If I started on Instagram from 0, this is what I'd do... | The 10k Follower Plan

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to growing on Instagram, especially for beginners. It emphasizes the importance of being intentional with keywords, not stressing over hashtags, and using clear, descriptive cover photos for Reels to enhance follower conversion. Posting consistently is key, with a focus on sustainability over rapid growth. The creator suggests batching content and refining strategies based on insights like likes, shares, and watch time. The video encourages continuous learning, adapting to trends, and following creators who teach Instagram growth strategies for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be intentional with SEO and keywords in your content to increase visibility and reach on Instagram.
• 😀 Hashtags are not a significant factor for growth, so don't over-invest time on them. Focus on content quality instead.
• 😀 Ensure your cover photos clearly communicate the topic of the reel to help boost follower conversion.
• 😀 Post consistently, but prioritize a schedule that is sustainable over time to avoid burnout.
• 😀 Batching content (filming multiple videos at once) can help maintain a steady posting schedule and reduce the workload.
• 😀 Use Instagram's analytics to measure performance and identify which content resonates most with your audience.
• 😀 Watch time is one of the most valuable engagement metrics to track, as it indicates how much of your video viewers actually watch.
• 😀 Learn from your analytics—adjust your content based on which videos performed well and which didn’t.
• 😀 Keep educating yourself by following Instagram strategy experts and stay open to trying new approaches to keep growing.
• 😀 Consistency in posting and adjusting your strategy based on feedback and performance data is key for long-term growth on Instagram.
• 😀 Make sure your content aligns with your niche and is clear about what value you're providing to your audience.

Q & A

Why is SEO important for Instagram growth?

SEO is crucial for Instagram growth because it helps ensure that your content is discoverable by people who are interested in it. By using relevant keywords, your content can appear in search results, which increases visibility and potential engagement.

How should I approach using hashtags on Instagram for growth?

While hashtags can be helpful, they are not the key to growth. Instagram itself has stated that hashtags do not significantly impact follower growth. The creator recommends spending only a brief amount of time choosing hashtags—just a quick thought process to include them if relevant.

What is the role of cover photos in Instagram Reels?

Cover photos play a critical role in making your content easily recognizable and understandable. The cover photo should clearly convey the content of the Reel, which helps new visitors to your profile understand what type of content they can expect and increases the chance of conversion to followers.

How often should I post on Instagram as a new creator?

The frequency of your posts should be sustainable and fit your lifestyle. While posting more often can help growth, it's more important to establish a consistent schedule you can maintain long-term. For example, posting three times a week, such as on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, can be an ideal starting point.

What is batching content and how does it help content creators?

Batching content involves creating multiple pieces of content in one session. This approach helps content creators stay ahead by planning and scheduling posts in advance, preventing the pressure of daily content creation. It’s a strategy that can be adjusted based on how much content a creator is comfortable producing at once.

Is it better to schedule Instagram posts or post live?

While scheduling posts can be convenient, posting live tends to yield better engagement. The creator has tested both methods and found that live posts perform better in terms of audience interaction and reach.

What does 'mastering the hamster wheel' mean for content creators?

'Mastering the hamster wheel' refers to the ongoing process of content creation and posting. It involves developing a system for creating content consistently without burnout, finding a rhythm that works for you to stay engaged and productive over the long term.

How can I use Instagram insights to improve my content?

By studying Instagram analytics, you can track key metrics like likes, shares, and most importantly, watch time. Watch time indicates how long users are engaging with your content, which is a valuable signal of your content’s quality and relevance. Analyzing these metrics helps you refine your content and strategy for better results.

What are the key metrics I should focus on when analyzing my Instagram content?

The key metrics to focus on are likes, shares, and watch time. Watch time is the most important as it reflects how engaged viewers are with your content. Shares and likes are also valuable but less impactful than watch time in terms of growth potential.

How can I continue growing as an Instagram creator?

Continuous growth as an Instagram creator involves staying informed and adapting to new trends. Follow creators who provide educational content, experiment with different video styles, and analyze data to fine-tune your approach. Staying open to learning and evolving your strategy is essential for long-term success.