Instagram isn’t just for showing off latte art or vacation snaps anymore—it’s a powerhouse platform for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, connect with their audience, and grow their businesses. If you’re wondering how to turn your doom scrolling into a thriving following, here are seven simple steps to take your Instagram game to the next level as a creative.
1. Optimise Your Profile
Your profile is your Instagram shopfront, so make sure it’s enticing enough to lure people in. Use a professional profile picture (or a recognisable logo) and write a bio that clearly states what you do and who you serve. Don’t be afraid to show a little personality—a well-placed emoji or a clever tagline can make all the difference and let’s your audience connect with you on a more personal level.
Tip: Include a call-to-action (CTA) in your bio, like “Shop my art here” or “Download my free design guide.” And don’t forget your links! Use instagrams native links (up to 5) or use a service such as Later’s linkin bio or Linktree for multiple options.
2. Post Consistently (Without Losing Your Mind)
Instagram rewards consistency, but you don’t have to post daily to see results. Choose a schedule you can realistically stick to, whether it’s three times a week or twice a month.
Batch-create your content so you’re not scrambling for posts at the eleventh hour. Apps like Later and Planoly can help you plan and schedule posts in advance, so you’re not glued to your phone 24/7. You can also download my free content calendar template to keep you on track and use my 2025 Marketing Calendar to give you content ideas and inspiration.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to when your audience is online. Use Instagram Insights to find your peak engagement times.
3. Engage Like a Pro
Instagram is a two-way street. The algorithm loves engagement, so make an effort to respond to comments and DMs. Even a simple “thanks!” or emoji reply can keep your followers feeling valued.
How to Engage:
- Spend 15 minutes a day liking, commenting, and sharing posts from your niche.
- Participate in trending conversations or niche-specific hashtags.
Think of it like networking—the more genuine connections you make, the more your following will grow.
4. Leverage Reels and Stories
Instagram’s short-form video features are where the magic happens. Reels, in particular, are pushed heavily by the algorithm, making them a fantastic way to reach new eyes and achieve instagram growth.
Reels Ideas for Creatives:
- Time-lapse videos of your work process.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses into your workspace.
- Quick tips or tutorials related to your craft.
- B-roll footage (either your own or from a stock video/photo app such as Dupe Photos)
For Stories, aim to post daily snippets that show off your personality and behind-the-scenes moments. Use polls, stickers, and questions to boost interaction.
5. Collaborate with Others
Collaboration is the secret weapon of Instagram growth. Partner with other creatives or brands in your niche for shoutouts, giveaways, or joint projects.
Examples:
- Team up with a photographer for a styled shoot.
- Host a giveaway with another artist or brand.
- Join forces for an Instagram Live Q&A session.
Collaborations expand your reach and introduce your account to a whole new audience.
6. Focus on Quality Content
Good content gets eyeballs; great content keeps followers. Invest in decent lighting and a good camera (your smartphone is often enough!) to ensure your photos and videos are crisp and appealing. I like to use this video creator stand from Amazon – it’s compact, lightweight and takes my videos up a notch.
Tips for Quality Content:
- Maintain a cohesive aesthetic by sticking to a consistent colour palette or editing style/filter.
- Keep your captions engaging. Whether you’re witty, heartfelt, or informative, make your audience feel something.
- Use trending hashtags, but don’t overdo it—aim for 5-10 relevant ones per post.
- Use keywords in your captions that are relevant to your niche
7. Track Your Progress
What gets measured gets improved. I’ll say that again for the people down the back – what gets measured gets improved. Use Instagram Insights regularly to see which posts resonate with your audience and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Metrics to Watch:
- Follower growth.
- Engagement rates (likes, comments, shares).
- Profile visits and link clicks.
Don’t stress over dips or slow periods. Building a loyal following takes time, so celebrate every small win—and keep experimenting.
Before You Go…
Growing your Instagram following as a creative entrepreneur isn’t rocket science, but it does require effort, strategy, and a dash of creativity. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building a community that loves your work and supports your journey. Your followers want to feel connected and heard – ensure your content hits these points.
And hey, if all else fails, you can log off and pretend it doesn’t exist until you’re ready to face the digital world again. It’s only social media after all.
