Are you tired of checking your Instagram profile only to see the number of followers constantly dropping? Even with the influx of new followers coming in, there always seems to be just as many, if not more people unfollowing your page. Below we’ll list the reasons why you may be seeing so many unfollows on Instagram, and how you can change it!
Note: The number of followers is not an indication of your worth, or how much influence you have. If you have a specific niche you are trying to attract or inspire, then those followers are the ones that matter. Not bots or anyone uninterested in what you have to say. That being said, I have included ways for you to retain followers that would be interested in your Instagram page and what you have to offer.
Stop Selling to Your Followers
“Influencers” listen up! Your influence on Instagram is not dependent on every post having a call to action to buy your product, service, or use your affiliate links. It’s ok to sprinkle in those marketing calls to action, but be careful not to overdo it.
Instead, try creating relevant content to your brand without the intention of selling. Another option is to leave your “selling” to Instagram stories and highlights. If you have over 10k followers, this is a great way to utilize the swipe up feature.
Engage with Followers
The algorithm looks at everything, and if you want to keep your followers, be sure to engage with them! Check your DMs regularly, reply to all comments, and even like and comment on their posts from time to time. This platform was made for people to share and build relationships, so there has to be a two-way street.
If you feel like your posts on Instagram aren’t being seen, not engaging with your followers is probably the cause. Instagram will highlight and showcase pages with a higher engagement rate. If you are not doing your part, your followers will not see you and may end up unfollowing you later on.
Stay Consistent
It’s common for people to do a “clean out” on Instagram of their followers. If you are someone who may not post frequently, then it’s likely that you will be one of those people getting unfollowed.
We are creatures of habit, and Instagram recognizes that. The more consistent we post, the higher chance you have of making it to the top of your follower’s feed. Learn what kind of posting schedule works best for you, and stick to it. Your followers will thank you for it by sticking around!
Post High-Quality Photos
Take a look at who you follow on Instagram. How are their pictures? Chances are you are following them for the type of content they put out and the quality of their photos. Your followers are looking at your feed and doing the same thing to you! Step up the photo game by making small edits to your photos. There are so many apps you can use to create beautiful images and edit your current images as well, and most do not cost extra to have. Phones nowadays are built for pictures, so there’s no need to invest in a pricey camera to get the photo quality you need for Instagram. Your followers will notice these changes and will stick around for the long haul.
Whether you are just starting out on Instagram, or have been on it and struggle with retaining followers, follow these guidelines that will not only save the followers you do have from leaving but will also attract new followers to you. If you need further help in your social media strategy, contact us to speak with a Social Media expert.