Instagram, ranked 7th among the most visited websites worldwide by SemRush, amasses approximately 2.9 billion visitors per month. Its value as a marketing platform cannot be overstated, particularly considering that a survey conducted by Instagram for Business found that 44% of Instagram users utilize the platform for weekly shopping. This represents a goldmine of opportunities for business owners.

However, simply establishing a business account on Instagram and showcasing your products or services isn’t sufficient to convert viewers into customers, particularly for brick-and-mortar businesses.

Why Local Followers are Crucial

While Instagram allows you to connect with prospects globally, local businesses can’t afford to miss out on the potential customers closer to home. Increasing your local Instagram followers is key to driving revenue and reaching your customer base more efficiently.

The methods detailed below will aid you in attracting more local followers on Instagram.

Collaborate with Local Influencers

Local influencers are Instagram users who have amassed between 1K-10K followers in your immediate area and create content relevant to their audience. These influencers are trusted voices within your local community, and collaborating with them can significantly boost your business’ visibility and engagement.

But how can you find the right local influencers for your business? Here’s how:

Finding Influencers Through Hashtags

By entering relevant terms for your niche in Instagram’s search function, you can easily locate top posts using those hashtags. For example, if you run a New York-based restaurant, your search might look like: “#newyorkfoodbloggers” or “#newyorkrestaurantblogger”.

Using Google to Find Influencers

If searching through hashtags seems too monotonous, you can simply Google search your terms, for instance, “Instagram New York food bloggers”. This method simplifies the process of finding local influencers who align with your business niche.

Utilize Geotags

Instagram geotags are specific longitude and latitude markers associated with your content. By using geotags, you can attract local followers by linking all your posts to your business location.

Here’s how you can geotag your Instagram post:

  1. Upload the image or video you wish to post.
  2. On the next screen, select the “Add a place” section. Instagram will automatically compile a list of places near you.
  3. Choose a place from the list or enter your desired location by clicking on the “>” sign and typing in your location.

Remember to enable location sharing for Instagram on your phone to utilize this feature.

Run Local Promotions and Contests

Local promotions and contests are a proven method of gaining local followers. Collaborating with other local businesses related to your niche for these promotions can further expand your local audience reach.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Guessing contest
  • Tag a friend
  • Best caption contest
  • Like and share to win contest
  • “Follow to win” contest

The key is to make your promotions fun, engaging, and targeted towards your local audience.

Utilize Localized Ads

Lastly, Instagram’s ad features allow you to choose where your ads target. You can set your target location by country, region, city, or even specific addresses. This feature allows you to hyperfocus your marketing efforts on your local audience.

However, ensure your budget permits for running ads over a longer period for better results.

Wrapping Up

To leverage Instagram’s vast user base effectively for your business, focusing on a local audience is key. Working with local influencers, geotagging posts, running localized promotions, and using localized ads are foolproof methods to attract local followers on Instagram.

Remember, results might not be immediate, but consistent application of these techniques will result in an organic increase of local followers, bringing you a step closer to achieving your business goals.