Instagram Followers vs Engagement: Which Matters More For My Countertop Company?

 

If you are a business, an influencer or a personal brand, Instagram is one of the most important social media platforms. There are so many ways to connect with current and potential customers on Instagram. However, having many Instagram followers is not enough. You need people actually to engage with your content. So what matters more - the number of Instagram followers you have or your Instagram engagement rates? Let's take a deeper look.

 

 

Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:

  1. Why Instagram Followers Matter
  2. Why Instagram Engagement Matters More
  3. Balance of Followers and Engagement Needed
  4. Tips to Improve Followers and Engagement
  5. Case Studies: Followers vs Engagement
  6. Striking the Right Balance for Your Brand
  7. Key Takeaway
  8. The Ethical Dilemma of Using Instagram

 

If you need help with social media marketing for your countertop company, contact Profitworks today!

 

 

 

1) Why Instagram Followers Matter

 

Source: Floform Instagram

 

Followers play a crucial role in building your countertop company's online presence. Here’s why:

Social Proof and Credibility

A high follower count makes your business look more established and trustworthy. If a countertop company has 50,000 followers, it appears more reputable than a competitor with only 500. Customers may feel more confident in choosing a company with a significant following. While you can buy GoreAd Instagram followers, authentic engagement remains key.

Reach and Discoverability

The more Instagram followers an account has, the higher it will appear in search results and the 'suggested user' sections. This will enable more visibility and a simpler natural approach to acquiring more fans. According to an Influencer Marketing Hub study, influencer accounts with at least 1,000 followers have increased discoverability compared to bigger accounts.

Brand Awareness

Every new follower represents a potential customer. More followers mean greater exposure to your brand, products, and services. This increased visibility can lead to more inquiries, showroom visits, and sales.

However, while followers are important, engagement is what truly determines success on Instagram.

 

 

2) Why Instagram Engagement Matters More

 

Source: Vicostone Instagram

 

Having thousands of followers means little if they don’t interact with your content. Engagement is crucial for turning social media attention into business growth. Here’s why:

Relevance to Your Audience

High engagement—likes, comments, shares—indicates that your content resonates with your followers. For example, a countertop company with 5,000 highly engaged followers is more likely to generate leads than a company with 50,000 followers who rarely interact.

Improved Instagram Algorithm Ranking

Instagram’s algorithm favours accounts with high engagement rates, meaning your posts will appear more frequently on followers’ feeds, in hashtag searches, and on the Explore page. More visibility means more opportunities for customer conversions.

Measurable ROI

Engagement metrics—such as comments, direct messages, and shares—provide insights into customer interest. If your followers actively engage with posts featuring quartz countertops or kitchen remodel ideas, it’s a sign that those topics are driving potential leads.

Audience Insights

Monitoring engagement helps you understand what type of content resonates with your audience. Do your followers prefer behind-the-scenes installation videos, before-and-after transformations, or material comparisons? Use this data to refine your content strategy and attract more potential customers.

 

 

3) Balance of Followers and Engagement Needed

 

Source: Cambria Instagram

 

The ideal Instagram strategy combines both a strong follower base and high engagement. Here’s why:

  • More Followers = More Engagement Potential – A growing follower base increases opportunities for engagement, but only if you’re posting valuable content that keeps them interested.

  • Higher Engagement = More Followers – When followers engage with your content, Instagram promotes your posts to a wider audience, naturally increasing your follower count over time.

The key is to strike a balance: attract followers while also fostering meaningful interactions that translate into leads and sales.

 

 

4) Tips to Improve Followers and Engagement

 

 10 Simple Strategies To 10x Your Instagram Growth

 

Optimize Hashtags

Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags related to countertops, such as #QuartzCountertops, #KitchenRemodel, and #GraniteInstallation. This helps attract new followers who are actively searching for countertop solutions.

Run Contests and Giveaways

Encourage engagement by hosting giveaways—such as a free consultation or a discount on countertop installation. Require participants to like, comment, and tag friends to enter, increasing visibility and engagement.

Engage With Your Audience

Respond to comments, answer questions in direct messages, and ask followers for their opinions on countertop materials or design trends. Active engagement fosters customer relationships and loyalty.

Leverage Instagram Stories

Post behind-the-scenes content, time-lapse installation videos, and customer testimonials through Instagram Stories. Interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions encourage followers to engage directly.

Partner With Industry Influencers

Collaborate with interior designers, home renovation influencers, or real estate professionals to showcase your countertops in real projects. Their audience will see your products, increasing both followers and engagement.

Improve Visual Aesthetics

High-quality images and videos showcasing your countertops in real homes grab attention and encourage shares. Consider using professional photography and well-lit showroom visuals to maintain an appealing Instagram feed.

