How to Get an Engaged Instagram Following
Each time that you post something to Instagram, you hypothetically have the potential to reach any of it’s 1.074 billion users. Each time you connect with one of these users and reach a new person with your content, you are given the opportunity to build your audience with like minded individuals who appreciate and find value in your content. Because of Instagram’s enormous potential reach, it’s essential that you create quality content which promotes and encourages engagement among your followers. There are a few simple ways to ensure your community is engaged with your content.
- Plan Your Feed
Consistency is essential when trying to build engagement. Figure out what your audience is interested in and what they are looking for and then plan in advance. I personally use Planoly to schedule all posts 2 weeks in advance. This allows me to look at the big picture and make you I am putting out enough educational content, entertainment, and pictures that match the account aesthetic and flow. This way you don’t have to worry about running out of content and being stuck for ideas.
- Follow the 30-minute Rule
Responding to comments ad DMs within the first 30 minutes of a post going live is critical to foster community engagement. Not only does your audience acknowledge that you are paying attention and taking the time and care to respond, it encourages others to interact, not only with you but with other followers. Be glued to your phone for that first 30 minutes and then slowly move back to real life and respond to other comments slowly/as you have time!
- Consider Post Timing
95 million photos and videos are uploaded to Instagram every single day. If you don’t upload at the ties when your audience is most active, your post will be lost in a sea of other uploads. Discovering what times your audience is most active is easily done in your Instagram analytics.
- Use Instagram Story Stickers
Stickers provide as easy avenue for users to engage with your content, and often encourages those who don’t typically comment or engage in other ways as it is so easy and accessible. Upload stories with polls, question boxes, quizzes or sliders, and you can use the data from responses to create more content and benefit your business.
- Carefully Worded Captions
Caption your feed posts in a way that encourages communication and interaction. I like to sign off my captions with a question asking my followers for their own thoughts and opinions. This creates an open space in your comments section for conversation.
- Create Saveable Content
I like to educate on my Instagram, and often posts that contain create tips or information are saved by users for future reference. As one of the newer features of Instagram it’s often to remind people in your caption, a simple ‘save this for the next time you ___’
Nikki X
