5 Simple Ways To Network on Instagram

Remember the days when networking on Instagram started with you following as many people as possible, hoping they’d follow you back? It soon became apparent that this strategy didn’t work very well. If you want to build connections on Instagram, you have to network with the right people. And to do that, your content must appeal to the right audience.

Think of what a network looks like. It is a bunch of lines that all connect at different points. You can convert this picture to look like your social media profile, connecting with people in different consumer journey stages. You can also transform this image into reality by following these strategies to network on Instagram.

1. Networking Starts with Following Other Accounts

Following other people on Instagram isn’t without merit. It just becomes pointless when you follow every account you come across. If you want to network effectively, you should only follow people and businesses operating within your niche. This will help you create content that becomes visible to the right people.

Also, you can’t just follow people and expect them to follow you back. You need to converse with them and engage with their content. Share relevant industry news with those you follow. When people see that you are active within their niche, it motivates them to follow you back.

Spark conversations on Instagram. But do not post a comment or message to sell something. That is the worst way to try and initiate a conversation. Instead, send a compliment aimed at another account’s content and ask questions based on said content. For instance, if a business in your niche posts something about groundbreaking technology, you should ooh and aah about it in the comments but also ask a relevant question about it.

Doing this will help you start conversations, which could lead to collaboration. You can even throw in a meme or two. Humor is a great icebreaker when trying to connect with people on Instagram.

2. Make Hashtags Part of All Your Content

You must have a visible account to keep networking on Instagram. One of the best ways to get your content in front of Instagram users is by using relevant hashtags. Use hashtags that other brands in your niche use, and include unique branded hashtags. If you struggle with compiling a list of hashtags, use an AI chatbot or text generator to help you. Insert a different set of hashtags for each post, and include at least one branded hashtag per post.

When people discover your content organically, it is easier to network with them and tell them more about your brand. And it works both ways, so each Instagram connection benefits both parties.

Moreover, you can follow hashtags instead of accounts. This will populate your feed with even more relevant niche content, and you can add the content creators to your list of followers as well.

3. Make the Most of Instagram’s Explore Section

You will also find relevant accounts to network with using Instagram’s Explore section. The Explore page features content groups similar to content you’ve interacted with before.

Browse the most popular posts and follow the profiles with the most views and interactions. If you find a lot of Instagram stories on the Explore page, comment on the ones you find the most interesting. Instagram stories only stay visible for 24 hours, so you only have a small window to connect with the content creator or brand.

Be sure to comment and not reply if you’re connecting with someone for the first time. Replies get sent as DMs, and it may be a bit awkward to slide into a brand’s DMs if they don’t know you. It is best to introduce yourself via the comment section before you move on to a DM.

Also, if a story contains polls or questions, participate thoughtfully. If you’re answering a question, think about how to phrase your answer so you get a valuable response. For example, if you’re trying to connect with an art gallery, you could ask a question about who the best artists in history were. Or what type of art the gallery exhibits the most. Networking is about give and take. It is not about making connections to try and sell something.

Networking means building long-lasting professional relationships. And you can only do that if you display a genuine interest in the other party’s content and business too.

4. Create Content That Appeals

One of the easiest ways to build your Instagram network is to create content that appeals across the board. This means creating posts and videos to attract people within your niche and even those outside of it.

Show off how much you know about your niche product or service by posting infographics, tips, informative reels, and engaging stories. Provide helpful advice and highlight positive testimonials. Use Instagram’s features to enhance your content even further. For instance, you can add a unique CTA (call to action) in your captions.

Instead of asking people to swipe to read more or click to buy, you can ask them to comment with their opinions of your product. Or, you can add poll stickers to gauge viewers’ reactions to your content. When you make your content interactive, you invite people to connect with you in the same way you connect with people whose content you find interesting.

5. Share Content to Network More Effectively

Share content (with permission and attribution) from other content creators in your niche. Doing this will ensure you always have something for your followers to enjoy, even when you don’t have time to create new content. It will also make it more likely that people will follow you. Networking is also about supporting one another on Instagram. When you support other profiles, the owners of those profiles will support you too.

Network Your Way to Long-term Success

By using these strategies and being patient, you can network your way to success over the long term. As you build genuine connections on Instagram, you will continue to grow your following and get more eyes on your profile.