5 Expert Tips to Get More Engagement on Instagram

In today’s digital world, Instagram is more than just a place to share pretty photos—it’s a powerful platform for businesses to connect with their audience, build brand loyalty, and drive sales. But with over 1 billion active users, standing out and getting engagement can be tough. Whether you’re a small business or an established brand, improving your Instagram engagement is key to growing your online presence.

Here are five expert tips to help you get more engagement on Instagram and boost your brand’s visibility.

1. Post Consistently to Stay Top-of-Mind

One of the most effective ways to increase engagement on Instagram is by posting consistently. Posting regularly helps you stay visible to your audience and keeps your content at the top of their feed. Consistency also signals to Instagram’s algorithm that you’re active, which can help your posts get prioritized in the feed.

• Create a Content Calendar: Plan out your content in advance and schedule posts to ensure you’re consistently sharing valuable content. Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later can help you organize and automate your posts.
• Post at Optimal Times: According to studies, the best times to post on Instagram are between 9 AM and 11 AM or around 6 PM to 9 PM. However, use Instagram Insights to track when your audience is most active and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Why it works: When you post consistently, your audience becomes more engaged and looks forward to your content. Consistent posting also helps keep your brand at the forefront of your followers’ minds, encouraging more likes, comments, and shares.

2. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels

Instagram Stories and Reels are great ways to capture attention and encourage engagement. Both features allow you to post short, engaging content that disappears (Stories) or remains on your feed (Reels). They’re also favored by Instagram’s algorithm, which increases your chances of getting discovered by new users.

• Use Interactive Story Features: Polls, quizzes, and Q&A stickers in Instagram Stories encourage followers to engage with your content. For example, asking questions about a new product or service lets you start a conversation with your audience.
• Create Entertaining Reels: Reels are perfect for showcasing your creativity and increasing reach. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, or trends, Reels have a better chance of going viral due to Instagram’s push for video content.

Why it works: Stories and Reels have high visibility and offer more interaction opportunities. They allow your audience to engage with your brand in a more informal and personal way, leading to more comments, shares, and direct messages.

3. Engage with Your Followers (Don’t Just Post and Ghost!)

Instagram isn’t just about posting content; it’s about being social. Engaging with your followers is crucial if you want them to interact with your posts. By responding to comments, liking their posts, and starting conversations, you’re building a community and fostering long-term relationships.

• Respond to Comments and Direct Messages: Show your followers that you appreciate them by replying to their comments and messages promptly. A simple acknowledgment or thank you can go a long way in building rapport.
• Like and Comment on Follower Content: Don’t just wait for followers to engage with you—be proactive. Like and comment on their posts to show your support, and they’re more likely to return the favor.

Why it works: Engaging with your followers humanizes your brand and builds trust. When you’re active in conversations, people are more likely to engage with your content, boosting your overall engagement rate.

4. Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags are one of the easiest ways to expand your reach and get more engagement on Instagram. They allow your posts to be discovered by users who are searching for specific topics or interests. However, using the right hashtags is key.

• Use a Mix of Popular and Niche Hashtags: While popular hashtags (#love, #instagood) can get you in front of a large audience, niche hashtags related to your industry will connect you with a more engaged and relevant audience.
• Research Hashtags with Instagram Insights: Use Instagram’s search bar to find trending hashtags in your niche, or leverage tools like Hashtagify or Display Purposes to discover relevant hashtags that aren’t over-saturated.
• Don’t Overdo It: Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags, but studies show that posts with 5-11 hashtags perform best. Focus on quality over quantity and avoid spamming irrelevant hashtags.

Why it works: Strategic hashtag use increases the discoverability of your content, putting it in front of users who are already interested in your niche. This leads to more likes, comments, and follows from people who genuinely care about what you’re sharing.

5. Post High-Quality, Visually Engaging Content

Instagram is a visual platform, so the quality of your images and videos matters more than ever. Posting high-quality, eye-catching content can make a huge difference in attracting attention and increasing engagement.

• Use Natural Lighting and High-Resolution Images: Crisp, clear, and well-lit images are more likely to grab attention as users scroll through their feed. Whether you’re sharing product photos, lifestyle shots, or behind-the-scenes content, make sure it’s visually appealing.
• Create Consistent Branding: Use consistent filters, colors, and editing styles to create a cohesive aesthetic that reflects your brand. This not only makes your profile more attractive but also makes your content instantly recognizable.
• Incorporate User-Generated Content: Sharing photos and videos from your customers or followers is a great way to boost engagement. When users see their content featured, they’re more likely to engage with your brand and share it with their audience.

Why it works: High-quality visuals are key to standing out in a sea of content on Instagram. The more visually appealing your posts are, the more likely they are to attract likes, comments, and shares.

Bonus Tip: Collaborate with Influencers

Influencer marketing can be a great way to boost your engagement on Instagram. Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can help you reach a wider audience and increase your credibility.

• Work with Micro-Influencers: You don’t need to partner with influencers who have millions of followers. In fact, micro-influencers (those with 10,000–100,000 followers) often have higher engagement rates and more loyal audiences.
• Host Giveaways or Challenges: Collaborate with influencers to host Instagram challenges, giveaways, or contests. These campaigns encourage followers to engage with your content, tag friends, and share your posts, leading to increased visibility and engagement.

Why it works: Influencers already have a trusted relationship with their audience. By collaborating with the right influencers, you can tap into a community that’s likely to engage with your content and follow your brand.

Getting more engagement on Instagram requires more than just posting pretty pictures. It’s about consistency, interacting with your audience, using the right hashtags, and providing visually appealing content. By implementing these expert tips, you’ll be on your way to building a more engaged following, increasing brand awareness, and achieving your social media goals.

Need help with your Instagram strategy? Contact me today to learn how we can work together to increase your engagement and grow your business on social media.