Get Featured On Instagram: Tips And Strategies

by Henrik Larsen 47 views

Are you looking to skyrocket your Instagram growth and reach a wider audience? Getting featured on Instagram is a fantastic way to do just that! Feature accounts, which can range from brand pages and art showcases to modeling agencies and niche communities, have the power to expose your content to thousands, even millions, of potential followers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of how to get featured on Instagram, providing you with actionable tips and strategies to increase your chances of landing that coveted spot.

What are Instagram Feature Accounts?

Before we dive into the "how," let's first clarify what Instagram feature accounts are. Think of them as curators or aggregators within specific niches. These accounts typically share content created by other users, giving them credit in the caption and often tagging them in the image. This provides a win-win situation: the feature account gets fresh, engaging content to share with their audience, and the featured user gains exposure to a highly targeted and relevant audience.

Instagram feature accounts come in all shapes and sizes. Some are massive accounts with millions of followers, while others are smaller, more niche-focused communities. For example, you might find feature accounts dedicated to:

  • Photography: Showcasing stunning landscape, portrait, or street photography.
  • Art & Design: Featuring illustrations, paintings, graphic design, and other creative works.
  • Fashion & Beauty: Highlighting stylish outfits, makeup looks, and beauty tips.
  • Travel: Sharing breathtaking travel photos and videos from around the world.
  • Food: Featuring mouthwatering food photography and recipes.
  • Specific Niches: Anything from pet photography and fitness to minimalism and architecture.

The key is to identify feature accounts that align with your content and target audience. Getting featured on a relevant account will not only drive more followers but also attract individuals genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

Why Getting Featured Matters

Getting featured on Instagram isn't just about vanity metrics; it can significantly impact your growth and overall success on the platform. Here's why getting featured matters:

  • Increased Exposure: The most obvious benefit is the massive exposure you gain to a new audience. Feature accounts often have a large and engaged following, which means your content will be seen by a significant number of potential followers.
  • Targeted Audience: Feature accounts typically cater to specific niches, ensuring that the audience you're exposed to is highly relevant to your content. This increases the likelihood of gaining followers who are genuinely interested in your work.
  • Credibility and Social Proof: Being featured on a reputable account adds credibility to your brand and serves as social proof. It signals to others that your content is valuable and worth following.
  • Website Traffic and Sales: If you include a call to action in your caption or have a link in your bio, getting featured can drive traffic to your website or online store, potentially leading to increased sales.
  • Networking Opportunities: Getting featured can also open doors to networking opportunities within your industry. You might connect with other creators, brands, or even potential collaborators.

How to Find Relevant Feature Accounts

Finding the right feature accounts is the first step to getting featured. Here are several strategies to help you identify relevant accounts in your niche:

  • Hashtag Research: Start by searching for hashtags related to your content. For example, if you're a travel photographer, search for hashtags like #travelphotography, #travelgram, or #wanderlust. Look for accounts that frequently use these hashtags and feature other users' content.
  • Explore Page Inspiration: Pay attention to the content that appears on your Instagram Explore page. Instagram's algorithm is designed to show you content you'll likely be interested in, so you might discover relevant feature accounts this way.
  • Follower Analysis: Check the followers of accounts in your niche that you admire. They might be following feature accounts that you haven't discovered yet.
  • Competitor Research: See where your competitors are getting featured. This can give you a good starting point for identifying relevant accounts.
  • Google Search: Use Google to search for "Instagram feature accounts" + your niche. You'll likely find lists and articles that highlight popular feature accounts in your area.
  • Instagram Search: Simply search on Instagram for keywords related to your niche, such as "art feature page" or "fashion feature account."

Once you've found a few potential feature accounts, take some time to research them. Look at the type of content they typically feature, their engagement rate, and the size of their following. This will help you determine if they're a good fit for your content.

Optimizing Your Instagram Profile for Features

Before you start submitting your work to feature accounts, it's crucial to ensure your Instagram profile is optimized. Think of your profile as your online resume; it's the first impression you'll make on feature account curators and potential followers. Here's how to optimize your profile:

  • High-Quality Profile Picture: Use a clear, professional-looking profile picture that represents your brand or personal style. If you're a photographer, you might use a self-portrait. If you're a brand, use your logo.
  • Compelling Bio: Your bio is your chance to tell the world who you are and what you do. Use concise and engaging language to describe your niche, your passions, and what makes your content unique. Include relevant keywords to help people find you in search.
  • Website/Link in Bio: If you have a website, blog, or online store, include a link in your bio. This makes it easy for people to learn more about you and your work. You can also use a link-in-bio tool like Linktree or Lnk.Bio to create a landing page with multiple links.
  • Curated Feed: Your Instagram feed should be visually appealing and consistent with your brand aesthetic. Use a cohesive color palette, editing style, and overall theme to create a professional and polished look. This will make your profile more attractive to feature account curators and potential followers.
  • Engaging Content: Of course, the most important aspect of your profile is the quality of your content. Post high-quality photos and videos that are relevant to your niche and engaging to your audience. Use thoughtful captions that tell a story, ask questions, or encourage interaction.

