6 Unknown Instagram Tricks for New Businesses to Increase Followers

So, you’ve started a business. Congrats.
Now comes the hard part—getting noticed.
And where’s everyone hanging out these days?
Instagram. Yeah, you guessed it.

But let’s be real.
It’s not just about posting pretty pictures and throwing in a #StartupLife hashtag.
If you’re a startup grinding to gain visibility, Instagram is a goldmine if you know where to dig.

Most guides out there? Meh.
Same boring tips—post regularly, use hashtags, engage with your audience.
We’re going beyond that.
Below the surface.

Let’s dive into these 6 hidden Instagram tricks and secrets.
These aren’t just tips. They’re weapons.

1. Master the Power of the “Saveable Post” (Not Just Pretty Ones)

Here’s a fact:
Instagram saves matter more than likes.
Why? Because saves tell the algorithm, “Hey, this content is valuable.”

And valuable content = better reach.

So how do you create “save-worthy” content?

Think checklists.
Think mini-guides.
Think carousels that teach something.

For example:
If you’re a fitness startup, drop a 5-slide carousel on “5 Desk Stretches for WFH Warriors”.
If you’re in finance, post a “Checklist to Save Your First ₹1 Lakh”.

Make it actionable. Make it quick.
And make it something your audience wants to come back to.

Pro tip: Use bold, clear fonts and simple visuals.
Don’t clutter. Minimal design = more savings.

2. The “First Comment” Hack (Yes, It Works)

Instagram gives more weight to keywords in the caption and comments.

But you don’t want your captions turning into a thesis paper, right?

That’s where the first comment trick comes in.

Here’s what you do:

• Write a crisp, clean caption with emotional hooks.
• Drop your SEO-rich explanation, keywords, and hashtags in the first comment.
• Boom. Cleaner post. Better reach.

Startup in fashion? Post a slick image. Caption: “You’re not overdressed. They’re underdressed.”
First comment: All the style tips, hashtags, and shoutouts to other creators.

You keep the vibe strong up top, and the algorithm still eats it up.

Win-win.

3. Collaborations That Don’t Feel Like Collaborations

You know those collabs that scream,
“This is a paid partnership and I really don’t care.”?
Yeah. Avoid those.

What works better?

Organic collabs. Casual. Human. Raw.

Let’s say you’re a travel startup. DM a micro-influencer who just posted about a trip. Offer to feature their photo on your feed, tag them, and add their tip as a caption.

Guess what happens?
Their followers get curious. They click.
Boom—new eyes on your page.

Better yet, use Instagram’s Collab Post feature.
One post. Two profiles. Shared engagement.

Keep it subtle. Keep it smart.
Don’t sell. Storytell.

4. Instagram Stories Poll Loop (The Instagram Trick They Don’t Tell You)

Polls in Stories? Cute.
But what if I told you there’s a feedback loop hack here?

Here’s the trick:

1. Post a poll in Stories: “Would you buy this if it launched tomorrow?”
2. Wait.
3. DM everyone who tapped “Yes” with a simple message:
   “Hey! Thanks for voting. You’ll be the first to know when we drop it 👀”

Result?
You just created a VIP list of hot leads.

And Instagram loves when you DM people—more engagement, more relevance, better visibility.

Plus, they’re more likely to respond to your next poll.
You build a loop. And loops build communities.

5. The “30-Day Reels Micro-Series” (Not Just Viral… Strategic)

We get it. Everyone says, “Do Reels!”

But here’s what they’re not telling you—do them in a series.

Here’s why:

• It builds anticipation.

• People binge.

• Your brand becomes a habit, not just a post.

Let’s say you’re a mental health startup.
Do a 30-day series like:

“30 Days, 30 Mindset Shifts”
Each Reel: 20–30 seconds. Quick wins. Real advice.

Or a food startup? Try:

“30 Quick Meals Under 30 Rupees”

Short. Punchy. Repeatable.
Stick the same opening + closing jingle and visual.
You become recognizable.

People remember series, not one-off posts.

And the algorithm? It remembers too.

6. The “DM Trigger” CTA Most People Ignore

You post something great.
People love it.
And… that’s it? Dead end?

Nope.

Here’s what smart startups do:

They use DM-triggering CTAs.

Instead of saying:
👉 “Check the link in bio”

Say:
👉 “DM me the word ‘Plan’ and I’ll send you our free 5-step travel guide.”

Or…
👉 “Want the Notion template? Just DM ‘Template’ and it’s yours.”

This works because:

• Instagram prioritizes accounts with direct conversations.

• DMs feel personal, not passive.

• You just started a lead gen funnel inside Instagram.

It’s low-key. But crazy effective.

Bonus Secret: Don’t Sleep on Instagram Notes

Wait, Notes?

Yeah, those little messages at the top of the DMs tab.
That nobody is using… yet.

You drop a note like:

“🚀 Just launched something BIG for startup founders 👇 DM ‘Launch’”

Guess who sees it?
Everyone you’ve DMed in the past.
No algorithm filter. No feed competition.

It’s pure visibility. For free.
Like email marketing, but sneakier.

Try it. It’s underrated. For now.

But Wait—What About Hashtags, #NMPI?!

We’re not saying skip hashtags.
Just use them wisely.

Here’s the better move:

1. Mix:
   • 3–5 high-volume hashtags (1M+ posts)

   • 5–10 mid-range (100k–1M)

   • 5–10 niche-specific (under 100k)

2. Rotate them. Don’t copy-paste the same set.

3. Create a custom branded hashtag for your startup. Keep using it.

Think of hashtags like seasoning.
Too little = bland.
Too much = overpowering.

Balance, always.

Final Words: You Don’t Need 1M Followers. You Need the Right 10K

Here’s the truth, raw and real:

Startups obsess over numbers.
But 1000 real fans who care? Better than 10K ghost followers.

Use these hidden tricks, yes.
But don’t forget—Instagram isn’t a game of trends. It’s a game of trust.

Create value. Be authentic.
Talk like a human. Not a brand.

And stay consistent. That’s the real secret most miss.

Now go. Open Instagram. Try just one of these today.
Let your startup own the scroll.

Got results?
DM me the word “Growth” on Instagram. Let’s chat wins 😉