How to Grow Your Instagram Followers in 5 Easy Steps

When we first started out on Instagram we were blown away by how many fashion bloggers were utilizing this platform and making some real money.

Now that it’s been over a year of posting and learning how Instagram works, we’ve compiled our five top strategies that we’ve used to grow our audience to over 11k.

Instagram in our opinion is one of the best platforms for fashion bloggers in particular, because

#1 It’s a visual platform
#2 You can essentially have a blog without a website.
#3 It’s the most engaging platform (compared to Facebook and Twitter).

Step #1 Be consistent.
We know you’ve heard this time and time again that in order to grow an audience you have to be consistent with your posts. And even though this statement is a bit like “duh”... we can’t help but emphasize this tip.

Reason being, that when we first started out we were SUPER consistent. We even posted up to four times a day at times in order to boost our posts. Because who wants to follow an account with only like fifteen posts, right?

Also, when you become consistent with your posts you start to notice that the same people will like and comment on your posts because they start getting used to seeing you in their feed. It’s like you become Instagram buddies.

Plus the more comments and likes you get, the more engaged you can become with your audience which increases your chances of being shown in the news feed. Due to the algorithm changes, everything is all engagement bases rather than chronological.

Step #2 Create a visually pleasing feed.
As we stated earlier, Instagram is the most visual platform. So in order for someone to look at your account and say “wow, this account looks cool, I think I’ll follow them”, you have to create a visually pleasing feed.

So how do you do this? Basically it’s all about two factors: photography and branding.

Photography is super important especially if you’re a fashion blogger, so it’s always important that you have great lighting so you can actually see what you’re wearing.

If you notice on our IG feed, we only feature photos that are bright and the quality of the photo is easy to see their outfit.
Granted you also have to have a good sense of style. 😉

Also, the way you place each photo on the grid is important too. You don’t want to post a bunch of photos with darker backdrops and then lighter ones. Or a bunch of green/nature photos and have them all sort of blend together. You want to make sure you’re posting photos that look good next to each other.

You can obviously just try to visualize what you’re posting before doing so, or you can use an Instagram planner like Planoly or Later in case you’re not too visual of a person. These tools help you not only plan out your content but you can see how the photos will look before actually posting them.

Step #3 Find your tribe’s hashtags
When we first started out we only posted hashtags like #fashion or #style.

You may be thinking, well what’s wrong with that? Well, there really isn’t anything wrong with that strategy, however, chances are NOBODY is seeing your hashtags.

The reason is that these popular hashtags have millions of hashtags already. The key is to find hashtags with less than 100k.

You want to try and research similar Instagram profiles and see what kind of hashtags they are using. This is the easiest strategy for finding your “tribe”.

Another strategy is to create your own hashtag. For example, we use #globalgarbs or #globalstyle to connect with our audience and have used them since beginning our IG account. We can now see who’s hashtagging us to either engage or be featured on our feed.

Step #4 Share other’s content
If you’ve checked out our Instagram, you know that we ONLY feature other people on our platform. Global Garbs is not the typical blog in the sense that it’s not about any one person but rather we feature many different bloggers from around the world.

This has been the biggest way to increase our audience by sharing other blogger’s on our feed. This works especially well for bloggers that have a small to medium size audience like ourselves.

If we shared Aimee Song’s photo, chances are she’s not going to be super stoked (in fact we totally do this sometimes and she never even notices lol). BUT when we share other bloggers with the same sized audiences, we usually always get a big thank you and more followers.

So even if you’re a personal blogger, maybe you share a fellow blogger’s food picture or latest handbag. This would be a good way to share someone else’s content without diluting your brand and not including a picture of yourself.

So the main idea here is that sharing is caring, and sharing equals more followers + engagement.

Step #5 Engage with your followers
When it comes to engaging, this is one of the hardest parts of Instagram.

The reason it’s difficult is because you want to make sure your followers are even liking the content you are posting to begin with.

The main idea here is to spend at least 10-15 minutes a day interacting with your followers.

Create a CTA (Call-to-Action) at least a few days week. This can be to leave a comment in relation to whatever you’re asking or even to click to a link in your bio.

Remember: Using your bio’s link is very important when it comes to driving traffic and building your e-mail list, so use it wisely.

Finally, if you see people who are commenting, liking your posts, pay the favor back and do the same on their account.

This begins to create somewhat of a community between your followers and yourself, and that is the best way to not only GROW your audience but an ENGAGED audience.

