The real reason why your favorite Instagram accounts are growing and you’re not.
It seems like Instagram is almost working against us, doesn’t it? No matter what strategies we are using it seems like we just cannot get the reach we used to, or even grow. You might be wondering how your favorite Instagram accounts are still growing, and I’ll let you in on a big secret!
Engagement Pods
I’ll go ahead and say that I previously used engagement pods. It was something that I thought I had time for, that was decently fair, and I straight up just wanted to grow! Majority of your favorite Instagram accounts that are still growing are participating in threads through Facebook groups, direct message groups, and telegram pods.
That being said, while I previously used these strategies, it almost seemed like absolute cheating to me. For me, it means a lot to actually spend time trying to improve your skills to become better at whatever social platform you’re using. If you’re serious about growing your community, then you need to focus more time on genuine connections!
People are STILL buying their way in!
You guys, I’m just as shocked as you are. I’ve mentioned my feelings about buying followers/likes/comments, whatever before. If you’re looking for a full discussion about that, then make sure you head over and read that post. Even though we all know how to tell if someone is actually buying their way in, it seems like that isn’t slowing anyone down.
Before you ever think this is a good idea, be aware that not only is it disingenuous to your fellow content creators, but Instagram is also cracking down on it. If you’re even considering this way of getting traction, then this may not be the industry for you.
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The Comments
SundayDahlias
I’ve been invited to those engagement pods, but never rrally got into them. Do you think they’re helpful and worth it?
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
ashleestuart
SundayDahliasNo, I think they are pretty lame if I’m honest. People who are in them typically only care about their numbers, and aren’t actually interested in your content, or leaving meaningful comments.
The Fashion Folks
I think Instagram has a lot of work to do with how they want their platform to be used. It’s more like a popularity competition rather than appreciation for the art of photography/or display of talent (baking, fashion, makeup etc)! Agree that buying followers and likes is definitely not the way to growing! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
ashleestuart
The Fashion FolksI fully agree! It’s not about creativity or showing life, it’s all about the popularity contest!
Ashley
I really don’t like the idea of buying followers. It doesn’t seem to accomplish much. Numbers seem nice, but I really want my numbers to be authentic. People who enjoy seeing my posts. That’s what it’s all about to me.
https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/
ashleestuart
AshleySame, getting a high number of likes or follows doesn’t mean anything if they aren’t interested in what you’re creating.
Diana
I completely agree about not buying your way in- it’s not genuine and it’s only a number at the end of the day. I think building real connections and leaving thoughtful comments is the most important thing to do when it seems impossible to get ahead on Instagram. I’m hoping consistency is the key! xx
http://mylovelierdays.com
ashleestuart
DianaIt honestly shocks me that people still do it. Real connections are so much more important!
chloe
My instagram seems to have ground to a halt recently. A lot of that is because I am not as consistent as I used to be. Having said that I have decided to be okay with it. I used to be so bothered if my account wasn’t growing or if i had low engagement. People will always try to buy their way to the top which is very annoying but it’s one of those things I guess xx
chloedanielle.co.uk
ashleestuart
chloeIt used to bother me as well, and I’m so happy that I just stopped worrying about it! Thank for reading!
Babita
It has probably been a year or so now that I left Instagram! Loved your thoughts here!
xo Babita
http://www.travelhues.com/
ashleestuart
BabitaOh wow, I bet that is so liberating!
Minhal Taher
I’ve been struggling with my instagram a lot and it makes me so demotivated. Another way I’ve seen influencers grow is through the follow/unfollow method. I absolutely hate it and it drives me nuts. Because I have the same view as you. And that is to focus on skills and to grow organically!
https://lifewithmins.blogspot.com/
ashleestuart
Minhal TaherYes, I hate it too! I’ve always thought it was so pointless and fake!
Emily
Growing on Instagram is definitely a struggle. It feels hard to keep up with the constantly changing algorithm. In my experience if I get too caught up with it, posting becomes stressful and less enjoyable. So in an attempt to strictly enjoy being creative and loving what I post I chose to not focus on the algorithm. I think consistency will be what ultimately pays off in the end!
ashleestuart
EmilyI’ve been doing the same thing. Even if I’m not growing at a rapid rate, at least it is all fair.