5 ways you can increase your Instagram engagement right now
If you have noticed a dip in your engagement on Instagram recently then you are not alone!
Whatever the size of your account, it is likely that changes to the algorithm, an increase in suggested content and users simply spending less time online as the world has opened up once more will have notably had an impact on the number of eyes on your content.
As a result, you might find yourself feeling frustrated that the fail safe strategy you have always been using no longer gets the results you are after.
So, if you are looking to boost that engagement rate, why not focus on these five things as you refresh your strategy.
What is the engagement rate?
Whilst there is some debate as to the best way to calculate it (more on that in a moment!) your engagement rate is basically the number of users interacting with your content. Traditionally, interactions include likes and comments but, more recently, shares and saves have become more important in the algorithms ranking. Therefore the first figure you will need to find in your insights is the ‘post interactions’.
Now, this is where the debate comes in. Some would say that you then divide this number by your total follower count, whilst others would argue that, because that content isn’t being seen by every account that follows you, using the ‘reach’ of the post is a more effective way to work the engagement rate out. Whichever method you choose, once you have divided the number of interactions by the number of accounts, multiply this figure by 100 to give you a percentage (ta-da! You now know the engagement rate of that particular post!). This number can then help you track whether your engagement goes up or down as you shift your strategy and approach.
Ways to boost your engagement
Understand the ways your audience use Instagram
Taking time to check in with your insights and understand the type of content your audience enjoy and when they are most active online will allow you to post more of the content they enjoy and at times when they are there to consume it too. Even if you are using a scheduler to push out your posts, aim to be around to engage with anyone in real time when the post goes out too. If you can start a conversation in the comments, you really are onto a winner!
Clean up and clear out your follower list
Whilst the thought of your follower number dropping can feel scary, having followers who are actually interested in your content and, ultimately, real accounts(!) will help you nurture an engaged audience. Check out your followers and get rid of any accounts that are spammy. Also aim to keep an up to date list of accounts that you should be building connections with. Whether your ideal clients or customers or other experts in your field, reaching up and engaging with them is a great way to begin a conversation.
Use keywords in your content to boost its SEO
Whilst once upon a time it was all about the hashtags (and they haven’t gone away just yet!) content that contains keywords will now make your post and account searchable by other users who may be interested in what you have to offer. Take some time to optimise your bio first, and then think about the way that you can include the words your ideal customers or clients might be typing into explore in your captions too.
Switch up your single image posts and create carousels instead
Whilst the average engagement rate for static grid images is 2.76%, carousels see an engagement rate of 3.11%*. This is because users are spending a greater amount of time on the post as they check out each image and there is just something about seeing those little dots at the bottom of the post that means that you have to swipe to see what else is there! Finding clever ways to turn your ideas for content into carousels is a super simple way to see greater engagement. Don’t forget to include that CTA on the final image too!
*data accurate at the start of 2022
Introduce reels to your content strategy
Like it or not, reels are still big news in the world of Instagram and that isn’t going to change any time soon. Instagram are currently testing making all video content shared into reels. And reels are great for reaching new audiences! Not only that, but as you are now able to include engagement stickers in them too, they really are a tool that will allow you to interact with your followers in fresh ways. If the thought of them still feels scary, begin by experimenting with a few faceless posts and measure the impact. Chances are, you won’t be able to argue with the stats!
