The dreaded Instagram plateau. We've all experienced it. You're doing all the right things. You've got great photos, interactions, hashtags… but followers seem to stop or dwindle with each post you share. What could be the problem? I've got 5 different Instagram strategies you need to try before throwing in the towel. These tips and tricks will increase engagement, followers, and help you better understand the algorithm. I'm not saying you'll become an overnight celeb, but you will get your account noticed.

You might be thinking: Do I really need an Instagram Strategy? Short answer: if you want to grow your account, yes. Having an understanding of why you want to grow and then implementing ways to target the right kind of followers will not only help you grow but even monetize your account.

I'm going to share 5 different strategies and methods to get your Instagram noticed. Some go against what the experts say and differ even from what I've said in the past.

This Instagram strategy sorcery is backed by science, so while some of it might sound odd, I can promise you I've spent a lot of time researching Instagram. Not just for myself, although that's part of it, but for clients and companies I've worked with.

First and foremost you need to know that the Instagram algorithm changes daily. So many people run in fear and shout to the heavens when they get word that the algorithm has changed again. But believe me, it's a social media platform that wants to run smoothly and provide users a better experience. Oh, and it wants to make money. So the algorithm is consistently at work to ensure that.

5 Weird Instagram Tricks to Get More Followers

1. Use science to gain engagement on Instagram

Just like with most social media, there is data and science that can help us figure out what performs best on Instagram. According to Curalate, studies show that images with a single dominant hue or ones that have texture (this makes it feel more tangible) perform better on Instagram. Brighter images tend to perform 24% better than darker ones. Less saturated images also receive more likes. I think our eyes have a hard time processing oversaturated colors.

Other factors like using hashtags, showing your face, and not over editing help play a role in more interaction on Instagram.

Instagram gives us so many great tools to track analytics. I think one of the best benefits of having a business account on Instagram is the ability to quickly and easily analyze what posts are working and which aren't cutting it. Every single day I take a look at my post analytics. One of the biggest factors I look into are impressions. Some posts are seen by 60-70,000 people, while others might only be shown to 35,000. I like to take note of what kinds of posts work and which might fall flat on Instagram.

Another factor is your timing on Instagram. Posting to Instagram at YOUR right time can help your post be seen by more of your followers. It's essential that your post gets interaction as soon as you post. Posting at the right time can help you ensure you'll get more engagement.

Despite what we know, creativity trumps all. Sharing a creative image immediately makes us want to stop and look and, of course, interact. If you need some ideas, here are some ideas (and even more Instagram ideas here) to help you get the creative juices flowing.

2. Stop posting so often

If you've been following my blog for a while, you know this is something I haven't said before. I usually preach to always share consistently. I still agree with that. But PLEASE know it's okay to take a break. Let a photo “breathe” if you will.

If you have an awesome post, it's okay to leave that post up for a few days to help get more interaction on that photo. I am typically a once-a-day Instagram poster. But every now and then I'll skip a day or two. Not only for my sanity but also to let my last post to continue to gain interaction.

With the Instagram algorithm, it used to be that posting multiple times a day was just fine. This can still work. Many of those in the fashion realm have seen some success posting more often. But for most accounts, it's just not the case. The algorithm takes a bit longer to work. Meaning, your photo is being seen throughout the day after you post. If you want it to reach its maximum potential give it some room before posting again.

3. Use Instagram Stories to your advantage

I can't tell y'all just how necessary Instagram Stories are to your overall Instagram strategy. They are essential when it comes to sharing your personality, behind the scenes, and help you connect with your audience. Video is the future.

Having a story strategy is key to growing your Instagram. I don't just mean posting regularly, although that's part of it, but I also mean creating a schedule that will help you grow your Instagram. In order to grow your Instagram you have to know your why. WHY do you want someone following? What do you want out of it? The same questions go with your Instagram Stories.

When you start to think about what you can share that will help people understand your brand message or who you are, this leads to a stronger community, more sales, and more interaction. Every day on my Instagram Stories I like to share at least one story that will help with my overall goal of getting more people to read my blog.

This might sound overwhelming, but I promise, it isn't! If you need help I suggest checking out my free Instagram Stories challenge that will help you break down the barriers and find out what to post. When you sign up, you'll also get 30 Instagram Story ideas of what to post!

4. Invent/Remaster on Instagram

What can you do differently? How can you stand out? This is a question I ask myself daily. One Instagram account I'm really impressed with is The Sunday Chapter. I followed her when she had under 25,000 and watched her jump, in a matter of weeks, to over 400,000. YES, for real. Angela liked the Instagram Story Templates she spotted and decided to make her own.

She made them simple and unique and they caught on. So much so she BLEW UP her Instagram! This can happen to anyone, which is why I love Instagram so much. If you can think of a creative or helpful way to inspire your audience, chances are they will spread the word. You don't need to reinvent the wheel but you do need to think about how you can make something different.

Maybe it's sharing your story, coming up with a tool, creating a hashtag, starting a trend, creating something better than anyone else, or inventing something that people want to spread like wildfire.

Remember, you can grow your Instagram even on and off the app. Start a discussion, use your blog, and other social media to help promote your account.

What makes your account valuable or unique? Hone in on that and share more of that side of you every time you can.

5. Stop trying to grow your Instagram

If you're struggling to grow and you're not really seeing the needle move much on Instagram, chances are you could be leaving behind the community of supporters you already have.

Stop worrying about getting more Instagram followers and focus on the ones you have. This is my last and most important tip. We become so utterly consumed with gaining followers, we forget to pay attention to the ones that actually are. But when you give them something useful, helpful, or are interesting to them, chances are they will share about YOU.

Are you replying to comments? Interacting with your followers? Liking THEIR posts? Answering questions? DMs? I once read a tip from a girl who said she spends 45 minutes every day liking and commenting on posts with top hashtags. While that isn't a bad strategy, it's incredibly time consuming and doesn't guarantee anything. But your followers, they are there, wanting to be included in your story.

Look, we are all a bit selfish. We want to know what's in it for us. That's why we follow people on Instagram: to get inspired, laugh, learn, find community. You have to do that for your followers. We need to make it so that they are interacting.

When we do this, Instagram's algorithm actually puts us in front of other people. And if you really make an impact on your followers, hopefully they will share about you, too. It's a win-win.

I hope these tips will help you grow your Instagram engagement and community of followers. Instagram is definitely a unique social media tool and it's constantly changing. That's why it's important to keep up-to-date with what works for your account.