Increase Instagram Engagement in 5 Steps
Adapt to the Algorithm, Grow Your Instagram Presence
Instagram’s rapid growth has cemented its place as the cornerstone of a solid social media strategy, but has also caused the platform’s algorithm to quickly change. Instagram reached 800 million active monthly users in September 2017, a 100 million increase since that April. As a result, the newsfeed has evolved with the growth in user base as the company works to improve the user experience.
So, how do we adapt to this changing algorithm?
Instagram is evolving with its growth by generating news feeds that contain the content that the algorithm deems most applicable to the user. This is largely measured through engagement– which poses a problem for businesses that are new to the platform or have few followers. Basically, the more engagement you already have, the easier it is to get more because your posts will show up in more news feeds. Fortunately, there are several tactics to get your posts appearing in more news feeds that don’t require gaining new followers, though you will definitely pick some up along the way.
Increasing Engagement– Even with Few Followers
Try these 5 simple strategies to boost your Instagram engagement, even if you don’t have many followers.
1. Share Instagram Stories
While you should have a solid content strategy for your Instagram posts, Instagram story views are a great way to indicate that your followers are interested in your content, and will increase your chances of your posts showing up in their newsfeed. Use the polling feature to further take advantage of this opportunity while receiving your customers’ valuable opinions!
2. Post When Followers Are Online
Some of the top factors the Instagram algorithm considers are the number of likes and comments received and how you engage with users. When you have few followers, it’s especially important to monitor overall activity metrics and post at the times that they are most active.
3. Engage With Users
Many business owners are surprised to learn that the algorithm also accounts for their reaction time to users’ comments and direct messages. Make sure that you are consistently monitoring the platform and remaining responsive to capitalize on your increased engagement.
4. Craft the Perfect Captions
Crafting the right caption is key to connecting with your audience and driving engagement. Make sure that your captions are concise and are written in the tone of your brand.
5. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags will expand the reach of your posts and connect you with new users. They’re even more critical now that users can follow hashtags. If they follow the hashtag that you use, your post can show up in their news feed regardless of whether they actually follow you.
Here are some hashtags that are relevant to the Gainesville, Florida area:
- #theswamp
- #bestofgainesville
- #gnv
- #gainesvillebusiness
- #gainesville
- #gainesvillefl
- #gainesvilleflorida
Grow Your Instagram
If you combine these tips with a strong content strategy, you will be well on your way to growing your Instagram presence, and gaining more brand recognition.
Need help managing your social media strategy? Liquid Creative is a full-service marketing agency in Gainesville, Florida with the local insight to effectively target residents of Gainesville and the greater Florida area. Call Liquid Creative today at (352) 600-5050, or visit our website to learn more about our social media packages!