That is the key to being truly successful with Instagram.

Don’t forget to download your free checklist here which highlights this blog’s post and will ensure you are following each step on a regular basis to grow your audience consistently.

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Top 6 Tips Sustainable Fashion Bloggers Live By

With the fast-fashion business model pumping up the volume of garments being produced, the fashion industry has become one of the largest environmental polluters in the world, second only to oil.

In recent years, more and more people are becoming aware of the damage being done, not the mention the unethical working conditions that allow for such wasteful mass-production, and are taking back the power of their purchase by hitting the industry where it hurts most - right in the pocket.

With the future and fate of the planet in mind, many consumers are looking toward making ethical and sustainable choices when browsing the racks.

Whether it be by supporting brands who create their wares with recycled fabrics or vegan leather or educating themselves on the ethics involved in getting their garb from the factory to the retail floor, consumers are letting the industry know what they value, and big business is starting to take notice, as evidenced by the recent launch of a sustainable collection by global retail force, Zara.

If going all-in sounds like an overwhelming feat, don’t worry: there’s no right or wrong way to make sustainable choices.

Many people start out by making small changes when and wherever possible, learning along the way and allowing themselves make more informed decisions with every decision.

Luckily, for anyone interested in learning more, there is a wealth of first-hand information out there to help guide you, from bloggers to Instagrammers, to ethical fashion designers and boutiques.

We spoke with some of the top eco-friendly fashion bloggers working today and gathered some valuable tips easy enough for anyone looking to change up their shopping game, and use the power of their dollar to change the world, one purchase at a time.

photo via leotielovely.blogspot.com

“Buy from brands who are transparent about their circular story from cradle-to-cradle. Even if it's imperfect, you know if they're honest about where they're at and where they wish to go, and your support will help them be that change.

As consumers, it is our responsibility to know how our products are made, how they affect us when we use them, and what happens to them after we dispose of them.

Once you understand the story of each product you use or habit you've made, you truly become a conscious consumer." @leotielovely

photo via sustainabledaisy.com

“Sustainability can be an overwhelming status to achieve. I’d encourage you to not be stressed with the idea, but to place small eco-friendly adjustments into your life. For example, do you have a recycling bin? How about swapping out that chemically face cleanser that stings your skin to something all-natural? Treat yourself to a pleasant morning by biking to the farmers market, or feel good by picking up a few pieces of litter when you walk down the beach. Making green adjustments takes us back to our human roots and feels noble and honest. Take pleasure in being kind to yourself, and the world around you. When you open up your mind and heart to yourself, nature, and life around you, you grow as a human and a pleasant philanthropic fire in your heart will grow.  Do your best and have fun taking control of your life with conscious, kind decisions that radiate positivity.” 

“The one tip I have is to ask questions about the story behind any product we buy so we can make more informed, purpose-driven purchase decisions.” @kameachayne

• LET'S GET TRASHY 👻👻 • I mean it. This classy dress from @aeonrow is made from 100% recycled materials, turning what would otherwise have gone to landfills into something of value and use again. Stylish? Check. Low impact? Check. Timeless? Check. . We're redefining what it means to be "trashy," because in this eco scene, it's got a new meaning, and it's something to be proud of. Ready to join this movement? #letsgettrashy (👈🏼I'm scared to see what's already in that hashtag😂) . #MyKonsciousWorld @konsciousofficial 🌱📷: @sisiliapiring

A photo posted by Kaméa Chayne | Homo Sapien (@kameachayne) on Oct 16, 2025 at 8:04am PDT

The one tip I have is to ask questions about the story behind any product we buy so we can make more informed, purpose-driven purchase decisions @kameachayne

“Do your research, as some companies pose as being ethical/sustainable but actually they're not. Also, before you buy anything, really try and think about if you're going to use it and wear it enough. I like the 30 wears idea and try and adhere to that.”

