Instagram is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to personally connect with your customers and followers and can help increase brand awareness and sales.
If you are using an Instagram business account, you know its purpose is not solely for posting cute product pics or behind-the-scenes content. Your ultimate goal is to increase engagement, which can lead to conversions and success for your business.
Instagram engagement is the number of likes, comments, and overall interactions with your posts. A higher level of engagement signifies a stronger connection with your followers and can also increase your reach on the platform.
What is a reasonable Instagram engagement rate?
A reasonable Instagram engagement rate is determined by taking the number of likes and comments per post, dividing it by the number of Instagram followers you have, then multiplying 100. A result from 1-3 is good, and anything above 3 is considered excellent.
Ready to increase Instagram engagement? Try out the tips below.
How to Increase Engagement on Instagram
So how can you boost your Instagram engagement? Here are some tried and true tips:
1. Track your engagement
Before you create a strategy for increasing engagement, track your current rate. This will give you a baseline to measure success and help determine what content and Instagram posts receive the most interaction from your followers.
You can access this information by going to your Instagram profile and tapping the Insights action button. The metrics you need will be in the “Overview” section, and you’ll find more detailed breakdowns based on what you want to know.
Note that these metrics are only available if you use a business or creator’s Instagram account. Switching to one of these because these metrics are crucial for understanding your posts’ performance.
2. Post high-quality content
Posting high-quality, visually appealing photos and videos is crucial for grabbing your audience’s attention. An Instagram post that is visually appealing will stand out among the sea of content on your followers’ feeds and likely receive more interactions.
Ensure your photos are well-lit, focused, and have a clear subject or message. Use popular hashtags to enhance visibility and reach new potential followers.
Carousel posts that offer a glimpse into behind-the-scenes content or showcase multiple products can also be impactful and increase engagement.
3. Use Instagram Stories
(Taken from https://anagramdesign.graphics/produit/instagram-free-template-2022/)
Instagram Stories are a great way to personally connect with your followers in real time. Use your Instagram story to ask questions, share sneak peeks of upcoming products, or highlight customer successes.
You can also use Instagram Story highlights to curate and showcase your content in a way that is easily accessible to your followers. This helps with visibility, as they do not disappear after 24 hours as regular stories do.
4. Create unique Instagram reels
Another essential Instagram strategy is to create unique and engaging Instagram reels. Reels are short, 15-30 second videos that appear in a dedicated section on Instagram alongside regular posts and stories.
Reels allow you to get creative with your content and stand out among competitors. Share how-to tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, or fun challenges related to your brand or products. You can also use popular audio and trending hashtags to increase reach and engagement.
4. Utilize Instagram Live
Like Instagram Stories, going live on Instagram allows you to connect with your followers in real time and enhance your connection with your brand. Use Instagram Live to host Q&As, product demos, or even virtual events and workshops.
Interacting with your audience during a live video can also increase engagement as they feel heard and appreciated by your brand.
5. Use relevant hashtags
Relevant Instagram hashtags generate more engagement. Carousel post that uses trending hashtags can increase visibility and reach, leading to more interactions.
Your content will get prioritized by the Instagram algorithm if you use popular, relevant hashtags.
Using hashtags specific to your industry or niche can also lead to discovery by potential followers interested in related content. Utilize a mix of popular and niche hashtags for maximum impact.
6. Engage with your audience
Instagram users love feeling appreciated and acknowledged by the brands they follow. Engaging with your audience’s comments, stories, and posts can significantly increase engagement in your content.
Take time to respond to comments and questions on your posts and reach out to followers who share photos using or mentioning your brand. This personal touch will make them feel valued, increasing loyalty and engagement.
7. Schedule Instagram posts ahead
Plan out your content calendar and schedule Instagram posts with a tool like Hootsuite or Later. This will ensure a consistent posting schedule and allow for more efficient content planning and management.
Scheduling ahead also helps to avoid feeling overwhelmed with creating content in real time, allowing for well-thought-out, high-quality posts that are more likely to receive engagement.
8. Collaborate with influencers and other brands
Partnering with an influencer or another brand can increase reach and engagement on Instagram. This can involve participating in a giveaway or promotion, creating content for each other’s accounts, or collaborating on a product or project.
Teaming up with a related, non-competing brand or influencer can introduce your content to their followers and vice versa, leading to increased engagement from a new audience.
9. Post-user-generated content
Boost Instagram engagement by sharing user-generated content, such as reposting or featuring customer photos or reviews. This can increase trust and credibility in your brand as it showcases real customers enjoying your products or services.
Not only does sharing UGC make your followers feel appreciated, but it also provides social proof to potential customers and fosters a sense of community among your existing audience.
10. Embrace video content
The social media world is increasingly dominated by video content, and Instagram is no exception. Users are more likely to engage with videos than photos or text-based posts.
Incorporate various types of video content into your Instagram strategies, such as IGTV videos and Reels. Experiment with different formats to see what resonates best with your audience and drives engagement.
Need to upgrade your Instagram marketing?
Are you a mental healthcare provider that needs to boost your online presence on Instagram?
Our team at Mentally Balanced Media will help you stand out on social media and engage your audience effectively.
Book an appointment to see how we can help improve your Instagram presence.
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