Instagram growth can feel like an uphill battle. For many social media marketers and small business owners, the idea of buying followers is tempting.
After all, a high follower count can make your profile appear more credible and popular.
But is buying Instagram followers really the quick fix it claims to be?
This blog explores the risks, potential benefits and smarter, organic ways to grow your Instagram with strategies that withstand the test of time.
Buying Instagram followers might sound like an easy shortcut to success but the reality is far less glamorous. Here are some significant risks to consider before you start spending money.
Services that sell Instagram followers often provide fake accounts, bots or inactive profiles. This means followers won’t engage with your content, damaging your overall account performance and diminishing your brand’s authenticity.
One of the key metrics Instagram algorithms use to rank content is your engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, etc.). If the majority of your followers are fake, your engagement rate will plummet. This can prevent your posts from being shown to real audiences, further hurting your chances of genuine growth.
Buying followers violates Instagram’s terms of service. Using such practices puts your account at risk of getting flagged, restricted or even permanently banned. Instagram routinely cracks down on inauthentic behaviour, leaving purchased followers at risk of being removed.
Consumers are savvier than ever and can spot when an account’s follower count doesn’t match its engagement. If they notice you’ve purchased followers, it can damage trust and harm your reputation—especially if your audience values transparency and authenticity.
While the dangers of buying followers are undeniable, it’s important to address the perceived “benefits” that draw people in.
A high follower count can make an Instagram profile look credible at first glance. This can be particularly tempting for new brands that want to build a sense of legitimacy quickly.
Social proof—the idea that people are more likely to trust something that others approve of—can be enhanced by a high follower count. However, this benefit is superficial and short-lived without genuine engagement and quality content.
What this means is that while buying followers might provide an initial appearance of authority, it won’t result in long-term success or meaningful engagement—a critical factor in Instagram growth.
Rather than taking shortcuts, organic strategies are the best way to build a sustainable presence on Instagram. Here’s how you can grow your account the right way.
Great content is the foundation of any successful Instagram account. Share visually appealing photos, videos and graphics. Make sure your posts tell a story or provide value to your audience.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s carousel posts to showcase tutorials, photo series or before-and-after shots. These are engaging and keep users interacting with your post for longer.
Engagement drives visibility on Instagram. Respond to comments, reply to DMs and engage with accounts in your niche. Building meaningful relationships fosters a loyal following.
Do some research to find hashtags relevant to your niche, industry or audience. Combining popular, niche-specific and branded hashtags increases your content’s chances of being seen by the right people.
Example: If you’re a small bakery, combine hashtags like #BakingLove, #SydneyEats and #YourBakeryName to maximise reach.
Instagram Stories and Reels are currently the platform’s most engaging formats. Use Stories for quick updates, behind-the-scenes content or polls, while creating Reels for entertaining, bite-sized videos that show off your expertise.
Pro Tip: Audio trends on Instagram Reels can significantly boost your reach. Keep an eye on trending sounds and incorporate them into your content.
Partnering with influencers or complementary brands can expose your account to a new, relevant audience. Reach out to individuals or organisations in your niche to create mutually beneficial collaborations.
Conduct contests that encourage followers to tag friends, comment or share posts to enter. This increases visibility and attracts new followers who are genuinely interested in your brand.
Use Instagram Insights to track which posts perform best, who your audience is and when they’re most active. Use this data to tweak your strategy for better results over time.
The short answer? No. While buying followers may offer a quick boost in follower count, it’s not worth the risks to your engagement, reputation or long-term account health.
Authentic growth takes time but it’s sustainable and builds genuine connections with your audience.
Instagram success goes beyond numbers—it’s about creating a community, sharing value and earning trust.
By focusing your efforts on quality content and authentic engagement, you’ll build an account that resonates with your audience and delivers lasting results.
Looking for expert help on growing your Instagram?
Contact On Point Marketing today! From crafting a strategy to curating scroll-stopping content, we’ll help grow your brand organically.
Can I handle my own online marketing or should I hire a professional?
+How can I use social media to promote my business?
+How can I measure the success of my online marketing efforts?
+How long does it take to see results from online marketing?
+What is content marketing and how can it help my business?
+What is search engine optimisation (SEO) and how does it work?
+Can I handle my own online marketing or should I hire a professional?
While it's possible to handle your own online marketing, it can be time-consuming and require a steep learning curve. Hiring a professional online marketing company ensures that you have access to experienced specialists who understand the latest industry trends, best practices, and tools. This can help you achieve better results and free up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.
