We love sharing your photography at Dickerman Prints: especially on Instagram.

Every day, we feature a mix of photos from our community; and a behind-the-scenes look at the the inner-workings of a photo printing lab.


Just like you, we work hard to create a beautiful gallery of photography on Instagram. But, how do we get more Instagram followers and what are the secrets to running a successful feed?

That’s what our in-house expert, Melisa Phillips, is here to talk about.

“I’ve been using Instagram and growing my following for the past several years.

Over that time, many friends have asked what steps they can take to improve their own following.

Based on those discussions, I have come up with these 5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Instagram Following.”

 Photograph by Melissa Phillips
Photograph by Melissa Phillips

1. Like more photos

The best way to spread good vibes & attract more likes to your own images is through liking other people’s images.

 On our Dickerman Prints Instagram feed, we feature photos of the day from our community - like this one by Julie Gebhardt ( @juliegeb )
On our Dickerman Prints Instagram feed, we feature photos of the day from our community – like this one by Julie Gebhardt ( @juliegeb )

Developing a habit of giving likes as you look at Instagram, can help you to gain more likes & followers to your work.  It’s as easy as double-tapping your smartphone while you scroll (you’ll see a heart of the image when it works). 

 

2. Follow more 

Similar to #1, following more Instagram Users will usually increase how many people are following you.  It’s not always a 1:1 ratio; but, the more you Follow, the more people will return the favor and follow you back.  

 

3. Use #Hashtags 

Hashtags are searchable terms you can add to your images; which allow other Instagram users to find your image. For example, an image of a rusty lock could have the hashtag #rust #lock #rustystuff – as well as many others.  

Adding hashtags greatly increases your image’s exposure on Instagram – by helping people to find your photo.

Helpful Tip:  Be sure to include your hashtags as a comment on your own image. Only hashtags that you post will show up in a hashtag gallery search.  

 

4. Niche, if you can 

 Flower photography by  Emily Citraro
Flower photography by Emily Citraro

If you are so inclined to be a photographer of one certain thing – city doorways, architecture, flowers, cats, rust, cars, etc, – Instagram will reward you for this focus.  

People like to know what to expect, and are more likely to follow you if they like your topic. My friend Emily Citraro quickly quadrupled her following when she dedicated her feed to flower photography. 

That said, not all photographers want to shoot only one subject matter: myself included. But, if you can dedicate your feed, you will be rewarded with more Instagram followers.  

 

5. Avoid Overposting

Posting a few images each day is OK. But, when it turns into dozens a day, many people will unfollow you for clogging up their feed with too many images.  

The sweet spot seems to be 3-4 images a day. Be sure to pace them a few hours apart, if possible, to allow your audience time to enjoy each image: one at a time. 

 


 

Got questions? We’re here to help!

Using these 5 basic steps is a great starting point for increasing your Instagram following . Take them to heart; and you are sure to develop habits that encourage your popularity and expand how large of an audience you reach. 

Want more Instagram info? Ask us anything in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading and happy Instagramming!

 

Be sure to follow Dickerman Prints on Instagram

 

 

 

 Our Instagram feed provides a unique look at everyday life in a San Francisco fine art photo printing lab.
Our Instagram feed provides a unique look at everyday life in a San Francisco fine art photo printing lab.