How To Grow Your Social Media Followers Without Paying For Ads

Did you know your follower count has an impact on your visitors’ first impression of you?

They say you should not judge a book by its cover; but it’s inevitable. The number of followers displayed on your profile can either make people want to follow you or turn them off completely.

If you want a first impression advantage, you must have a plan to increase your follower count.

Why Is It So Hard to Get Followers?

Most people think that posting more content will result in more followers. Not quite! Followers don’t fall from the sky. Social media has nothing to do with Google search or any search.

If you want people to find and follow your profile, you need to focus on ways to grow your channel, combining tactics from the platform with some “guerilla marketing” so you can grow faster.

Best Tips To Grow Your Social Media Channels Today

1. Optimize your profile.

Your profile needs to be optimized to get the most traction. You should start with your first impression, keeping in mind that strangers will look you up and your goal is to inspire trust.

Make sure you complete all sections of your profile. Some platforms like LinkedIn won’t even share your account if your profile is not completed. 

2. Get branded headshots.

Branded headshots make you look like you mean business and are trustworthy. Invest in great new headshots and do an announcement! If you want to attract new followers, this is crucial.

3. Publish an “ask for recommendations” Facebook post.

Want instant engagement? Dedicate a post to asking your followers for recommendations on who else you should be following.

4. Share a “before and after” story.

Everyone loves to see these kinds of authentic journeys. Ask your current followers to share it and watch your reach grow.

5. Ask your current followers for help making new connections.

All you have to say is, “I’m looking to connect with ____. Who do you know who ____?”

6. Use your email list.

Start with your warm list and send a warm email to ask your connections for followers.

7. Make your email signature stand out.

This is a good way to draw attention to you/your brand. Link to your social media in the signature, too. Look at the example below for inspiration – it includes a picture, social media links, and even brand logos.

8. Post in different groups where you can reach people from your Avatars.

If you haven’t joined any social media groups yet, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect opportunity to reach people in your audience.

Facebook and LinkedIn Groups are very popular. Instagram does not have groups; but you can still build a community using Hashtags to find conversations and Instagram Stories to engage with your followers and create the community experience.

9. Use your personal accounts to feature the other accounts you want to grow.

Promote your business accounts to your personal network – reach everyone you can!

10. Do a giveaway/contest.

Social media giveaways and contests are engagement magnets. Find a worthy prize and remember to require that all entrants follow you and tag a friend in the post comments.

What’s the Number One Social Media Manager-Approved Tip To Get More Followers on Instagram?

Remember, these are just tactics. You still need a social media marketing strategy in order to grow your followers, grow engagements, and grow your revenue mixing multiple accounts. In my opinion, this is where forensic marketing plays a role, as it helps us deciding where to focus.