Engagement, engagement, engagement… That’s pretty much all brands care about these days, right? The number of people who like and comment on your posts matters more than the number of followers. But getting people to engage in thoughtful ways (not just a ‘bot leaving a “❤”) can be a bit of a head-scratcher. No worries! I’ve got you covered. Here are three simple Instagram tips that will lead to more engagement on your posts.

Instagram Tips for More Engagement | Jessi Russell

1. Ask A Question in Your Caption

With any caption, the focus should be on your follower (not you!). Asking questions lets them know you want to hear from them and you want to know their opinion. It invites conversation, which is exactly what you want.

Pro Tip: Do it FIRST thing in your caption to grab your followers’ attention. This will get them to stop scrolling and maybe even hit the “more” button to read the rest of your caption.

Success Formula = First ask a question + Then provide context

2. Show People How to Engage

To get people to engage with your Instagram stories, it’s important to show them:

  • How they can engage
  • You’ll actually respond
  • Other people are doing it (People are more willing to do something if someone else has done it first!)

 

Instagram Tips for More Engagement | Jessi Russell
Instagram Tips for More Engagement | Jessi Russell
Instagram Tips for More Engagement | Jessi Russell

The easiest way to do this is to ask a question in your Instagram story and screenshot the first great response. Share the screenshot in your story to show people great conversations are happening in your DMs.

Note: To protect the privacy of who you’re DMing, consider covering her name, profile photo and any other identifying information.

3. Start Commenting on Other Profiles

You heard me. It’s going to take a little bit of engagement on YOUR end to get your people to engage back. Really it goes back to the whole, “treat others the way you want to be treated” mindset. If you want your followers to engage with your content, you need to take initiative. People are more likely to seek out your posts and engage when they know you’ve noticed them first. I recommend going out of your way to like and comment on photos from people you know follow you and would love your content. You’ll be amazed at the results!

Want More Instagram Tips?

This is just a small taste of the steps you can take to improve your engagement on Instagram. For more Instagram tips, check out how you can work with me here.