There is no other place online that you can get someone’s attention as quickly as you can than on Instagram. But with one billion monthly active users, it can feel almost impossible to connect with your ideal customers. That’s why in this blog I’m sharing my four best strategies to grow a new Instagram business account.

Mention the person you’re talking to in the comment thread

First, if you want to grow a new Instagram business account you should @ mention the person you’re talking to in the comment thread. Depending on the post content, sometimes a simple emoji will do. But if you’re responding to someone it’s always better to @ mention their account. Then they’ll get a notification that you’ve tagged their account.

Even as a newbie, notifications are one of those things that people can’t resist. Found in the top right corner of the platform, people can see how many unread Instagram notifications they have waiting in the Direct Messenger (DM).

Most of us cannot stand to leave those messages unread, your ideal followers probably feel the same way. Give them a reason to check their notifications and engage with your Instagram account.

Tag your ideal follower in a post only if it makes sense and applies to them

Now, before you start @ mentioning a bunch of accounts let’s clear one thing up. The last thing you want is to spam people with @ mentions. For example, tag community members so they don’t miss content that’s relevant to them. It’s a great way to build on conversations you’re already having.

If you’re confused about the difference between @ mentions and tags, check out this YouTube video. It’s really helpful to understand the difference so you can engage with your followers more effectively.

Start a convo in the Instagram DM

Next, let’s talk about the importance of the Instagram DM. By now you’ve probably caught on to how important the DM is for an effective Instagram strategy. While a lot of people rely on posting and dashing, that strategy could ultimately cost you the chance at meaningful customer relationships. Plus, with the option to set up Instagram DM Quick Replies, there’s no excuse for it taking too much of your time.

Ultimately, a lot of people are becoming more comfortable with sending messages to businesses and brands. If you’re trying to grow a new Instagram business account, it’s an easy way for you to remind people that there’s a real person behind your brand.

When people feel like they’re having a conversation with a person, not a brand, they’re more likely to reach out to you with questions or inquire about how they buy your products or services.

I know it can feel daunting to put yourself out there if you have a new Instagram business account. But once you find your voice on the platform and lead with confidence, your followers will take notice.