The Best Ways To Grow Profitable Businesses On Instagram

Introduction

Is Instagram still the right place to grow your business? Absolutely—if you use it the right way. The key isn’t just posting pretty pictures and hoping for the best. Instagram is a powerful discovery platform, and when you understand how to work with the algorithm, you can get more eyeballs on your content, build an engaged audience, and ultimately grow your business. So, how do you go from zero to thriving on Instagram? Here’re the best ways to grow profitable businesses on Instagram.

1. Pick a Niche & Target the Right Audience

Instagram has over two billion active users, but here’s the thing—if you try to talk to everyone, you’ll reach no one. The Instagram algorithm works by categorizing accounts and matching content to the right audience. If it doesn’t know who your content is for, it won’t push it to the right people.

Many people make the mistake of creating content for everyone, which leads to inconsistency and lack of engagement. When you define your niche, you create a space where your ideal audience feels like your content is made just for them. Instagram’s algorithm rewards this clarity by pushing your content to people who are already interested in your topic.

Your first job? Get super clear on WHO you’re trying to attract.

• Who is your ideal follower or customer?
• What are they interested in?
• What problems do they need solved?
• What kind of content would make them stop scrolling?

The more specific you get, the easier it is for the algorithm to match your content with the right people—and the faster you’ll gain traction.

Action Steps:

• Define your niche in 1-2 sentences. (Example: I help busy solopreneurs grow their businesses using Instagram without burnout.)
• Write down three core topics you’ll create content around.
• Study successful accounts in your niche—what type of content is working for them?

Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s search bar to look up keywords related to your niche and see what content is already ranking. This helps you understand what your target audience is actively searching for.

2. Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Instant Followability

Your Instagram profile is your first impression—if it’s confusing, vague, or unappealing, people won’t follow you. Think of your bio as a 30-second elevator pitch that tells visitors exactly why they should follow you.

A confusing or cluttered profile turns people away, no matter how good your content is. Your Instagram bio should immediately answer the question, “Why should I follow this account?” Think of it as your digital storefront—if it’s not clear what you offer, potential followers will walk away without exploring further

Here’s a simple format to make it easy:

• Who you are (Your name or business name)
• What you do (Your niche or expertise)
• Why people should follow you (The value you provide)
• Call to Action (CTA) (Direct them to your website, freebie, or offer)

Action Steps:

• Use keywords in your name field to help with searchability. (Example: “Emma | Instagram Growth Expert | Digital Marketing”)
• Make your CTA crystal clear. Instead of just “Check my link,” say “Grab my free Instagram strategy guide ⬇️”
• Pin a “Start Here” post that introduces you and explains what people can expect from your content.

Pro Tip: Keep your bio simple, clear, and scannable—people decide in SECONDS whether to follow you or not.

3. Create High-Value Growth Content

Not all content is created equal. If you want to grow fast, you need engagement-boosting posts that Instagram will push to non-followers. If you’re struggling to get engagement, it’s likely because your content isn’t giving people a reason to interact.

The best posts either solve a problem, entertain, or provide a fresh perspective on something your audience cares about. Focus on crafting posts that spark conversation and make people want to share them with others. Make it relatable enough to share. Humor works well to spark engagement. Use memes, if that’s your style.

Your ideal audience is out there. You just need to find them by posting consistently with quality posts. Prioritize Quality as compared to Quantity. Don’t get burned out. Burnout is real and dark.

The best-performing content usually falls into one of these four categories:

• Entertaining (Funny, satisfying, or intriguing content that makes people pause)
• Inspiring (Success stories, motivational content, or transformation posts)
• Educational (Tips, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes insights)
• Relatable (Content that makes your audience feel seen and understood)

Action Steps:

• Brainstorm at least 20 post ideas across these categories.
• Use a mix of Reels, carousels, and engaging captions to boost reach.
• Experiment with viral formats (like trending audio for Reels or carousel posts with “Save for later” tips).

Pro Tip: Look at your competitors’ most popular posts and find ways to add your own spin on those topics. Reply to comments within a couple of days to generate conversation and help your content get more reach.

Related Post: Instagram Reels Ideas To Boost Engagement And Followers

4. Leverage Reels to Reach New People

Right now, Reels are the #1 way to get in front of non-followers. Even Instagram itself confirmed that accounts posting 10+ Reels a month grow the fastest. The best part about Reels is that they aren’t just shown to your followers—they’re constantly pushed out to fresh audiences. This makes them the most effective tool for organic reach, even if you’re starting from scratch.

A well-structured Reel with a clear hook and engaging visuals can reach thousands (or even millions) of people in a short amount of time. Instagram pushes out these reels to an audience they think will enjoy it, even if they are not your followers. As these non-followers engage with your content, the reels will be shown ot more people.

But just making Reels isn’t enough—you need to hook people in the first 3 seconds.

