How to Get Verified on Instagram: A Growth Hacker's Guide to Boosting Your Brand

Ever wonder how some brands just seem to have it all? The followers, the engagement, and, of course, that coveted blue checkmark on Instagram? Well, let me tell you a little story about Nike and how they mastered the art of brand dominance – and what you can learn from them to get verified on Instagram.

The Legend of Nike: From Sneakers to Social Media Supremacy

Once upon a time, in a world filled with sneakers, Nike wasn't just a brand; it was a lifestyle. Sure, they had killer products, but what really set them apart was their ability to turn customers into loyal followers. And yes, they have that little blue check on Instagram. But here's the twist – it wasn't just because they're a global giant. It's because they know their audience inside and out.

Back in the day, Nike wasn't spending millions on Instagram ads (okay, maybe they were, but humor me). They were creating stories, moments that resonated with their audience. Take their unforgettable "Just Do It" campaign. That wasn't just about selling shoes; it was about selling a mindset. And guess what? They translated that same energy to Instagram.

When they post, it's not about the product anymore – it's about the lifestyle. Their followers see the athletes they admire, the goals they want to achieve, and the community they want to be part of. And that, my friends, is how you get the blue checkmark. Not by being a big name, but by being a brand that people believe in.

So, what's the takeaway? Getting verified on Instagram isn't just about having a million followers. It's about building trust, credibility, and creating a community that people want to be a part of. And Nike? They nailed it. Now let's see how you can, too.

How to Get Verified on Instagram: The Growth Hacker's Blueprint

Alright, so you're not Nike (yet), but that doesn't mean you can't aim for the stars – or at least the blue checkmark. Here's the deal: Instagram verification is a status symbol, sure, but it's also a powerful tool for brand growth. Not only does it boost your credibility, but it also increases trust among your followers, making it easier to attract new ones.

1. Build a Strong, Authentic Presence

Before you even dream of applying for verification, let's get real. Instagram is all about authenticity. If your brand looks like it's just here for a quick sale, it's game over. To get verified, you need to prove that you're the real deal. How? By creating content that's relatable, engaging, and true to your brand's voice.

Think user-generated content (UGC). People love seeing real users interact with your product. It builds trust and makes your brand feel more human. Encourage your audience to share their experiences with your brand and repost their content – with credit, of course. This not only boosts engagement, but it also shows Instagram that you're an active, engaging community leader.

2. Nail Your Social Media Strategy

If you're serious about getting verified, you've got to have a rock-solid social media strategy. This isn't just about posting pretty pictures. It's about consistency, engagement, and growth. Here's the secret sauce:

• Consistency: Post regularly. Instagram loves active accounts, and so do your followers. But don't just post for the sake of it – make sure your content is high-quality and aligns with your brand's message.
• Engagement: Don't just post and ghost. Engage with your followers. Respond to comments, like their posts, and be part of the conversation. Instagram notices when you're an active participant in your community.
• Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. But don't go overboard – quality over quantity. Research trending hashtags in your niche and mix them with branded hashtags for the best results.

3. Be Newsworthy – Get People Talking

Instagram loves brands that are already making waves. One of the key factors they look at when verifying an account is whether it's been featured in the news or other reputable sources. So, if you're not already getting media coverage, it's time to start.

Collaborate with influencers, pitch stories to industry blogs, and make some noise. When your brand starts getting mentioned outside of Instagram, it builds your credibility and shows Instagram that you're a notable figure in your field.

4. Follow Instagram's Guidelines to the Letter

Instagram has some pretty strict rules when it comes to verification, and they're not messing around. If you want to get verified, you need to make sure your account checks all their boxes:

• Complete Profile: Make sure your bio is filled out, your profile picture is clear, and your website is linked.
• Authentic: You need to represent a real person, business, or entity. No fake accounts allowed.
• Unique: You can't just be any brand – you need to stand out. Make sure your content reflects that.
• Public Account: If your account is private, forget about verification. Instagram needs to see what you're up to.

5. Apply for Verification (But Don't Sweat It if You Don't Get It)

Once you've built your brand, engaged your audience, and gained some media coverage, it's time to apply for verification. Head to your settings, find the verification request option, and fill out the form. You'll need to submit proof of identity (like a government-issued ID or business documents).

Now, here's the kicker: even if you do everything right, Instagram might still say no. And that's okay! It doesn't mean your brand isn't awesome – it just means you might need to keep growing and try again later. The key is persistence.

What Users Are Saying About Getting Verified

"We applied for verification after building up a loyal community of followers and getting featured in a few big publications. It didn't happen overnight, but once we nailed our strategy, the blue check came through. The trust it built with our audience was immediate." – Sarah, Founder of a DTC Skincare Brand

"Honestly, we were more focused on growing our community than getting verified. But once we did get verified, our engagement skyrocketed. People take you more seriously when they see that check." – Josh, Social Media Manager at an E-commerce Startup

"The verification process was tough, but worth it. It gave our brand credibility and made a huge difference in how influencers and other brands viewed us." – Megan, CEO of a Fashion Brand

FAISCO: Your Secret Weapon for Social Media Growth

Now that you know how to get verified on Instagram, let's talk about how you can supercharge your social media strategy – and that's where FAISCO comes in.

FAISCO is a game-changing SaaS platform that helps businesses like yours create engaging, game-based marketing campaigns in just 3 minutes. Whether it's a viral giveaway or a spin-the-wheel contest, FAISCO's interactive templates are designed to capture attention and drive growth.

Here's what you can do with FAISCO:

• Launch Interactive Campaigns: Build fun, engaging games like spin-to-win or quizzes that your audience will love.
• Boost Social Sharing: FAISCO's viral sharing features encourage participants to share your campaign across their social channels, driving organic growth.
• Collect Leads: Use built-in forms to gather valuable customer information while they're engaged in your campaigns.
• Analyze and Optimize: Get real-time data on how your campaigns are performing and tweak them to perfection.

With FAISCO, you can build a loyal audience, create viral campaigns, and keep your followers coming back for more. Ready to level up your Instagram game? Let FAISCO help you get there.

3 minutes to start, a lifetime of growth. That's FAISCO.