You're focusing on the wrong thing?
When you think about what we need to focus on, money, our health, family, rent, debt, what camera to use, how to get clients the list can go on forever before even looking at the fundamental elements all photographers need to focus on. Your audience.
Why your Instagram isn't growing
First off it's not you, it's Instagram. It comes down to a few very simple things, that can be summed up in three words and two reasons, chronological order and saturation.
I don't want to be another Instagram photographer
I don't want to be another Instagram photographer because your images are only seen in the context of a social media feed. The images on Instagram are pathetic when compared to the printed equivalent. Even seeing a photo essay on a website or blog is better than Instagram. So why am I against the grain with this so called platform for photography?