Instagram Flags Inactive Profiles: What Handmade Sellers Need to Know

Learn how this update affects your reach, engagement, & followers

Instagram has rolled out a new update: flagging inactive profiles on your follow list. While this might sound alarming—especially if your follower count drops—it could actually improve your reach and engagement.

Inactive followers often hurt your visibility on Instagram, and this update is a game-changer for handmade sellers. As a creative entrepreneur, understanding how this impacts your brand can help you adjust your strategy to thrive in the algorithm-driven world of social media.

Here’s what this means for your handmade business and actionable steps to turn it into an opportunity for growth.

What Is the Update?

As of November 2024, Instagram is flagging inactive profiles—accounts that haven’t logged in, posted, or engaged in months (or even years). These flagged accounts may soon disappear from your follower list or be deactivated entirely.

Why It Matters:

1. Fewer Followers: You might notice a decline in your follower count as inactive profiles are removed.

2. Higher Engagement Rates: Fewer inactive followers mean a higher percentage of your active audience sees and interacts with your posts.

How Does This Affect Handmade Sellers?

For handmade sellers, this update presents both challenges and opportunities:

The Challenge:

A potential dip in follower count can feel discouraging. But remember, quality matters more than quantity in the world of social media. An inflated follower count with low engagement won’t help your sales or visibility.

The Opportunity:

This update can boost your:

• Engagement Rates: Instagram prioritizes showing your posts to engaged audiences. Removing inactive profiles ensures your real followers have a better chance to see and interact with your content.

• Reach: The algorithm favors accounts with high engagement. A focused, active audience can help your posts reach more potential buyers.

3 Benefits of Cleaning Your Follower List

1. Improved Algorithm Performance

   Instagram’s algorithm rewards engagement. By removing inactive followers, your likes, comments, and shares will make up a higher percentage of your audience activity, which boosts your visibility.

2. Better Audience Insights

   Your analytics will reflect real data. Instead of guessing what content resonates, you’ll have a clearer picture of what your engaged followers love.

3. Strengthened Brand Perception

   A smaller, more engaged follower base builds trust. Buyers often equate high engagement rates with authentic brands, which can translate into sales.

Actionable Steps for Handmade Sellers

Here’s how you can take advantage of Instagram’s update:

1. Audit Your Follower List

• Identify inactive or spam accounts. These often have no profile photo, generic usernames, or no posts.

• Consider manually removing followers who are inactive or irrelevant to your brand.

2. Engage With Your Active Followers

• Respond to comments and DMs quickly.

• Use polls, questions, and interactive stickers in your stories to keep followers engaged.

3. Create High-Value Content

• Share content that resonates with your audience: behind-the-scenes glimpses, process videos, or customer testimonials.

• Use trending Reels and hashtags to reach new audiences while keeping your existing followers engaged.

4. Monitor Your Metrics

• Keep an eye on your engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) over the next few weeks.

• Use tools like Instagram Insights or third-party analytics platforms to track trends and adjust your strategy.

What to Do If You Notice a Drop in Followers

1. Stay Calm: A dip in followers doesn’t mean your brand is failing. It’s simply a recalibration that sets you up for better long-term results.

2. Focus on Engagement: Prioritize building relationships with the followers who matter most—those who actively engage with your content.

3. Celebrate Quality Over Quantity: Your goal is a loyal and engaged audience, not a high but inactive follower count.

Summary

Instagram’s update flagging inactive profiles might reduce your follower count, but it’s ultimately a win for your engagement and reach. Handmade sellers can leverage this change to create a stronger, more active community of followers who genuinely support their business.

Key Takeaways:

• Fewer inactive followers = better engagement rates.

• Audit your followers and focus on nurturing active ones.

• Embrace this as an opportunity to build a more authentic audience that loves your handmade products.

By adapting to this change, you can align your Instagram strategy with the platform’s algorithm and position your handmade brand for greater success.