Instagram growth isn’t about going viral overnight — it’s about building a consistent, authentic brand your audience wants to engage with. Whether you’re a creator, a business, or just starting, you’ve probably asked: “How do I grow my following on Instagram?”

At Live To Create, we work with brands and creators around Sydney and Australia to turn that question into a bulletproof content strategy that consistently delivers and grows community. Below, we break down some of our key tactics you need to know to grow your following, backed by our insights, the right tools, and our tried and tested tips to get real results.

🎯 Know Your Audience Before You Post

You’re shooting in the dark if you post content without understanding your ideal follower. Start by defining:

What type of person do you want to attract?
What problems do they have?
What kind of content do they already engage with?

Tools like Meta’s Audience Insights or SparkToro can help you research your ideal followers’ interests and behaviours.

At Live To Create, we often create detailed audience personas as part of our client onboarding—they’re the foundation of any strong social strategy.

📱 What Kind of Content Performs Best on Instagram?

The algorithm favours content that keeps users engaged, especially video. Here’s what to focus on:

Reels: Short, relatable, and trend-savvy videos are key to growth. Tools like CapCut and InShot make editing easier.
Carousels: Great for educational or storytelling content. Use them to share tips, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes.
Stories are not great for direct growth, but excellent for connection. Use polls, Q&AS, and link stickers to boost interaction.
Originality > Trends: Jump on trends if they align with your brand, but don’t rely on them alone. The Instagram algorithm now prioritises original content more than ever.

Want some inspo? Check out our blog on how to make engaging Instagram Reels.

📅 How Often Should You Post?

Consistency beats frequency. You don’t need to post daily, but you need a rhythm your audience can rely on.

Here’s a general guide:

3–4 main feed posts per week
4–7 Stories per day (spread out)
1–2 Reels per week

Use a scheduling tool like Later or Planoly to plan content. Continuously monitor your insights—if engagement drops, adjust your timing.

🔍 Should You Use Hashtags or Paid Ads?

Yes, but with a purpose.

Hashtags: Use a mix of trending, niche, and branded hashtags (5–15). Avoid generic ones like #love or #instagood — they’re too saturated. Try Hashtag Expert to find smart, relevant tags.
Paid Ads: Boosting posts can increase reach, but only if the content is engaging. Want real ROI? Use Meta Ads Manager to target specific audiences instead of tapping “Boost.”

Pro tip: Don’t just throw money at a post. Start by boosting your best-performing Reel with a small budget and measure results.

🧠 How Do I Reach My Target Audience?

Your content won’t grow your account if the right people do not see it. Here’s how to fix that:

Use SEO in your captions (yes, Instagram has search now!)
Add keywords in your bio and alt-text on images.
Engage daily: comment, reply to DMS, and save content from similar accounts.
Collaborate: cross-post with creators or brands in your niche

Need help finding collab partners? Try Collabstr to connect with creators by niche, audience size, and engagement.

🚀 The Bottom Line

Growing on Instagram in 2025 means showing up with purpose. It’s not about chasing clout—it’s about building trust, creating value, and consistently showing up. From local cafes to global brands, we’ve seen time and again that sustainable growth comes from strategy, not shortcuts.

If you’re ready to grow your Instagram without guessing what to post or when to post it, contact the Live To Create team. We live and breathe social, and we’d love to help you thrive on the ‘gram.

👉 Book a free strategy call with us