Step-By-Step Guide: How to Increase Instagram Followers for Your Travel Business

Instagram, with its visual emphasis and user-friendly interface, is a powerhouse for travel businesses. With over 1 billion monthly active users, it's a fantastic platform to showcase your offerings and connect with potential customers. But how do you increase your follower count? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Step 1: Complete and Optimise Your Profile

First things first, make sure your Instagram profile is complete and professional. Use a recognisable profile picture (like your logo), write a compelling bio, and add your business website link. Instagram also allows you to categorise your business - ensure you've chosen the 'Travel/Leisure' category.

Step 2: Understand Your Target Audience

Knowing your audience is the key to content creation and engagement strategies. What type of travelers are you targeting? Luxury, budget, adventure, family, solo? Understanding your audience's preferences, behaviors, and peak activity times on Instagram can guide your approach.

Step 3: Create High-Quality Visual Content

Instagram is all about aesthetics. High-quality, visually appealing images and videos are crucial to attract and retain followers. Showcase stunning destinations, behind-the-scenes looks, and customer testimonials or experiences. Consider using professional editing tools to make your photos pop.

Step 4: Use Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags can significantly increase your content's visibility. Use a mix of popular and niche travel-related hashtags. Research what your competitors and industry influencers are using. But remember, Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post - don't go overboard and only use relevant ones.

Step 5: Engage with Your Followers and Beyond

Engagement is crucial to growing your follower count. Respond to comments, engage with your followers' content, and interact with posts under relevant hashtags. This not only fosters relationships with existing followers but also increases your visibility to potential ones.

Step 6: Collaborate with Influencers and Other Businesses

Partnering with influencers can expose your brand to a wider audience. Similarly, consider collaboration or cross-promotion with businesses that complement your own - like hotels, airlines, or local attractions.

Step 7: Regularly Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content is gold for authenticity and engagement. Regularly share your customers' photos and experiences (with their permission), and remember to tag them. This can encourage other followers to share their content with you in hopes of being featured.

Step 8: Utilize Instagram Stories and Reels

Instagram's Stories and Reels features are excellent for sharing bite-sized, engaging content. They're perfect for sharing quick travel tips, showcasing a day at a destination, or running polls and Q&A sessions. Plus, regularly posting stories can increase your visibility on the platform.

Step 9: Run Contests and Giveaways

Contests and giveaways can quickly boost your follower count. You could run a simple "follow and tag friends" contest, or a more engaging "share your travel story" contest. Make sure the prize is relevant and appealing to your target audience.

Step 10: Monitor Your Performance and Adjust

Use Instagram Insights to monitor your progress. Which posts are getting the most engagement? What times are your followers most active? Use this data to refine your strategy, optimize posting times, and create more of the content your followers love.

Increasing your Instagram followers is not an overnight task; it requires consistent effort, engaging content, and genuine interaction. But with these steps, you're well on your way to building a robust and engaged following for your travel business. Happy Instagramming!