I recently managed to reach 10K followers on Instagram. I’m not a photographer.  I’m a backpacker.  Ahem. A silly one, okay, but still, I don’t know anything about photography. And… it’s even harder in English! (Ahem. Okay, what’s wrong with my level of silliness today?)

If you want to grow your Instagram account, I have the best tip for you.  Are you ready?

Before we get started, you should know that Instagram has changed a lot over the years.  Check out the latest Instagram stats and facts put together by Make a video hub to learn why you should get Instagram.

Please, insert big crickets and awkward cricket sounds here.

Book a flight to New Zealand!

Australia is great, but not as sexy as New Zealand!  So, I hope you are ready to be teased by my best pictures of New Zealand. (Oh and I might hide some tips here and there, so you don’t hate me too much!)

1. On my way to Franz-Josef

 

Who doesn’t like a GoPro shot?  Seriously. I spent so much time discovering GoPro shots and all its unique hash-tags!  I use a GoPro for most of my pictures and simply love it. I simply drop it somewhere, press play and choose the best part of my videos.  They said: “Post only your best pictures!”.  And they were right!

2. Wanaka

 

3. Wanaka (Because It’s just too sexy out there!)

 

Tag a location, tag big accounts and find the best hash-tags for features, and to reach the good people.  Now, I see that you are asking yourself “But, Mel, what are these accounts and what are these hash-tags?”. Observation, my friend. Observe different accounts and see how they process.  Then, get inspired, try it and find what’s best for you!

4. Queenstown

 

5. Between Queenstown and Milford Sound

 

Do you care about them? Answer to everybody.  Engage with other accounts too! Like, comment, be original!  Every time I have a great original comment from someone, I check their account.  Do you?

6. Between Queenstown and Milford Sound (shot 2)

 

7. Milford Sound

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#milfordsound was a bit misty & wet…

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I mentioned features. Target smaller accounts at the beginning. They have less followers, but it can help you as it will be easier to get a feature!  Use their hash-tag and/or tag them in the picture!

8. Between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass

 

9. Abel Tasman

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Another stunning shot of #Abeltasman !

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Be creative.  And find what they like! I posted once and even twice a day for a while.  One sure thing.  I don’t care about your cat (mine is prettier), your Starbucks Coffee or your #myphonespicturesareverylowquality. I’ll be happy to give a like to a great shot of your travel experiences, an epic crazy shot of you in a perfect slice of paradise or the most beautiful sunset I ever seen. By the way, what do you like yourself?

10. Tongariro National Park

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That #volcano is simply… Beautiful.

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11. Huka Falls, Taupo

 

In my first couple of months, I tried that follow/unfollow game. I don’t waste my time with that anymore.  I follow when I like an account.  I unfollow when I realized that the account is boring. The good thing is… Once you hit a great number, followers are going to find your account no matter what.  Once your reached that point, simply enjoy.  All the hard work will finally be over (or almost!).

12. Rotorua

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#Rotorua, smelly and gorgeous!

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13. Rotorua (smelly, but sexy)

 

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.