Clients ask us all the time: "How can I get more followers—fast?"
Small businesses and any one new to social media want those vanity numbers and believe a high follower count equals credibility and success. We get it. The pressure to grow quickly is real, and it can be frustrating when organic growth feels slow. That’s why many small business owners are tempted to take a shortcut and buy followers.
If you’ve ever considered purchasing followers, you’re not alone. But before you click “buy,” let’s set the record straight. Purchasing followers might boost your numbers, but it won’t grow your business. In fact, it can actually hurt your brand. Here’s why it’s a mistake—and what you should do instead to attract a real, engaged audience that actually converts…
The Problem with Buying Followers
At first glance, buying followers might seem like a quick way to boost your business’s presence. After all, a higher follower count must mean more credibility, right? Not exactly. Here’s why:
1. Fake or Inactive Accounts
Most purchased followers are bots or inactive accounts. They won’t engage with your content, meaning your likes, comments, and shares won’t increase—just your number of followers.
2. Lower Engagement Rates
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engagement. If you have thousands of followers but very few interactions, your content is less likely to be shown to real people.
3. Potential Penalties
Instagram actively removes fake accounts and can penalize accounts that engage in inauthentic growth, meaning you could lose those followers just as quickly as you gained them.
4. No Real Business Value
If your goal is to attract small business owners or entrepreneurs who might actually work with you, buying followers won’t help. A fake audience won’t book your services or recommend you to others.
What to Do Instead: Authentic Strategies for Growth
If you want real small business owners and entrepreneurs to follow you, the best approach is organic growth. Here’s how:
1. Engage with Your Ideal Audience
Find and interact with small business owners by commenting on their posts, replying to their stories, and sending meaningful DMs. Authentic engagement fosters real connections and increases the chances of them following you back.
2. Use Strategic Hashtags and Instagram SEO
Hashtags like #SmallBusinessMarketing, #EntrepreneurLife, and #SocialMediaTips can help business owners discover your content. Also, optimize your bio with keywords related to social media consulting so your profile appears in search results.
3. Collaborate and Network
Partner with business coaches, industry leaders, or fellow entrepreneurs for live sessions, shoutouts, or collaborations. Cross-promotions introduce you to new, relevant audiences.
4. Run Targeted Instagram Ads
Instead of buying followers, invest in Instagram ads that target business owners based on their interests and behaviors. This way, you attract the right audience—people who might actually become clients.
5. Share Value-Driven Content
Consistently post high-quality content that provides real value. Share social media tips, success stories, and actionable advice that helps small business owners grow. The more valuable your content, the more likely people will follow and engage.
The Bottom Line
A large follower count might look impressive, but if those followers aren’t real or engaged, it won’t benefit your business. Instead of wasting money on fake numbers, focus on building a community of real entrepreneurs who are genuinely interested in what you offer. Authenticity always wins in the long run.
Are you looking for a strategy to grow your Instagram the right way? Let’s talk! Take Flight specializes in helping small businesses build a loyal, engaged audience—no shortcuts needed.