@englishlassinla

Mentally writing my packing list as tomorrow I fly to Blighty! 🇬🇧 #Londontown I'll see you soon 😍 #BestCityInTheWorld 📷:@franvonwongphoto

A photo posted by Jessica • English Lass In LA (@englishlassinla) on Aug 18, 2025 at 7:26pm PDT

Do your research. Some companies pose as being ethical/ sustainable but actually they're not. Also, before you buy anything, really try and think about if you're going to use it and wear it enough. I like the 30 wears idea and try and adhere to that. @englishlassinla

Would you wear a dress made out of beer? It might sound a little crazy - but all revolutionary things often are. Check out some of the other weird & wonderful sustainable practices the fashion industry is set to catch up on via the link in my bio. Prepare to be surprised 🙈😱👗🍻

A photo posted by Amber (@ethicalfashionblogger) on Jun 23, 2025 at 12:30am PDT

“When it comes to ethical fashion my main priority is a sustainable planet. What that means to me is thinking about the impact something would have on the planet. Of course you can try to find out if the fabric is recycled or organic, but more often than not a retail assistant might not know the exact story of the fabric or garment. A tip I would say is feasible for the everyday consumer would be to simply:

Feel for quality. Make sure the fit is perfect for you and have at least 5 outfits in your mind that you know you can pair this piece with. If the garment is not
a) high-quality b) a good cut AND c) not versatile enough to make 5 outfits, don't buy it. Even if it's got a higher price tag, you will get a gazillion times more wear out of it than you would if you were to invest in a cheaper/less quality item that you're just going to chuck in a few months.” @ethicalfashionblogger

photo via mochni.com

"When I buy ethical clothing online (and when I shop new clothing, I mostly shop online), I always check these fact:
I go to the brand´s website. First of all, I check their about page to see on which kinds of ethics they are focused. Then I check the products in their online shop to see the materials. I always prefer eco-friendly materials for example in summer: linen, organic peace silk, organic cotton and in winter: alpaca fiber and ethical wool in general. When I do not find much information about a sustainable brand, I won’t buy there. 

I think it takes a lot time to search for ethical and sustainable fashion brands, which are super modern. And that is why I will launch my new platform THE ECO ALPHABET (ecoalphabet.com) in 2017. It is a directory, where you can search, filter and explore really cool sustainable fashion labels. Brands can now apply for a registration. I think this will be super helpful for shopping tips." @mochni

written by Kristin Howard 

Why we started blogging in the first place

Blogging is such a funny thing when you really think about.

You're essentially writing somewhat of a personal journal to the world and for strangers to read your innermost thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. 

We started blogging about a year ago, and when we say "we", we obviously mean "I". By saying "we" it provides the opportunity to have various voices contribute over time which is the ultimate goal of Global Garbs. 

Global Garbs started as a way to research trends around the world, as my previous position as the Director of Merchandising for a fashion accessory company in New York required me to do so. 

What I realized is that compiling this research and learning about what was trending in other parts of the world was actually quite fascinating.

This is ultimately what led to me starting the blog. 

What I realized is that there weren't many blogs out there showcasing the talents, style, and point of view from creative influencers on a global level. 

Sure there are sites like Chictopia, or Lookbook, but no one seemed to be creating content from a writing and blogging perspective. These sites were huge platforms of other bloggers trying to promote their own blogs. 

We wanted to dive deeper into who these people were, what's their story, and how were they trying to "make it" in the world of fashion blogging or whatever their creative journey was. 

From there we discovered that we also loved finding new brands and connecting with other like-minded individuals no matter where they lived in the world. 

It was then that we realized that we wanted to turn this idea, research, and passion into a blog. 

And although it can be a lonely road at times, Global Garbs has begun to open doors to meeting so many new people and connecting with unique brands and companies all over the world. 

The internet's whole purpose (in our opinion) is to be able to connect with people all over the world. As long as you have an internet connection and a computer you're good to go. 

This is why we truly believe that the world is slowly becoming a big melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. Not only are we becoming a big melting pot in general, but we are becoming a melting pot of style - which is something that prior to say fifteen years ago wasn't ever going to happen. 

Big retailers, boutiques, bloggers, and anyone pretty much trying to build a brand is going global. 

We want to appeal to all markets around the world and people are slowly realizing that country or location doesn't really matter. It's all about lifestyle and how you relate. 

So you see, the moral of the story is to start a blog.

Whether you're a brand, blogger, company, creative, or just looking to discover your passion; starting a blog will unleash these powerful thoughts and possibilities. 

That's why we started this blog anyway. 😉

by Lauren Tanaka 

The Top 5 Fashion Blogging Mistakes and How to Fix

When it comes to fashion blogging we've all made mistakes here and there. You only learn by doing right? 

There does seem to be however a handful of the TOP Fashion Blogging Mistakes that we ALL have made from one time to another. 

These mistakes are the most common mistakes that we ourselves have made and are continuously trying to fix. Blogging is not a race, it's a journey. We have yet to meet anyone who's had overnight success. 

