Instagram Followers Count, Tools & Info

When it comes to Instagram, I am very public about how I think the platform can be a bit toxic and a bit surface. Of course, there are ways to use Instagram strategically without spending much time aimlessly scrolling around, but most people want to go after one very simple thing – Instagram growth. So, naturally, you might be wondering about your Instagram followers count.

There are quite a few different Instagram counter tools available out there, and you can find the most popular ones with a quick Google search. But I am going to challenge you here.

Why are you caring about your Instagram followers count?

Legitimately, though. I actually want you to answer that.  Because the number one answer that comes from most people is that they think that more followers will automatically equal more business (and more money). Well, I really don’t like to be the bearer of bad news – but if you’ve been following my blog or my podcast, you know that I am very raw, authentic, and I always speak the truth based on real-world experience.

Across my current four different Instagram accounts, I have nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram. And I’ve tried nearly every different Instagram growth strategy.

I’ve tried to grow my Instagram organically. I’ve tried to use Instagram engagement groups within the platform itself, via Telegram, via WhatsApp, via Facebook groups, etc.  I’ve tried the super controversial follow-unfollow method. I’ve tried paid growth strategies. I’ve done contests, loop giveaways, the $1.80 Gary Vee strategy, influencer marketing, and shoutouts, and the list goes on and on.

I’ve been there, I’ve done it. And that is why I have been able to accumulate nearly 100,000 followers over the years.

But you know what, my very own Instagram followers count basically means absolutely nothing.

Not absolutely nothing, though. It still definitely adds perceived brand value, and the metrics can help you land sponsorships and some level of clout in your respective industry. But I want to be very clear – a generic Instagram followers count doesn’t directly translate into dollars in the bank.

Case in point – did you ever hear about the Instagrammer who has more than 2 million followers who couldn’t sell 36 t-shirts?

It’s a true story, and it’s not an anomaly. There are countless “influencers” who struggle to make a healthy living. Why? Because they’re not sure how to monetize Instagram.

There’s plenty of ways to do it, and there’s no black-and-white answer about what’s best for you. Because you are a unique person with a unique goal. And if you ever come across a person preaching that they know what’s going to work best in a black-and-white approach, I would be very careful. Because for me, that’s a huge red flag.

Make sure you are very intentionally figuring out how to monetize your Instagram followers count you already have before you put your time, energy, and effort into building more followers just for the sake of having more Instagram followers. Because in all honesty, that’s just a vanity metric.

As always, let me know if you have any questions about anything at all.

Growing an Instagram account can hard if you don’t know what to do. But if you don’t like the platform like me, know that you don’t HAVE to be on it.

And if you’re wanting the step-by-step about all of this and learn literally everything I know about the Instagram platform, make sure to check out my Instagram course for photographers & creative small business owners.

And because you’re here, you might also be interested to check out some of these other blog posts found around my website:

• 14 Ways to Grow Your Instagram Account
• Why you shouldn’t rely on referrals & word-of-mouth marketing
• My true feelings about Community Over Competition
• How to choose the best photography workshop or online course