Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie

How to Get New Followers on Instagram: Trial Reels, Bios, and More!


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Let’s talk about real strategies for getting new Instagram followers, especially as social media has evolved and people have become a lot more selective when it comes to hitting that follow button. I’m breaking down what actually makes someone want to follow you, including how to optimize your bio, pinned posts, and stories to create a magnetic profile, and why trial reels are still one of the best tools for attracting fresh eyes, even if they don’t go viral. 


In this episode we’ll be covering:

  • How to think like a user, what makes you hit follow on an account? 
  • The strategy I use for trial reels that consistently brings in new followers to my account.
  • Why is Instagram really giving those warning messages and should you be worried?
  • How to prevent a trial reel from sharing to your account. 
  • Creating an irresistible Instagram profile with an optimized account bio, purposeful pinned posts, and daily engaging stories.


Don’t have access to Trial Reels yet? Try this hack and let us know if it works for you!

​​Step 1: Go to this URL on your phone (https://creators.instagram.com/blog/instagram-trial-reels?locale=en_GB)

Step 2: Click the ‘Create Reel’ button

Step 3: This will open IG to upload or create a video. Press next, make any edits, etc., then press next again to fill out the caption etc. You should see a toggle to select “Trial Reel” (This is a trial reel and will only be shown to non-followers at first.) Post when you’re ready!

Step 4: Repeat the process and upload as many as you want. After a while the feature will just be on your account.

Additional step: if you ever lose the feature after you had it, just repeat the step-by-step and you’ll get access to it again.


Recommended episodes:

  • Episode 019: Convert Viewers to Followers with the “That’s Me” Reel
  • Episode 020: SEO Strategies to Optimize Your Instagram Content
  • Episode 040: Build More Connections with Everyday Moments
  • Episode 050: Stories Work! Here’s how to make them work for YOU
  • Episode 071: Start a New Instagram Account From Scratch (or Refresh Your Current One)
  • Episode 073: Staying Top of Mind with Instagram Stories


Send a message!

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Good Content with Shannon McKinstrieBy Shannon McKinstrie

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