By optimizing your profile, you'll increase your chances of getting featured and make a strong first impression on anyone who discovers your account.

Creating Feature-Worthy Content

The key to getting featured on Instagram is creating exceptional content that stands out from the crowd. Feature accounts are looking for visually stunning, engaging, and unique content that their audience will love. Here's what to focus on:

  • High-Quality Visuals: This is non-negotiable. Your photos and videos should be well-lit, in focus, and visually appealing. Use a good camera (even your smartphone camera can work wonders these days), pay attention to composition, and edit your photos thoughtfully.
  • Unique Perspective: What makes your content different? Do you have a unique style, a fresh perspective, or a particular niche you specialize in? Feature accounts are often looking for content that is innovative and pushes boundaries.
  • Engaging Captions: Don't underestimate the power of a good caption. Your captions should complement your visuals, tell a story, ask questions, or encourage interaction. Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.
  • Consistency: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and to show feature accounts that you're committed to creating content. Aim for a consistent posting schedule that you can realistically maintain.
  • Relevance: Make sure your content is relevant to the feature accounts you're targeting. If you're a food photographer, don't submit your landscape photos to a food feature account.

Remember, getting featured is a numbers game. The more high-quality content you create, the more chances you have of getting noticed.

How to Submit Your Work to Feature Accounts

Once you've optimized your profile and created some killer content, it's time to start submitting your work to feature accounts. Here's how to do it:

  • Read the Guidelines: This is crucial! Each feature account has its own specific guidelines for submissions. Some accounts require you to use a particular hashtag, while others have a dedicated submission form or email address. Make sure you carefully read and follow the guidelines to avoid having your submission rejected.
  • Use the Designated Hashtag: Many feature accounts use specific hashtags to collect submissions. Using the correct hashtag is often the easiest way to get your work seen.
  • Tag the Account in Your Photo: Tagging the feature account in your photo is another way to get their attention. However, avoid over-tagging accounts, as this can come across as spammy.
  • Direct Message: Some accounts accept submissions via direct message (DM). If this is the case, send a polite and professional message with a link to the post you'd like to submit.
  • Email Submission: Some accounts have a dedicated email address for submissions. If this is the case, send a well-written email with a link to your post and a brief description of your work.
  • Be Patient: Getting featured takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get featured right away. Keep creating great content and submitting your work, and eventually, you'll get noticed.

Engaging with Feature Accounts and Their Community

Getting featured isn't just about submitting your work; it's also about building relationships with feature accounts and their community. Here's how to engage:

  • Follow the Account: This is a basic but essential step. Follow the feature accounts you're targeting to stay up-to-date on their latest posts and guidelines.
  • Like and Comment on Their Posts: Show your support by liking and commenting on their posts. Leave thoughtful and genuine comments that contribute to the conversation.
  • Share Their Featured Posts: If you see a post you like, share it to your story or feed and tag the featured account. This shows that you appreciate their work and helps spread the word.
  • Engage with Other Featured Users: Connect with other users who have been featured on the account. This can lead to collaborations and new followers.
  • Build Genuine Relationships: The goal is to build genuine relationships with feature account curators and their community. Don't just engage with them when you want something; be a consistent and supportive member of the community.

By engaging with feature accounts and their community, you'll not only increase your chances of getting featured but also build valuable connections within your niche.

What to Do After Getting Featured

Congratulations! You've finally been featured on Instagram. But the work doesn't stop there. Here's what to do after getting featured to maximize the impact:

  • Thank the Account: Show your appreciation by thanking the feature account in your story or feed. Tag them in your post and let them know how much you appreciate the feature.
  • Engage with New Followers: You'll likely gain a significant number of new followers after being featured. Take the time to engage with them by liking their comments, responding to their messages, and following them back.
  • Share the Feature: Share the feature to your story or feed and let your existing followers know. This helps reinforce your credibility and shows them that your content is valuable.
  • Analyze the Results: Track your follower growth, engagement rate, and website traffic (if applicable) after being featured. This will help you understand what worked well and inform your future strategy.
  • Keep Creating Great Content: Don't rest on your laurels! Keep creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience to maintain your momentum.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To increase your chances of getting featured, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Not Reading the Guidelines: This is the biggest mistake you can make. Always read and follow the feature account's guidelines before submitting your work.
  • Submitting Low-Quality Content: Feature accounts are looking for the best of the best. Make sure your content is high-quality and visually appealing.
  • Over-Submitting: Don't bombard feature accounts with submissions. Only submit your best work and be patient.
  • Being Impatient: Getting featured takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get featured right away.
  • Not Engaging with the Community: Building relationships is key. Engage with feature accounts and their community to increase your chances of getting noticed.

Final Thoughts

Getting featured on Instagram is a powerful way to grow your audience, build credibility, and connect with like-minded individuals. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you'll significantly increase your chances of landing that coveted spot. Remember to focus on creating high-quality content, optimizing your profile, engaging with feature accounts and their community, and being patient. With dedication and consistency, you'll be well on your way to Instagram success!