Instagram just got to be my favourite social media platform of all time. I have been able to considerably grow my following and engagement the past year. So I thought it would be a good idea to share my insights. As mentioned in my post recent post, I want my blog to be a resource for you guys as well! So here we go: my do's and don'ts on how to grow your Instagram following.

DO'S

1 . Engage with your audience | I used to value my number of followers, but now I focus more on the engagement and brands too. Given the fact that everyone can literally buy followers nowadays, the number of followers you have does not hold that much value.You should invest some time into engaging with your audience, leaving thoughtful and truthful comments on your favourite Instagrammers' feeds.I have subscribed to Iconosquare and it's such a helpful tool. I like to go in my account and reply to a few comments and also leave some love on my most engaged followers. They take the time to leave nice comments on my post so that's the least I can do.

2 . Post quality photos | Instagram is literally a visual diary for me. Some people don't like to put that much effort in the quality of the photos they post; but I do. I can take up to 15 minutes before posting a photo on my Instagram page (haha, it drives my husband crazy). I follow some specific editing steps — have a look at my 2016 most read post HERE to see how I edit my pictures — then I make sure to use the appropriate hashtags.

3 . Use hashtags |  As long as they are relevant, I seriously don't have any problem with the use of hashtags. Don't be afraid to use them, I know they have played a huge role into helping me grow. FREE PDF: Receive a list of the top Instagram hashtags I am currently using. Please download link at the bottom of this post. * Update* with everything going on regarding Instagram's shadow ban, lower engagement etc ... I have seen suggestions to stop using the maximum hashtags allowed or not use them at all for a certain time. I still use them but mostly in the comments section.

4 . Know what your darling followers like | Don't hesitate to experiment with different kind of photos such as flatlays, scenery pictures, from above photos. With the time, I have noticed that people really like my flatlays and streetstyle pictures, so I try to post these types of photos very often.

5. Share your personality | Just be you basically. Your personality has to come through the squares of Instagram. People love to know how you are in your daily life: goofy, silly, serious, inspirational. Just have fun! 

DON'TS

1 . Work with brands you don't genuinely like | This is something I truly value and which is a chore of my brand, I won't work with a company just for the money or the exposure I can get. In the long run, this can turn into a nightmare for something you have been working on so hard: your branding. I have declined so many collaborations because I was certain they were not a fit for Petite & Bold.

2 . Don't over post but be consistent | I try to post one picture each day. If I skip one day, it's not the end of the world. In general I post at least 5 times per week. It's important to have a certain schedule on Instagram.

3 . Don't be afraid to be creative in your way | There is nothing wrong about getting inspiration from fellow bloggers / Instagrammers ... I certainly do, but I don't copy. Look for inspiration then come up with something that has your personal touch.4 .

Don't give up | I admit, some days I get so discouraged by how many followers I lose or how my engagement lowers. But I try to keep my head up. Some days are better than others. I just keep on doing what I do best and always try to think about new ways to make my profile more attractive.

5 . Do not buy likes or followers | Meaning do not PAY a third party to send followers or likes your way. By doing so, you will be followed by fake accounts or people who will never engage with you. Keep in mind that participating into loop giveaways is a little bit different but does have a downside. The amount of people unfollowing right after the giveaway has ended can be so discouraging.

I really hope you love this type of posts. Don't forget to sign up to my newsletter to receive a list of the hashtags I use the most.

FREE PDF: Receive a list of the top Instagram hashtags I am currently using