Instagram is the darling of marketers targeting social media for their campaigns. The answer is easily fathomable, as 13% of the world’s population is on Instagram, and 80% of them are devoted to brands.
The engagement rate of Instagram is also ten times more than Facebook and 84 times higher than Twitter, which is a remarkable feat. But you might be wondering how to increase your Instagram engagement to make sure that your paid and organic marketing campaigns hit bull’s-eye. Here are 17 ways to smoothly increase Instagram engagement. You’ll thank us for this!
1. Be consistent in your posts
While consistency is a relative term, ensure that you post at least 1-2 posts a day. However, this is the bare minimum and you should post according to the response you receive and by studying your viewer habits. Your feed is fresh that way, grabbing more eyeballs. You must also be aware of the best time to post on Instagram. This is when your target group is most likely to be on the platform. Taking the help of Instagram analytics is recommended.
2. Tell stories
Instead of preaching marketing jargon to your audience, try narrating stories. You have to inspire your audiences in order to engage them. Try and pitch micro-stories via captions, videos and Instagram Stories. Storytelling has worked since the days of the Arabian Nights and is still relevant today. You can either share user-generated content that goes with your brand or tell a story using your captions.
3. Create a strong brand
Remember the 3 Cs - Consistency, Clarity, and Creativity that are instrumental to creating strong brand awareness on Instagram. A loose approach means disaster. Showcase your profile in style, remembering that it’s a visual medium. Ensure your images are fresh and vibrant and be the king of hashtag use. Interact with followers religiously to boost engagement and brand loyalty.
4. Visual consistency on feeds
Visual content is Instagram and vice versa. Be original, natural, and express yourself clearly. Do not follow any particular edit style but ensure that your feed is visually consistent and fresh. The best performers on Instagram have a consistent look in all their posts. Use photo editing apps like VSCO Cam and Adobe Lightroom for consistent visuals.
5. Choice of hashtags
The best hashtags need to be chosen for your posts to be appealing enough. Use of a common hashtag like #festive season or #Christmas will make you compete with millions for attention. Instead, think out of the box to become a trendsetter. Research the hashtags that seem to work and make sure it’s brand-specific. A branded hashtag is the key to brand success. Keep it in your Bio so it can be easily found.
6. User-generated content
User-generated content is created and approved by your audience. Hence, marketing costs are lowered and the brand gets promoted as well. It’s the best way to convert followers into brand loyalists.
7. Instagram video formats
Online video content is clearly the future. From Instagram Stories to Reels to IGTV, ensure that you explore all the options to see which format works best for you and your brands on Instagram.
8. Instagram video subtitles and closed captions
40% of Instagram Stories are viewed without sound. That makes subtitles and captions on top of every marketer’s list. Ensure you deliver your core message alongside the visuals as well without expecting audio to do all the work. Captions also make more people want to watch videos according to research.
9. Instagram AR filters
AR filters are becoming increasingly popular on Instagram. Many brands are producing their own filters seeing the encouraging results. Adding an AR filter to your photo makes it more appealing while AR video effects do the same for a video. Try Instagram AR filters to enhance your brand content.
10. Instagram’s video ads
Advertise on Instagram. The video ads are a great option to target a select audience.
11. Use the GIF format
Learn how to create and post a GIF. This format is more appealing to audiences than photos and is also cheaper and faster than creating videos.
12. Use Instagram traffic to increase website traffic
Direct the followers from your Instagram account to your website to increase traffic there. Use the single clickable link in your bio. Use promotions and special offers to lure your followers to click as well as a strong call-to-action.
13. Partner with micro-influencers
To make your brand authentic, partner with micro-influencers. They are more affordable, have a personal connect with their followers, and have higher engagement rates than macro-influencers.
14. Host an Instagram contest
Contests are more powerful than regular posts in terms of being an engagement tool on Instagram. The giveaway is the most popular when a product or service is given to the winner of the contest. Host a contest to make people follow your account and like your posts. This can drive engagement and brand awareness.
15. Use emojis
Emojis are a classic example of how images are more effective than words, particularly on Instagram. Create a separate emoji strategy from the thousands available without making your brand look too informal. Emojis add a fun element to your brand and help you connect on a personal level with your audience.
16. Cross-promotion
Promote your Instagram channel on all your other social platforms like Facebook and Twitter for example. Put a clickable link to your Instagram page wherever you can. Bring all your followers together by spreading the word.
17. Track and learn
Track the Instagram content which has worked best for you in the past. By doing this you will learn which type of content clicks with your followers and use this knowledge to boost up your engagement rates. You will also develop a smarter Instagram marketing strategy by the Track and Learn method. You can do this in many ways, including the identification of the hashtags that have proven to be most effective to the popular visual styles used to know when the best time to post is.