Action Steps:

• Always start your Reel with a bold hook (text on screen + engaging visuals). It should have dual hooks
• Use a clear structure: Hook → Value → Call to Action.
• Keep your reels to 3 minutes of less.
• Make sure your video is easy to follow without sound. Use closed captions!
• Put your text on the screen in the middle of the screen so it doesn’t get cut-off.
• Upload your reels at high quality. Instagram recommends a minimum resolution of 720p and a frame rate of at least 30 frames per second (fps)
• Leverage the power of trending audio for your posts. Check if the audio is apt for the rhythm of your reel.
• No third-party watermarks.
• Post original content or at least if you have taken someone else’s content via Remix, put your own spin to it to make it look original. If you keep violating copyrights, your account will be deactivated.
• Content that misleads or directs people to interact with likes or shares or comments to boost engagement will not be shown to many people.
• Be the first to cover latest trends. Even though Meta hates TikTok, but it loves adopting its viral trends. If you are on TikTok, use that advantage but remove the watermarks of TikTok.
• Instagram now allows TRIAL reels where you can post your reels as a trial that would be shown to non-followers and depending on the engagement, you can decide to make changes or post it on your feed.

Pro Tip: If you’re stuck on Reel ideas, check the “Reels” tab in your niche and recreate high-performing formats with your own spin. Use the Inspiration category in Professional Dashboard and see what is working for your audience, and the kind of reels that are suggested for you. You will get trending audio that is popular among your followers.

Related Post: Mastering Instagram Reels: Now Effortlessly And In A Few Minutes

6. Use Carousels for More Engagement

Carousels (multiple-image posts) keep people on your content longer by capturing their attention, which signals to Instagram that your post is valuable. They get better reach than single photo posts. Add your hook to the first slide to set the context and compel people to keep scrolling through.

Carousels have a unique advantage: if someone doesn’t engage the first time, Instagram may show them the post again with a different slide. This increases your chances of getting noticed and encourages more interaction. Make sure your first slide is strong enough to hook viewers in and make them want to swipe through the rest.

They’re perfect for:

• Step-by-step guides
• Behind-the-scenes insights
• Before-and-after transformations
• Case studies or testimonials

Action Steps:

• Start with a scroll-stopping first slide (clear hook or question).
• Keep text minimal—use visuals to make it engaging.
• Leave negative space (blank space) so your text is easily visible.
• End with a strong CTA (Save this post, comment below, etc.).

Pro Tip: Carousels perform best when they tell a story or solve a problem—make each slide compelling! Adding a Trending Audio now makes it appear in the Reels Tab. So, you get dual benefit of a carousel being treated like a reel and pushed to non-followers.

Related Post: 50 Hooks And CTAs To Skyrocket Instagram Views

Related Post: How to Create a Cohesive Instagram Aesthetic

7. Connect Through Relevant Captions

Captions are more than just an afterthought—they’re a powerful tool for engagement and connection. A well-written caption can add context, spark conversation, and encourage interaction, all of which signal to Instagram’s algorithm that your content is valuable. Instead of generic or vague captions, focus on making them relevant to your post while speaking directly to your audience. Think about what they might be feeling, wondering, or needing in relation to your content.

Use storytelling, ask engaging questions, or provide additional insights to make your captions feel like an extension of your post rather than just filler text. Captions also contribute to Instagram SEO, helping your content appear in search results when people look for specific topics. By making your captions more thoughtful and keyword-rich, you increase the chances of your post being discovered.

Action Steps:

• Start with a strong hook in the first sentence to grab attention. The first 3 words are most important as they are seen along with your content. Grab my freebie of Hooks and CTA combinations ⤵️
• Keep it conversational and write as if you’re speaking directly to your best friend.
• Use long-tail SEO keywords naturally to improve discoverability. Download by freebie from below (applicable for all niches) ⤵️
• Ask a question or invite followers to share their thoughts in the comments.
• Add value by offering an insight, lesson, or behind-the-scenes detail.
• Use line breaks with emoji and spacing to make longer captions easier to read.
• If you use Manychat to automate your business, then ask your audience to type a keyword that will trigger the automation. For more details on how to set up Manychat, download my freebie ⤵️

Pro Tip: Instagram favors captions that keep people engaged, so encourage responses by asking open-ended questions or prompting action. The more time users spend reading and interacting with your caption, the better your post will perform in the algorithm. You can use POLLS in captions too for added engagement.

Related Post – ManyChat – Automated System To Skyrocket Your Business

9. Show Up on Stories to Build Trust

Stories might not grow your reach, but they convert followers into buyers. Unlike Reels or feed posts, Stories allow you to be more casual and personal, which strengthens the relationship with your audience. They’re also a great way to keep your brand at the top of people’s minds since Stories appear at the top of the home feed. By consistently posting engaging Stories, you create a habit where followers actively check in on what you’re sharing.

Use Stories to:

• Share daily behind-the-scenes moments
• Poll your audience to spark engagement
• Show testimonials and social proof
• Talk about your offers in a non-salesy way

Action Steps:

• Post at least 5-10 Stories per day.
• Use polls, Q&A stickers, and interactive features to keep engagement high.
• Show your face if you can or a voice over! People connect with people.

Pro Tip: Save your most valuable Stories to Story Highlights so new visitors can binge your best content.

