How to Boost Instagram Engagement: 13 tips to increase Instagram engagement

Instagram Analytics
Siddharth Dwivedi April 25, 2023

To succeed on Instagram, every brand must grasp the art of generating genuine and organic engagement. Simply posting content won’t suffice if it fails to garner likes, comments, or shares, leading to the eventual failure of your account. Achieving engagement is pivotal to connecting your Instagram endeavors with tangible business objectives.

This article aims to explore effective methods of boosting engagement that target real individuals instead of relying on bots. It’s important to note that we won’t delve into the topic of purchasing likes or followers, except to advise against it. Authentic engagement opportunities abound on Instagram, so go out there and seize them!

What is Instagram Engagement?

Instagram engagement refers to the level of interaction and participation that users have with the content posted on the platform. This includes likes, comments, shares, direct messages, and other forms of interaction. The higher the engagement, the more active and involved your audience is with your content.

Engagement is a crucial metric for brands and businesses on Instagram, as it indicates the level of interest and connection that users have with their content. High engagement can lead to increased brand awareness, more followers, and ultimately, more sales or conversions. In contrast, low engagement can negatively impact the visibility and success of an account on Instagram.

Engagement on Instagram is typically measured through a variety of metrics that track how users interact with a post or account. The most common engagement metrics on Instagram include:

  1. Likes: The number of likes a post receives.
  1. Comments: The number of comments left on a post.
  1. Shares: The number of times a post is shared with others.
  1. Saves: The number of times a post is saved by users.
  1. Story views: The number of times a story is viewed.
  1. DMs: The number of direct messages received from users.

By monitoring these metrics, brands, and businesses can determine the effectiveness of their content strategy and make data-driven decisions to improve their engagement on the platform.

You can take the help of the “Vaizle free Instagram analytics tool” to calculate and analyze your engagement in seconds.

15 ways or tips to increase engagement on Instagram –

Post consistently

One of the keys to increasing engagement on Instagram is to post consistently. When you post regularly, you keep your audience engaged and encourage them to come back for more. Develop a content calendar and stick to a posting schedule to ensure that you’re providing fresh, high-quality content consistently.

Use hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing engagement on Instagram. They allow your content to be discovered by users who are interested in your niche or industry. Use relevant hashtags that are specific to your content to increase the visibility of your posts. Also, use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to reach a wider audience.

Bonus tip: Read about the most Trending Hashtags for Social Media (Industry-Wise)

Host giveaways

Giveaways and contests are an excellent way to encourage engagement on Instagram. They can help increase your followers, reach, and engagement. Host giveaways that require users to engage with your content, such as liking, commenting, and sharing your post. This will help you increase your engagement and reach a wider audience.

Collaborate with influencers

Collaborating with influencers in your niche or industry is an effective way to increase engagement on Instagram. Influencers have a loyal following and can help you reach a wider audience. Find influencers that align with your brand values and collaborate with them on sponsored posts, takeovers, or other types of content.

Respond to comments

Engaging with your audience is essential for increasing engagement on Instagram. Responding to comments and direct messages shows your followers that you care about their opinions and value their feedback. It also helps you build relationships and increase your reach.

Use Instagram stories

Instagram stories are a great way to increase engagement on the platform. They allow you to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your brand and create a sense of exclusivity. Use stories to share content that’s not available anywhere else, such as sneak peeks, exclusive offers, or special announcements.

Post user-generated content

Sharing user-generated content is an excellent way to increase engagement and build a sense of community on Instagram. It shows your followers that you value their content and encourages them to engage with your brand. Create a branded hashtag and encourage your followers to use it when they post content related to your brand.

Lean on Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are short-form videos that allow you to create engaging content that grabs the attention of your audience. Use Reels to showcase your brand’s personality and create shareable content that encourages engagement.

Use Instagram Live

Going live on Instagram is an excellent way to increase engagement and connect with your audience in real-time. Use Instagram Live to host Q&A sessions, product demos, or exclusive interviews. It’s a great way to create a sense of exclusivity and build a deeper connection with your followers.

Post at optimal times

Posting your content at the right time is essential for increasing engagement on Instagram. Determine when your audience is most active on the platform and schedule your posts accordingly. Use Instagram Insights to monitor your engagement metrics and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

Engage with other accounts in your niche

Engaging with other accounts in your niche is a great way to increase your visibility on Instagram and build relationships with other brands and influencers. Leave thoughtful comments on their posts, tag them in your posts, and share their content when it aligns with your brand values. This will help you attract new followers and increase engagement on your content.

Be Authentic and interactive 

On Instagram, it’s better to be genuine and engaging than to focus solely on presenting a polished image. This is particularly true for Stories and Reels, where you can showcase the real people and experiences behind your brand and connect with your audience in a relatable way.

Stories offer a unique opportunity to engage with your audience through interactive features such as questions, polls, and countdowns. These features foster direct communication between you and your followers, resulting in genuine engagement. It’s no surprise that 58% of users report becoming more interested in a brand or product after encountering it in a Story.

Carousel post – 

After mastering the art of creating visually appealing images, experiment with posting carousel images on Instagram. Carousels consist of multiple images in a single post, and they are an effective method for boosting engagement. On average, carousel posts generate 3.1 times more engagement than regular posts (as per Hootsuite). Furthermore, carousels have the highest average engagement rate among all types of Instagram posts worldwide.

Why a high engagement rate matters on Instagram

A good engagement rate on Instagram is important for several reasons:

  1. Visibility: Instagram’s algorithm favors posts with high engagement rates, so having a good engagement rate can help your content reach a wider audience and increase your visibility.
  1. Credibility: A high engagement rate is an indicator that your content is resonating with your audience and that you have an active and engaged following. This can help build credibility and trust with both your audience and potential brand partners.
  1. Revenue: For influencers and businesses on Instagram, a high engagement rate can directly translate into revenue. Brands often pay influencers to promote their products, and a high engagement rate can help influencers command higher rates for their sponsored content.
  1. Feedback: Engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares can provide valuable feedback on the type of content your audience enjoys and what resonates with them. This can help you refine your content strategy and create content that is more likely to engage your audience.

Conclusion – 

By following these tips, you can boost your engagement on Instagram which is much needed. However, it’s important to note that a temporary surge in engagement is not sufficient. To maintain a high level of engagement, it is crucial to consistently apply these tips.

About the Author

Siddharth Dwivedi

Siddharth Dwivedi

Siddharth built two bootstrapped companies from the ground up: Vaizle and XOR Labs. He’s personally managed over Rs 100cr in ad budget across eCommerce, D2C, ed-tech, and health-tech segments. Apart from being a full-time marketer, he loves taking on the challenges of finance and operations. When not staring at his laptop, you’ll find him reading books or playing football on weekends.

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