5 Instagram growth tips for new accounts
Check out my top five tips on setting up your new Instagram account for success, with a focus on growth.
1. Set up your username and bio
Be clear in your introduction
Your name, who you are, and what you do, all within your bio and username, matters beyond branding.
Instagram’s search engine is improving, and keywords help people find you. According to Hootsuite, using relevant keywords in your username and bio improves your visibility and reach.
Think of it as a trail of breadcrumbs that leads people to your work.
2. Post consistently and when people are online
Consistency matters more than quantity
Research shows weekday mornings (10am to 3pm) often attract the best engagement but that might not be true for you!
As you start posting, track your own analytics to find your sweet spot, and then treat it like a gentle rhythm your audience can count on.
3. Embrace Reels
Short-form videos are here to stay
With Instagram’s algorithm rewarding engagement, especially shares and saves, Reels under 60 seconds might be your gateway to faster growth.
Try creating shareable moments that feel genuine, relatable, entertaining and relevant to your brand.
Start simple, test the waters and when you fail, learn and try again (because success doesn’t come without a few fails).
If your content is shared by users via DMs or Stories, this sends strong signals to the algorithm.
Instagram boss Adam Mosseri has previously said they’re not looking at expanding into long-form content as short-form is more sharable amongst friends.
4. Engage where you want to be seen
Instagram is not just about posting, it’s about participating
Following accounts in your space and leaving thoughtful comments can help you build genuine connections and community.
Sprout Social highlights that engaging with others, especially through comments and shares, improves visibility and builds community trust.
Think of it less as “networking” and more like joining conversations you’d want to be a part of in real life.
A small, thoughtful response can go a long way.
5. Use hashtags and captions thoughtfully
Keep it specific and on-brand
Rather than #Photo, choose tags like #WellingtonWedding or #ConcertPhotography. That helps Instagram understand who to show your content to.
Think of your caption as a small, warm note - not a billboard. Pair it with a soft call to action like “Save this for inspiration” or “Tell me your favourite Wellington spot.”
Starting on Instagram will very seldom turn into an engagement wildfire, and growth can be a slog at times. Begin small, stay consistent, and focus on connection and consistency over perfection.
It can’t be expected for small business owners to execute marketing, social media and content creation on top of running a business, so if you’d rather save time and reduce stress consider bringing a professional content creator (who specialises in marketing and social media) into the fold.
I’m Bradley SG, I capture real content that helps your Instagram work for you. If you’re in Wellington, New Zealand and want you clean and professional content that showcases your offering to your audience, let’s chat!