Analyze and Adjust

Use Instagram analytics to track which posts receive the most engagement. Identify trends—such as popular countertop materials or preferred content formats—and tailor future posts to what works best.

 

 

 

5) Case Studies: Followers vs Engagement 

 

 

 

Let’s compare some real brands on Instagram to illustrate the nuances between followers and engagement.

Case Study 1: Kylie Jenner

  • Followers: 396 million
  • Engagement Rate: 0.46% on average

 

Kylie Jenner has the 5th most Instagram followers globally. However, her engagement rate is relatively low, considering her enormous follower count. This demonstrates the common challenge of declining engagement as followers increase.

 

With over 390 million followers, only a tiny fraction needs to engage to produce high raw numbers. However, the engagement rate suggests follower interest is waning as content becomes less tailored from having such a vast, diverse audience.

Case Study 2: Selena Gomez

  • Followers: 424 million
  • Engagement Rate: 0.82% on average

 

Selena Gomez tops the Instagram follower rankings yet maintains engagement two times higher than Kylie Jenner. This showcases the value of crafting content aimed at your core audience rather than attempting to appeal to the masses.

 

Despite fewer followers, Selena Gomez receives more engagement in actual numbers. Catering to her target demographic with relevant content gives better results than having over 50 million followers.

Case Study 3: LeBron James

  • Followers: 160 million
  • Engagement Rate: 1.91% on average

 

Comparing LeBron James to Selena Gomez reveals that engagement trumps followers. Despite having 264 million fewer followers, LeBron generates comparable engagement.

 

LeBron’s content resonates well with his fans and sports basketball fans. That’s why this leads to higher engagement despite having fewer followers.

 

 

6) Striking the Right Balance for Your Brand

 

 

Source: Instagram

 

The balance between growing your Instagram followers and maintaining high engagement depends on your business goals and target audience size.

For example, a local countertop company aiming for high conversion rates might focus on building an engaged community of 10,000 followers rather than chasing 100,000 passive followers. On the other hand, larger brands looking to scale their presence may aim for hundreds of thousands of followers while maintaining a benchmark engagement rate of 2% or higher.

Regardless of business size, the key strategies remain the same—adjusted in scale to achieve the best results.

Beyond simply tracking follower growth, countertop companies should monitor key metrics such as impressions, reach, and engagement levels. A well-optimized strategy ensures that increasing followers and engagement work together, creating a cycle of continuous growth and brand visibility.

 

 

7) Key Takeaway

 

 

The most important takeaway is that crafting content tailored specifically for your target audience matters more than just growing your Instagram followers. Engaged followers—those who like, comment, and interact with your content—are more likely to convert into actual customers.

While a larger following increases potential reach, it’s the quality of engagement that determines whether those followers turn into sales. By consistently sharing valuable, relevant content that resonates with your audience, your countertop business can build a strong Instagram presence that drives real business results.

 

 

8) The Ethical Dilemma of Using Instagram

 

 The Ethical Dilemma of Social Media

 

Instagram has become a powerful platform for personal expression, business marketing, and social networking. However, its widespread influence comes with a set of ethical concerns that continue to spark debate. The ethical dilemma of using Instagram revolves around its impact on privacy, mental health, and the way it shapes perceptions of reality.

Privacy Issues

Instagram collects vast amounts of data on its users, from browsing habits to personal preferences. While this data is used to enhance user experience and target advertisements, the extent of data mining raises significant concerns. Many users are unaware of the depth of information Instagram gathers, leading to questions about consent and the potential misuse of personal data. The platform’s algorithms also prioritize content based on engagement, potentially driving users to share more personal details for validation.

Mental Health Concerns

Instagram's focus on curated images and highlight reels can foster unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. The constant exposure to idealized lifestyles can lead to social comparison, anxiety, and depression, particularly among young users. Research has shown that heavy use of social media platforms like Instagram can negatively affect mental health, as users may struggle with body image issues or the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona.

Misinformation and Manipulation

Instagram, like many social media platforms, faces challenges with the spread of misinformation. While efforts have been made to combat fake news, misleading content continues to circulate, particularly around sensitive issues like politics and health. This presents an ethical dilemma for users, influencers, and businesses that rely on the platform, as it can be difficult to distinguish between credible information and false narratives. Additionally, the prevalence of sponsored content and influencer marketing raises concerns about transparency and the potential for manipulation, as audiences may not always be aware of paid promotions or biased messaging.

Cultural Impact and Representation

While Instagram has given a voice to marginalized groups, it has also been criticized for perpetuating a narrow view of beauty, success, and identity. The platform’s algorithm tends to amplify content that conforms to popular trends, often sidelining more diverse or authentic representations. This can reinforce stereotypes and limit the range of stories and experiences that are visible to the wider public.