If you’re struggling to grow your Instagram account, chances are you’re making some common mistakes. Avoiding these seven errors can significantly improve your organic reach, engagement, and follower count. Let’s dive into what you should NOT be doing on your Instagram journey.
YOU SHOULD AVOID FOLLOWING 7 MISTAKE
- THE DANGERS OF BUYING FAKE FOLLOWERS AND BOTS
Many creators fall for the temptation of buying followers to appear more popular. But what they don’t realize is that fake followers and bots ruin engagement. These accounts don’t interact, don’t buy, and don’t care. Instagram’s algorithm notices the lack of interaction and suppresses your reach.
In the worst cases, your account could be flagged or shadowbanned. That means your posts won’t show up in hashtags or your followers’ feeds, regardless of how great your content is. Real growth comes from real people who care about your brand or personality, not empty numbers.
Pro Tip: Focus on quality over quantity. Having 1,000 real followers is far more valuable than 10,000 fake ones.
- IGNORING YOUR INSTAGRAM BIO IS A BIG MISTAKE
When someone visits your profile, the first thing they see is your bio. It only takes seconds for them to decide if they want to follow you. A weak or confusing bio can turn them away instantly.
Here’s what a good Instagram bio should have:
- A clear profile name and picture
- A short, compelling description of who you are or what you do
- A link (website, landing page, or portfolio)
- Optional: contact info or location if relevant
Don’t forget to include relevant keywords. If you’re a fitness coach, make sure “fitness” or “coach” is in your bio. It helps with search visibility and adds credibility.
- POSTING INCONSISTENTLY OR WITHOUT STRATEGY
One of the biggest mistakes people make is posting randomly. If you post five times in one week and then go silent for two weeks, your audience loses interest—and so does the algorithm.
Instead, create a content calendar. Plan your posts around:
- Your audience’s active hours
- Trending topics in your niche
- A balance of content types (Reels, carousels, Stories, lives)
You don’t need to post every day, but you should be consistent. Start with 3–4 quality posts per week and build from there.
- USING IRRELEVANT OR SPAMMY HASHTAGS
Hashtags are not magic spells that make your content go viral. Using #follow4follow, #like4like, or random trending tags unrelated to your content can hurt your credibility and attract bots.
Instead, use hashtags that:
- Are relevant to your niche
- Have a mix of high, medium, and low competition
- Are regularly followed by your target audience
Use up to 30 hashtags, but even 8–12 well-chosen ones can do wonders. Test different combinations and track performance to see what works best.
- NOT ENGAGING WITH YOUR FOLLOWERS OR COMMUNITY
If someone comments on your post and you ignore them, you’re missing a golden opportunity. Engaging with followers builds relationships, and relationships build loyalty.
Here’s how to engage meaningfully:
- Reply to comments and DMs
- Like and comment on your followers’ posts
- Ask questions in captions or Stories
- Use polls, quizzes, and Q&A features in Stories
Also, connect with creators in your niche. Share each other’s posts, join Lives together, or simply comment with genuine interest. Building a community around your profile is a long-term strategy that pays off.
- NEGLECTING INSTAGRAM STORIES, REELS, AND OTHER FEATURES
Features = Exposure
Instagram rewards users who use all of its tools. Stories, Reels, Lives, and Highlights are not optional extras—they’re key to expanding your reach.
- Reels are currently prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm and can help you go viral.
- Stories create daily touchpoints with your audience and help you stay top-of-mind.
- Lives foster real-time engagement and allow for deeper conversations.
- Highlights let new visitors quickly understand what your brand is about.
Use stickers, text, and music in Stories. Add captions to your Reels. Don’t be afraid to show behind-the-scenes content or your personality. The more real you are, the more people relate to you.
- COPYING CONTENT INSTEAD OF CREATING ORIGINAL POSTS
Imitating popular creators may seem like a smart shortcut, but copying content kills your unique voice. Instagram users follow people for personality, originality, and perspective—not copy-pasted trends.
Take inspiration, yes. But always:
- Add your own voice or twist
- Use your brand colors and tone
- Create original captions or storytelling
- Mix educational content with entertainment
When you’re authentic, people stick around longer. They trust you, share your content, and invite others to follow.
FAILING TO TRACK PERFORMANCE WITH INSTAGRAM INSIGHTS
Instagram gives you free access to Insights if you switch to a business or creator account. Use this data to understand:
- Which posts get the most engagement
- When your followers are most active
- What content format works best
- Where your audience is located
Make a habit of reviewing your analytics weekly. Look at saves, shares, reach, and comments—not just likes. Based on what you learn, tweak your content calendar, posting time, and hashtag strategy.
THINKING YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALL ALONE—TRY RHODBOOST FOR SAFE GROWTH TOOLS
Trying to grow your Instagram alone can feel overwhelming. That’s why smart creators look for tools and resources to simplify the process.
Platforms like RhodBoost offer safe, organic-focused Instagram growth tools to help you:
- Reach the right audience
- Boost engagement naturally
- Grow with real followers—not bots
- Track progress without stress
Instead of buying sketchy followers, RhodBoost focuses on smart strategies that align with Instagram’s guidelines. It’s an ideal companion for creators serious about genuine growth without risking their accounts.
FINAL WORD: FIX THESE MISTAKES AND WATCH YOUR FOLLOWERS GROW
Instagram success doesn’t happen overnight, and there’s no magic button. But by avoiding these 7 common mistakes, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Remember:
- Stay real, stay consistent
- Don’t chase numbers—chase relationships
- Use tools like RhodBoost wisely
- Always be learning and adapting