Read on to learn what the top mistakes seem to be across the board and how we can fix them to make each blog post one step closer to achieving our goals. 

MISTAKE #1: NOT HAVING A NICHE

This is a big mistake that most fashion bloggers make when they are first starting out. In today's fashion blogging landscape, there is SO much competition it's amazing.

If you were to start a blog say ten years ago you could have been blogging about random things all day long and grown an audience easily due to lack of competition. 

If you're just starting out now though things are much different. You absolutely have to pick a blogging niche if you want to stand out in a crowd of oversaturation. 

So if you're fashion blogger you should absolutely be choosing a topic within an area of fashion whether it be minimalistic style, petite, plus size, bargain, luxury, etc. 

Bottom line is that you should pick a lane and go forward. 

MISTAKE #2: INCONSISTENCY

This mistake is also another common mistake and can be applied to all bloggers whether you're a fashion blogger, beauty, lifestyle, whatever. 

If you're not blogging on a regular schedule you're never going to build a consistent audience. 
We try to blog at least 2-3 times a week; although it's difficult we've been trying to stick with this schedule for a while now and it's helped a lot. 

The key is to realize how long it'll take you do a post and figure out your daily planning based on this. 

It's much better to post 2-3 times a week with some quality content rather than posting every day with random or mediocre content. You want people to be engaged in what you're wearing/saying. 

If you're not posting at least once a week people can begin to lose interest (unless you've already achieved blogger stardom that is).

MISTAKE #3: NOT NETWORKING

Fashion blogging (and blogging in general) can be a lonely task at times, which is why it's important to build a small community of other bloggers to communicate and interact with on a regular basis. 

Whether this is via a Facebook Group, Linked In, Meet-up, what have you, it can make this whole blogging journey a lot easier, less lonely, and super fun! 

As a  blog that blogs about other bloggers (say that three times fast lol!), we are constantly meeting new bloggers whether in person or online (hey, that counts!), and when we do, we enjoy connecting and helping each other out. 

MISTAKE #4: SPENDING MORE TIME BLOGGING THAN PROMOTING

This is a problem we see many fashion bloggers making.

They spend a ton of time crafting the perfect blog post, outfit, and content, and then press publish as if everyone is just going to flock over to their site to read their post. Wrong! 

You've gotta put yourself out there. Whether it be through social media sharing, facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, you absolutely have to be spending the majority of your time promoting yourself.

It may feel a bit braggy at first, but how else are other people supposed to find you? 

Most experts recommend doing about 30% vs 70%. Spend 30% of your week blogging and rest of the time promoting. There are sites like Quora, Reddit, and Medium in which you can easily have your content go viral (if it's good).  

Also, try doing guest posts for other bloggers! This helps build audiences off of another person's audience and is a win-win usually for both parties. 

MISTAKE #5: FORGETTING ABOUT SEO

SEO or Search Engine Optimization for fashion blogging is like a whole other universe. This topic has been completely overlooked by most bloggers and most don't even understand what it is. 

SEO can be a bit daunting to many, but as long as you follow some pretty simple tips you should be at least doing the bare minimum to start building your search quality in Google. 

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS

#1 Have a descriptive title with your keyword included. 

#2 Include what's called a "permalink" natural-language and keyword rich URL...sounds confusing right? This basically just means that you should be titling your URL's with descriptive natural language. So instead of saying "blog post summer outfit" as your URL, say something like "The best summer outfits to wear when it's hot". 

#3 Use Alt tags on all of your images. In WordPress they are called Alt Tags, and Squarespace it's the file name on each image when you first upload. 

#4 Make sure you're on a self-hosted blog, not Blogger, or wordpress.com. You want to be more professional looking and the free sites don't have as much capability for SEO. 

So you've read through our top five mistakes and there's one last mistake that we wanted to include that does get overlooked but is just as important as all of the "technical" parts of blogging. 

HIDDEN MISTAKE: NOT BELIEVING IN YOURSELF. 

You have to believe in yourself and what you are doing to get anywhere with your blog.

If you treat your blog like a business and push forward each day with learning, growing, and networking you're bound to see slow and steady results. 

There may be times it will get tough and you will want to quit, but it's important to remember that it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance for any business to work.

If blogging was easy everyone would do it. 

So give yourself some credit.

Don't be a Debbie Downer, and push forward each and every day. You've got this! 

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