to start–don’t let unanswered questions, fear, or doubt keep you from starting. You’ve got this! Plus, you’ve got me–your Instagram strategy coach–to help and cheer you on every step of the way. 

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #1: Create a clear & compelling bio.

Go to your Instagram bio right now. I’ll wait. Now, ask yourself if someone were to read your bio, would they know what you do? Would they know who you serve and what you want them to do after seeing your account? Your bio should give people a reason to follow you. 

If you’re not sure if your bio does all of those things, screenshot it and send it to a few friends. And I’m talking about the type of friends who would tell you if there was stuff in your teeth. Send it to them and ask them to tell you if your bio sounds confusing or if it checks all the boxes:

• What you do
• Who you serve
• How you solve their problem
• Call-to-action

I have audited hundreds of Instagram accounts over the last year and one of the biggest things I see in the bios is that people are using fluffy or high-level language around what they do. You might think you need to use that type of language to prove you are an expert in your field. However, the people reading are not experts, so you need to meet them at their level. 

Keep it super simple and straightforward. Once you’ve clearly stated what you do and how you solve your audience’s problem, then you add a little bit of authority. You can do this by saying you’ve helped x amount of people do x. You could also say how long you’ve been in your field of expertise, etc. There are multiple ways to show your authority so you choose what best fits yours.

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #2: Pick a handle and name that is searchable and memorable. 

Your Instagram handle should be either your name or your brand name. That way when people search for you, you have a higher likelihood of getting found. The same goes for the bolded name listed right underneath your profile picture. This name is searchable for Instagram users, so if someone typed your name in the Instagram search bar then you would pop up. This is how people actually find you.

I recommend adding different keywords in that bolded section underneath your profile picture only if your name is in your handle. That way it will greater your chances of popping up in searches if someone were to search for your niche. For example, I use my name in my Instagram handle, so in that bolded section I have “Social Media Marketing.” If someone searches for that keyword then I would pop up. 

So, here is a recap. Have your personal name either in your handle or in that bolded space underneath your profile picture, but not both. Include some keywords in the one that does not have your name, so it’ll increase your chances of popping up in a search when someone searches for your niche. 

 

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #3: Have a professional photo of your face for your profile picture.

Your profile picture should be a clean, clear headshot where it shows mostly your face. You could even edit your profile picture on Canva to erase the background and fill it with one of your brand colors. This is what I did with my profile picture and I think it helps me pop out more! Plus, a solid background is better than one that could distract. 

I recommend having this same profile picture across all platforms. If someone comes to find you on Instagram and sees your profile picture, and then they go to find you on Pinterest, YouTube, etc. they will recognize you right away. This consistency will help increase your followers on multiple platforms because if they’ve already connected with you on one, they will recognize you on another and give you an immediate follow. 

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #4: Add 1-3 links in your bio.

Instagram now allows you to have more than one link in your bio. I recommend limiting the amount of links you use because there’s so much decision fatigue from people. 1-3 links are plenty to include, and you can decide which links to use by thinking about which links you most often direct people to. (Email list, sales page, etc.) 

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #5: Create a carousel template on Canva.

Canva is a free tool you can use to create Instagram content. You can create a carousel template in about five minutes! You can either use some of the templates Canva offers or create your own from scratch. Once the template is created you can go in and change the text to fit the type of content you want to post.

 I created a carousel post template that I use repeatedly on my Instagram. It works because it is easy to read and people know exactly what value I’m giving them when they go and look at it. This is what people need and this format will help more people stop scrolling and read your post.

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #6: Start using reel covers.

Although reel covers are not seen when someone is scrolling through reels, I recommend using them because they are seen when someone is scrolling through your feed. When someone is scrolling through your feed, trying to decide if they should follow you, your reel covers will help them know if you’re a good fit for what they need. 

I always include a picture and a hook on my reel covers so that when someone sees it they can immediately see why they should click and watch. This is a strategy that could get you more views and interactions on your reels rather than letting your reel be a still image from the video itself. 

 

Quick Instagram Growth Strategy #7: Create content banks. 

One of the best things you can do to save time on your content creation is to incorporate filming B roll in your everyday life. These could be quick videos of you doing random things like walking in and out of a shot, walking and sitting down at your computer, prepping food, etc. Then, once B roll is created, save it in a folder on your phone. You can slowly build up your content bank, so you’ll have all of this B roll ready to use whenever you want. 

 

 

Bonus Tips for Your Instagram Strategy

• Your bio does not have to be perfect today. You can try something and let it sit for a couple of weeks and then make tweaks as you see fit.
• Do not change your name section unless it’s absolutely necessary. I think Instagram only allows you to change this part every 30 days.
• Only change your Instagram handle if it’s a big brand change. Do not try to change this as often as you would your bio. 

 

Next Steps for Your Reinvented Instagram Strategy

Take five minutes and write down three different versions of your new bio. Send them to a friend and have them tell you which one sounds the best, most clear, and which one to use–and then implement it. 

Next, scroll through the last 12 posts of your content. Does that content support the bio you just created? You want to make sure the content you’ve recently posted aligns with your new bio because that builds credibility. People will trust you when you show up how you say that you will. 

If your content does not align with your new bio, that’s OK. Just shift your focus and create some content that does support it. Continue making content that proves your bio to be true. And make your content super clear and easy to read. 

People consume content quickly. If your content is too hard to read or can not be understood right away, they are going to keep scrolling. Keep it as simple as possible that hooks people in to keep up with the competition! (You can grab my FREE 131 Hooks Guide HERE.) 

 

 

5-Minute Instagram Growth Strategies

Alright, those are enough assignments, right? I promise these 5-minute Instagram growth strategies are worth your time and you’ll be thanking yourself every day after once you put these strategies into action! These will bring you faster growth and I can’t wait to hear about the success that comes your way because of it. If you liked these strategies, follow me on Instagram @iammichellegifford so you can get even more!