10 Ways to Get More Engagement and Grow Your Following on Instagram

Introduction

This is the ultimate framework to increase your engagement and grow your following on Instagram.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s not enough to just have a large number of followers, you also need to focus on building meaningful connections and increasing engagement.

By doing so, you’ll not only boost your visibility on the platform but also attract new followers. So, let’s dive in and discover the top 10 strategies to supercharge your growth on Instagram.

The Algorithm: Understanding How It Works

Before we delve into the strategies, it’s important to understand the algorithm that determines what content is shown to users on their feed. There are three key factors that signal how the algorithm serves you content:

1. Interactions

The algorithm takes into account the posts you frequently interact with. If you like or comment on someone’s content, you’re more likely to see their posts on your feed. Therefore, it’s crucial to increase your engagement as it signals the algorithm to push your profile out to new people.

2. Content Type

The algorithm also considers the type of content you engage with the most, whether it’s reels, graphics, or other formats. The more you engage with a specific type of content, the more you’ll see similar content on your feed. So, don’t limit yourself to just one type of content, experiment with different formats to find what resonates with your audience.

3. Frequency of App Usage

How frequently you use the app also affects the content you see. If you’re a daily user, you’ll see posts in chronological order. However, if you’re an infrequent user, the algorithm will prioritize showing you the most relevant content based on your preferences. This reminds us that even if you post every day, only a small percentage of your followers will see your content. So, don’t be afraid to post regularly.

Strategy 1: Story Stickers

Your Instagram stories are a powerful tool for engagement. To encourage your followers to engage with your stories, make use of interactive stickers. These stickers include poll stickers, question stickers, countdown stickers, quizzes, and emoji sliders. By using these stickers, you create opportunities for your audience to take action and increase engagement on your profile.

Strategy 2: Shareable Content

Creating relatable and shareable content is key to boosting engagement and expanding your reach. Memes, Twitter-like posts, and inspirational quotes that resonate with your target audience tend to go viral and attract more engagement. Adding a personal touch and a touch of humor to your content can make it more relatable and shareable.

Strategy 3: Carousel Posts

Carousel posts are a great way to captivate your audience and keep them engaged. With up to 10 pictures, you can share a series of visuals that tell a story or provide valuable information. The longer someone spends swiping through your carousel, the more the algorithm will recognize the engagement and push your content to more people.

Strategy 4: Call to Actions

Adding call to actions (CTAs) to your posts is crucial for driving engagement. Encourage your audience to take specific actions such as liking, commenting, or sharing your post. CTAs not only prompt your audience to engage but also signal the algorithm that your post is performing well.

Strategy 5: Collaborate with Other Accounts

Collaborating with other accounts in your niche or industry can significantly expand your reach and attract new followers. Choose accounts that complement your brand rather than direct competitors. By leveraging each other’s audiences, you can tap into new communities and increase your visibility.

Strategy 6: Utilize Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience on Instagram. Research and use relevant hashtags that are specific to your post, industry, and location. By including the right hashtags, you can increase your reach and improve your engagement rates. Studies have shown that the more hashtags you use, the higher your engagement rate tends to be.

Strategy 7: “Add Yours” Sticker in Stories

The “Add Yours” sticker, available in Instagram Stories, allows you to create trends and encourage your audience to share related content. By setting a trend and being the original creator of the sticker, you can attract more viewers to your profile and increase engagement.

Strategy 8: Go Live

Going live on Instagram is a fantastic way to connect with your audience in real-time. Whether you go live with another account or on your own, it grabs attention, nurtures your audience, and helps you establish yourself as an expert in your field. Going live also notifies your followers, giving them a chance to engage with you and your content.

Strategy 9: Engagement Strategy

Having an engagement strategy is vital for maintaining a strong presence on Instagram. Spend around 15 minutes each day engaging with your followers and other accounts. Comment on posts in your feed, reply to stories, and explore the platform to find accounts that align with your interests. Engaging with others helps you build connections and attract engagement to your own profile.

Strategy 10: Leverage Reels

Reels are a powerful feature on Instagram that can help you reach a broader audience. While it’s not the only way to grow, it has proven to be effective in increasing visibility. Keep your reels short and engaging, use trending audio early, and grab attention with hooks or captivating headlines. Reels allow you to showcase your creativity, entertain your audience, and drive engagement.

Conclusion

By implementing these 10 strategies, you can boost your engagement, grow your following, and increase your visibility on Instagram.

Remember that building a strong presence takes time and consistency, so be patient and stay dedicated to providing value and connecting with your audience.

Experiment with different tactics, analyze your results, and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Here’s to your success on Instagram!