10. Collaborate for More Exposure

One of the fastest ways to grow is by tapping into other audiences. Instagram favors collaboration because it keeps users engaged longer, which is why shared content gets extra reach. Partnering with other creators or businesses in your niche exposes you to an entirely new audience that already trusts the person you’re collaborating with. Even a simple cross-promotion can result in a boost in followers and engagement.

Try these collaboration tactics:

• Do Instagram Lives with industry peers.
• Create joint posts with other businesses.
• Engage with larger accounts in your niche to get noticed.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have a big audience yet, collaborating with accounts of a similar size can help you grow faster.

11. Find and Optimize SEO Keywords

Instagram is no longer just a social media platform—it’s a search engine, and optimizing your content with the right keywords is crucial for visibility. Whether it’s in your bio, username, captions, hashtags, or even alt text, strategically placing Instagram SEO keywords helps your content reach the right audience. Instead of guessing which terms will get you discovered, use Instagram’s Explore page to identify trending and high-performing keywords in your niche.

How to Find and Use Instagram SEO Keywords:

• Use the Explore Page: Type industry-specific terms into the search bar and analyze top-performing posts and Reels to find commonly used words.
• Look at Instagram’s Autofill Suggestions: Instagram’s search bar predictions reveal what people frequently search for—these terms make great keywords.
• Analyze Hashtags: Check high-engagement posts in your niche and see which hashtags and phrases appear repeatedly. Use them naturally in your captions.
• Optimize Your Profile: Your username, name field, and bio should include relevant industry keywords. For example, instead of just “@JessicaDesigns,” try “@JessicaBrandDesign.”
• Use Keyword-Rich Captions: Write longer captions (at least 100+ words) that include relevant search terms naturally. Instagram’s algorithm scans captions, so keyword placement matters.
• Add Keywords to Alt Text: When uploading an image, use Instagram’s alt text feature to describe the photo using relevant keywords for better search visibility.
• Include Text in Stories and Reels: Instagram scans on-screen text, so adding keywords as overlays in Stories and Reels helps improve discoverability.

Pro Tip: For maximum visibility, combine Instagram SEO with Google SEO. Use Google Keyword Planner and Answer The Public to find long-tail search queries that align with Instagram’s trending terms. By integrating both, you improve your chances of ranking in Instagram’s search results and external search engines, increasing overall reach.

12. Add Topics and Places for Better Discoverability

Instagram is making it easier than ever to categorize and expand your content’s reach through Topics and Places. These features help Instagram understand what your post is about and serve it to users interested in similar content. Topics act as content labels that improve discoverability, similar to hashtags but built directly into Instagram’s algorithm.

Places, on the other hand, help your content appear in local searches, making them valuable for businesses targeting specific regions. By tagging relevant topics and locations, you increase your chances of reaching people who are actively searching for or engaging with similar content. Whether you’re a brand, creator, or local business, these tools can help you show up in more searches and suggested posts, boosting your overall reach.

How to Use Topics and Places to Boost Visibility:

• When posting, select relevant Topics to help Instagram categorize your content correctly.
• Tag your location when posting to appear in location-based searches and Explore results.
• If you’re a local business, consistently use your city or neighborhood to attract nearby customers.
• Even if you’re not a local business, using popular locations (e.g., major cities) can expose your content to a broader audience.
• Test different topic tags and places to see which ones bring in the most engagement.

Pro Tip:Topics work alongside hashtags and keywords, so don’t rely on just one method for discoverability. Combine Topics, Places, and Instagram SEO keywords in your captions and post settings to maximize your visibility across different search pathways

13. Use Analytics to Improve Your Strategy

Data is your best friend. Check which posts get the most reach, saves, and shares—then make more of THAT content. Growth on Instagram isn’t just about posting more—it’s about posting smarter. Your analytics tell you exactly what’s working and what’s not, so you don’t waste time on content that doesn’t convert. Reviewing your insights regularly allows you to refine your strategy and build on what’s proven to drive results.

Action Steps:

• Look at your top-performing content each month.
• Identify patterns (topics, formats, or styles that work best).
• Adjust your strategy based on what’s actually getting results.

Pro Tip: Don’t just chase views—track follower growth and conversions to see what’s driving real business results.

14. Use the Most Powerful Tool: YOU!

At the end of the day, people follow people, not just brands. No matter how much strategy you implement, the real connection happens when you show your authentic self. People don’t just follow accounts—they follow personalities, stories, and perspectives they resonate with. The more you inject your personality into your content, the stronger your brand presence will be.

Action Steps:

• Show your face in Reels & Stories.
• Share your journey, struggles, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Let your personality shine—it’s what makes you unique!

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink perfection. People connect with real and relatable content, not just polished posts.

Final Thoughts

Growing your business on Instagram in 2025 comes down to strategy, consistency, and optimization. By focusing on SEO, high-quality content, audience engagement, and Instagram’s latest best practices, you can increase your reach and attract the right followers. Stay adaptable, track what works, and refine your approach over time—because Instagram rewards those who evolve with it.

Are you ready to grow on Instagram this year? Which strategy will you focus on first? Drop a comment and let’s chat! 🚀

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