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Are you feeling stuck on Instagram, wondering why your account isn’t growing even though you’re showing up, posting, and following all the “rules”? You’re not alone. Especially for women over 40 building a new digital brand, it can feel like Instagram is a game with secret rules no one is sharing.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a 20-something influencer or dance on Reels to grow on Instagram. You just need a few key strategies that actually work, the ones most people aren’t talking about. Let’s get into it.
1. Your Bio Matters More Than You Think
Your Instagram bio isn’t just a mini intro. It’s your digital storefront. In 5 seconds or less, it should tell a new visitor:
- Who you help
- What you help them with
- How they can get started with you
Not sure who your dream audience is yet? Discover Your Dream Audience walks you through it step by step.
Quick Fix: Start your bio with a clear “I help” statement. Example: Helping women over 40 grow digital income through blogging + Pinterest.
And don’t forget to include a link to your freebie or guide!
2. Hashtags Are Not Dead, They’re Just Misused
A lot of creators are ditching hashtags, but here’s the deal: they still work if you use them right.
Use These 3 Hashtag Tiers:
- Niche hashtags (under 50K posts): #WomenOver40Bloggers
- Mid-size hashtags (50K–500K): #PinterestMarketingTips
- Popular hashtags (500K+): #WorkFromHomeLife
Use a mix of 15–20 hashtags that actually relate to your content. Avoid spammy ones like #follow4follow.
Want a deeper dive into how to attract new followers fast? Check out The Beginner’s Guide to Up to 100 New Followers a Day for simple, repeatable steps that work.
3. Engagement Is Your Secret Superpower
Instagram rewards accounts that engage with others. But this doesn’t mean just replying to your comments. It means starting conversations.
Try this 10-Minute Strategy Daily:
- Leave thoughtful comments on 5 target accounts
- Reply to 3 Stories from accounts in your niche
- Send 2 DMs to people you genuinely connect with
That’s it! Simple, real, and powerful.
4. Reels Work, Even If You Don’t Show Your Face
Not comfortable talking on camera? You can still use Reels effectively. Try:
- Quote graphics with trending audio
- Screen recordings of your blog, Pinterest tips, or Canva designs
- Quick before/after tutorials or mini wins
Bonus tip: Use trending audio with fewer than 10K uses for better reach.
You don’t have to go viral to grow. Seriously. I explain exactly how in How to Grow on Instagram Without Going Viral.
“Connection builds community. And community is what leads to growth.”
5. Consistency Wins, But So Does Simplicity
You don’t need to post daily. But you do need a rhythm. Start with 3 posts per week:
- 1 Reel
- 1 value-packed carousel (tips or tutorial)
- 1 personal connection post (your story, behind the scenes, or a relatable moment)
Batch content once a week so you’re not creating daily.
6. Save-Worthy = Share-Worthy
Forget likes. The algorithm cares more about saves and shares. Create content people want to come back to or send to a friend.
Examples:
- Checklists
- Step-by-step how-to posts
- Inspiring quotes with a takeaway
7. Your Audience Over Aesthetic
We all want a pretty feed. But don’t let perfection slow you down. Focus on being clear and helpful instead of curated and “perfect.”
Ask Yourself:
- Does this post solve a problem?
- Would I stop and read this?
Pretty is nice. Helpful is powerful.
8. Let Instagram Stories Be Easy
Stories are where real connection happens. You don’t need a strategy for every slide. Just show up.
Try:
- A quick coffee chat or morning tip
- A peek at your blog process
- Polls or question stickers (great for engagement)
Use stories to remind followers about your offers, blog posts, or free guides.
“Connection builds community. And community is what leads to growth.”
Ready to Grow With Confidence?
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