There is an easy way to direct more users to your Instagram feed without paying for advertising or even putting time into a complicated marketing strategy.
Have we piqued your interest yet?
While it’s still important to maintain a strong and well-planned social media strategy, that’s no reason not to make the most of easy reach when you can, and account suggestions can do just that. No fuss and more traffic to your Instagram profile. What more could you ask for?
Instagram’s suggested users feature is 100 percent free and requires only a little time investment. The benefits can make a big impact in helping you expand your audience and grow your reach, directly targeting users who care about accounts like yours.
Learn to use the Instagram suggestions feature wisely, and you’ll be able to access a brand-new growth strategy that’s quick and simple. Here’s how you can get started.
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What is Instagram’s suggested users feature?
Remember the last time you followed someone new on Instagram? After hitting the follow button, you probably saw a list of similar account suggestions, just beneath the user’s bio.
When you follow someone new on Instagram (or click the + person icon beside the message button at the top of someone’s Instagram account), the app takes the opportunity to recommend other creators you might be interested in, too.
Check out accounts in line with your vibe
Suggested people on Instagram are usually similar in tone, niche, or style to the account they’re linked to. Instagram suggestions are driven by an algorithm tailored to help you find other users relevant to your interests. This means you can easily discover people who share your vibe, which is key to getting the most out of your Instagram experience.
Who does the suggested accounts feature really serve?
The suggested users list is designed to keep users on the Instagram app for longer by connecting creators with engaged audiences who love the content they produce. As a follower, the suggested followers Instagram provides can help you find more of the things you love. As a creator, appearing in a suggestion list is a great way to expand your social circle and build your impact.
Why should you use suggested followers to grow your brand?
Becoming a suggested account on Instagram is one of the best passive growth strategies on social media, offering incredible benefits for creators, big and small. Here’s why you should explore the feature!
Free advertising
Plain and simple, Instagram’s suggestion list offers free advertising for your account! When you are one of Instagram’s suggested users, you can reach plenty of new users from around the world, all of whom are targeted specifically because of their interest in your niche and profiles similar to yours.
While paid Instagram ads can be expensive, becoming a suggested user won’t cost you a cent, even as it helps you reach a long list of new users. Suggested accounts can benefit from a major increase in Instagram traffic, all without spending a dime.
Social proof
The Instagram suggestions feature can also act as social proof, highlighting the value you offer your audience with the content you share. This not only shows off your account to an all-new audience. It also encourages those new users to recognise you as someone worth following.
As a suggested user on the Instagram app, your profile will be marketed to people who already have an interest in your niche and who follow (and trust the connections of) someone similar to you. This gives you the chance to capitalise on existing relationships and link your account to other success stories.
Community building
Building a strong community is the key to being successful on Instagram, which is a big part of what makes Instagram suggestions so powerful. This feature can help you target mutual friends and new-to-you users, all at once.
By linking your account to other creators like you, you can begin to develop your network and get to know other creators and users who care about the same things you do. This can encourage more users to visit your Instagram profile. Further, it could open doors for building connections and even exploring fresh collaboration opportunities.
How the suggestions feature can help you
Whether you’re new to the Instagram app or an established creator, the suggestions feature can help you associate your Instagram account with the big names in the business. Suggested accounts can empower you to find more of the right people. Plus, suggested Instagram accounts can benefit from a great algorithm boost that allows you to share your content far and wide. It’s a win-win!
Your step-by-step guide to becoming a suggested user on Instagram
You know that being a suggested account on Instagram can help you grow. So how do you make it happen? Check out our simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Enable the suggestions feature
To get started, all you need to do is adjust your Instagram settings! Unfortunately, this particular feature isn’t currently available via the Instagram mobile app, so you’ll need to open Instagram from a non-mobile browser.
Turn the account suggestions feature on
Here, visit your profile, and select the edit profile button. Scroll to the bottom of the screen, and check the toggle to enable similar account suggestions. This setting allows your account to be suggested on someone else’s Instagram profile. It also allows the Instagram app to suggest accounts when users follow you!
Step 2: Follow and favorite accounts like yours
Next, it’s time to teach the Instagram algorithm a lesson. When you interact with other users on Instagram, you provide the app with the information it needs to understand who you are and which other creators your content aligns with.
By following and favoriting other accounts that share a topic or style similar to your own, you can begin to link your content with its categories. This helps Instagram’s algorithm place your account in the right suggestions lists. Go through your search history, and make sure to follow Instagram accounts that align closely with your brand.
Step 3: Engage with accounts in your niche
Likewise, it’s important that you make an effort to engage with accounts in your content niche. Not only will this help with organic growth, but it will provide the Instagram algorithm with essential information about your habits and genre.
Every day, make time to like, share, and comment on posts shared by accounts like yours. The more thoughtful you are about your communication, the more likely it is that you’ll find new followers who care about what you have to say.
Step 4: Stay consistent with branding
As always, Instagram’s algorithm relies on your epic branding skills. When you stay on brand with your content and use clear keywords and hashtags that relate to your niche, you’ll make it easier for the app to recognise and recommend you.
That’s not to mention the many other benefits of effective branding across your top social media platforms. Your posts will provide value and consistency for your followers, all while driving a brand awareness boost.
Suggested following Instagram tips for success
As you work to share great posts, attract new followers, and grow your social presence, there are a few things you should keep in mind to support the best results for your Instagram account.
Remember that social media is always changing. New features and updates pop up all the time. The best way to take control of your account is to stay up to date with all the latest innovations and product releases, including any recent updates to the suggested following feature.
Similarly, never forget that gaining new social media followers is a long game. In most cases, Instagram account growth doesn’t happen overnight. If you want to achieve your goals, you’ll need to be patient and stick around for the long haul. Patience pays off!
Finally, be thoughtful about your focus. While new followers are great for growth, your true focus should centre around engagement. This way, you’ll be able to leverage whatever audience you build and direct even a small number of followers to equal maximum impact.
Frequently asked questions about suggested followers on Instagram
Still got questions? Here are our answers to a few FAQs!
Why am I not appearing in suggested followers?
If your account isn’t showing up as an Insta suggestion, it could be as simple as checking your settings! Use a desktop browser, and navigate to the ‘edit profile‘ section of your account to ensure that the suggestions feature is switched on.
How do I make my brand more likely to appear in suggested followers?
If you want to boost the chances of your brand earning an Instagram suggestion, you need to feed the algorithm the information it needs to work well. Engage with accounts that share your ideal follower base, and make sure you’re maintaining a strong presence as an active Instagram user.
Can I control who is suggested to me?
There’s no specific way to control the Instagram suggestions you receive, but what you do does make an impact. You can’t select accounts one by one, but you can engage with the content styles and categories that matter most to you. Instagram will use this data to select relevant accounts and make suggestions.
Do suggested followers change over time?
Suggested accounts can change over time, depending on how you use your account and the patterns you establish. If your content niche transitions or your interests appear to change, these factors will affect the accounts Instagram chooses for you.
How Plann can help you grow your brand on Instagram
We know that building your Instagram audience can feel impossible, but with the right skills and tools to help you, it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming.
If you’re keen to take charge of your Instagram account and attract followers who will love your posts, we think you’re ready for Plann! Our intuitive social media scheduling app makes it easy to take control of your content and map out the perfect audience-focused strategy.
Ready to grow your following and curate a strategic social media presence? Sign up for a free 7-day trial of Plann Pro today.
