6 Secrets to Grow Instagram Followers for Business Like a Pro

TikTok’s future in the U.S. is uncertain after a federal court upheld a law forcing ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban. With the clock ticking on a potential shutdown, TikTok users will need a new platform for their content. This presents a perfect opportunity to grow Instagram followers for business, as Meta is luring users with new Reels features and editing tools.

The thing is, however, that TikTok isn’t the cash cow you think it is. At least, that’s what Minolee knows from personal experience. He has quite the following—more than a million followers on TikTok. One of his accounts brought in more than 300 million views. Guess how much he made off it? A sweet $15,000. Not bad for an 18-year-old, but not something you’d say changes your life either.

Now, Instagram. Last year, he gained 200,000 followers on Instagram.

Not as massive as TikTok, but here’s the rub: he made $300,000 out of Instagram. Yes, 13 times more than what TikTok could’ve made. Imagine what that number will look like once those TikTok users flood Instagram. This is your shot.

6 Secrets to Grow Instagram Followers for Business

If you’re ready to grow like never before, here’s what you need to know.

1. Creating Problem-Solution Content on Instagram

Content helps the audience find problems and solutions. It remains one of the BEST ways to connect with them and drive engagement on Instagram. So here’s the exact step-by-step process:

1. Identify your audience’s pain points.
   Think about their biggest struggles. Ask yourself, What’s keeping them stuck?
2. Pick ONE specific problem
   Be clear and relatable. Instead of “struggling to get fit,” try: “Can’t get rid of stubborn belly fat no matter what you do?”
3. Hook them immediately
   Start strong with a relatable or curious statement:
   “Still doing 100 crunches a day but not seeing results? Here’s why.”
4. Agitate the problem
   Briefly explain why this issue is frustrating.
   Example: “You’re putting in the work, but the results just don’t show—it’s exhausting, right?”
5. Present a solution
   Drop an actionable tip they can use TODAY.
   Example: “Swap crunches for full-body exercises like burpees or mountain climbers—they torch more calories and engage your core more effectively!”
6. Show proof (if possible)
   Share your own results or a client success story to back it up.
7. End with a CTA
   Encourage action! Ask them to save, comment, or DM you:
   “Try this tip and let me know how it works for you!”

BONUS TIP: Use text overlays or transitions to make it visually engaging!

2. High-Conversion Instagram Story Templates

Followers don’t equal income unless you know how to convert them. The right story templates can help you grow Instagram followers for business and turn casual viewers into paying customers.

3. Instagram Comment Automation

Believe it or not, more than half of Minolee’s business comes from automating comment responses. It’s about staying engaged without spending every minute glued to your phone.

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A post shared by Digital Launchpad (@diglaunchpad)

Take this for example. He made people comment on the word “Launchpad,” making it an interactive post.

4. The Psychology of the Thumb

Instagram doesn’t care about SEO or hashtags. What it cares about is what your audience’s thumb is doing when they see your video. Are they scrolling past, or are they stopping to watch, like, and follow?
To make them stop, you need to understand their wants, needs, and even what they hate. Write it all down.

But remember, it’s not just about data. Speak to the camera like you’re talking to a real human being, not an algorithm. When you create for your ideal viewer, you’ll resonate with real people—not just the Instagram machine.

5. Hooks to Grab Attention

Storytelling is the key in 2025 to going viral. Think about it. People don’t follow you because they want to purchase something; they follow you because they believe in the story you are painting. When your story resonates, it ignites genuine connections, crafting a brand that is distinctly yours—a world of one with no competitors.

The trick is to frame your story in a way that feels personal, relatable, and human. Instead of talking at your audience, talk to them. This is where proven hooks come in.

Every great story starts with a hook. Here are some you can steal:

1. Quick question from a [blank].
   “Quick question from a psychologist.”
2. I once read somewhere that [blank].
   “I once read somewhere that we should change our what-ifs to even-ifs.”
3. You’re X, but you want to be Y.
   “You’re H&M, but you want to be Dior.”
4. Somebody told me that you were in need of X.
   “Somebody told me you were in need of a rebrand.”
5. Give me 30 seconds, and I’ll delete your X.
   “Give me 30 seconds, and I’ll delete your self-doubt.”

6. Stop using Hashtags

In the past, hashtags were actually a great tool for growth on Instagram, but that doesn’t work anymore. In fact, the CEO of Instagram even said so himself. Hashtags will not significantly change your reach. Now, hashtags aren’t very useful for growth but for targeting.

Stop Using Hashtags as a Route to Viral Fame—Utilize Them For Sales Generation

If you own a business or cater to a niche, then you can reach those exact people with the use of hashtags. Even then, though, you have to shift your thinking. Don’t use the hashtags that you are looking for the people. Use the hashtags that the result they are looking for.

For example, if you have a coffee shop in Chicago, you could use #ChicagoFood to get found. And when people are looking for that new place to go, you’ll be on that list. Like I said, this isn’t going to get you thousands of followers, but it could get you 10 new customers. And that might just be more valuable to you.

This is your shot. Instagram in 2025 is the place to be. Learn these strategies, try the hooks, and you will see yourself going viral.