Let’s be honest here- almost everyone is struggling with the new Instagram Algorithm. In order to beat the algorithm I have been reading up on way too many articles. From “How To Get More Instagram Followers Right Now” to “How To Increase Your Instagram Engagement” – the articles online are a plenty! But what I’m offering you is a daily guide. In this blog post, I’m going to show you how to double your Instagram Engagement in 5 days. It’s not as daunting or difficult as it sounds. Promise!
It’s not that hard to beat the Instagram algorithm, all you have to do is understand it and work around it.
So, what is the most major factor in Instagram algorithm that allows more engagement? It’s interaction. In the form of likes, comments, DM’s (Yes! Now DM’s are also a part of the new Instagram Algorithm) and even Instagram Stories.
Below is a day by day Instagram route that you can follow to increase your Instagram engagement.
Day 1: Use Relevant Hashtags
Now, we have all heard this one. But there’s a constant debate as well. How many hashtags are too many or too less?
In my opinion, if Instagram has given you a tool that can make your account reachable to more people- Use It!! Use at least 30 hashtags in each post. (Disclaimer: Instagram has a new rule where you can’t use more than 30 hashtags)
Use hashtags which are synonymous with the content you’re posting. For example: if you’re posting a photo about food, then use only food related hashtags. If you use #London, it’s not at all relevant to the image and there’s no point in using that hashtag.
Also, did you know some hashtags are banned by Instagram? Yes, it’s true. This is the list for 2018.
The list keeps changing, but using these hashtags might lead to a shadow ban as well. How to know if a hashtag is banned? Go to the “Explore” page on Instagram, write the hashtag. If nothing appears there then the hashtag is banned. DON’T use it and risk your account!
If you use the right hashtag and if your Instagram post becomes very popular, then it might even appear on the Explore page! Which means, more engagement and more followers!
Read More: How to Become a Travel Blogger
Day 2: Create Instagram stories – fuel a conversation
What started as a fad, is now Instagram’s most important parameter of engagement. So, if you haven’t already joined the bandwagon, then please do.
Because Instagram stories are not just a random Instagram tool, it will help in increasing your Instagram engagement.
If you’re an Instagram page who wants to grow, then show people your daily life. Connect with your current and prospective followers through Instagram stories. Give them a behind the scenes look, or just share some photos of your day.
Instagram stories
There are many new tools in stories like live (to go live) normal (to take a photo or take a video), boomerang, superzoom, rewind, hands-free, or stop-motion. If you have more than 10k followers, then a Swipe Up option will be available as well where you can share links.
Below I’m sharing some fun Instagram stories Ideas, so that you can get a head start and from there on use your own creative ideas to connect with your followers:
– Share a Behind The Scenes look:
If you’re a travel blogger, then show then how you click great photos. Show your gear, tripod. When you’re actually creating a photo, take them to a location and show the behind the scenes action.
– Use The Poll Option/ the Slider Option:
There’s a new slider option as well with the Instagram polls which is a fun way to ask your followers which idea they like more. Just as a starter, try on two outfits and ask them which one should you be wearing to an event. It makes your followers more connected to your life and they feel valued as well.
– Go Live on Insta Stories:
This is also a great way to directly interact with your followers. If you’re out on an event, then just go live. Talk to your followers, tell them about the event and just let them ask you questions.
– Share a tutorial:
If you’re a fashion blogger, then show how you style your clothes or show a DIY fashion trick. It helps people get more invested in your life and if they learn something useful, they will come back to your page for more such info!
– Make people want to DM you:
Now, let me tell you that Instagram DM’s are also a way of increasing engagement. The new Instagram algorithm has now included Instagram DM’s as a form of engagement as well. So, ask a question, ask for an opinion- make people want to have a conversation with you. Building relationships is the only way to increase Instagram engagement.
Day 3: Post Consistently
I can’t stress on this point enough. If you think Instagram is just about posting one post in a couple of days- you’re wrong.
With so many accounts popping up here and there, the competition is harsh. And if you want to increase your Instagram engagement, then the first rule is to post consistently.
For me, posting everyday works. But it can differ for people. Some people go ahead and post multiple times a day, some post alternate days. But don’t forgo posting more than one or two days.
Instagram works like this- If you get more engagement on one post, then it will show your post to more people in the next post. But if you stop posting then you’re right back to square one. Consistent organic engagement is what Instagram wants.
Day 4: Engage with other people To Get More Instagram Engagement
Every time someone comments on your photo, make sure to reply back! This is really so basic, and takes a few minutes only. And making relationships through comments is one of the best ways to increase engagement.
Even with the accounts you follow, don’t just like their photo. Leave a meaningful comment. This strikes with the person you’re following and in return he might just start following you and even commenting on your photos!
Engaging and building relationships is the number one tool to increase your Instagram engagement and Instagram followers as well.
If you want to really fuel the speed of the engagement, then join Instagram pods. These are basically WhatsApp and Telegram groups where a lot of Instagrammers post their daily posts. Each person has to engage with atlas 5 posts above them. This makes a chain and in turn increases everyone’s engagement. This is one great way to get new Instagram followers as well.
Day 5: Write long captions that makes people want to comment and gives an insight into your life
Many people don’t give too much value to Instagram captions. While yes, the photo does the talking , but if a strong Instagram caption supports it then it’s gold.
A good photo just elicits a like, but a great caption elicits a comment.
And as we all know, the Instagram algorithm values comments more.
They key is to give an insight into your thoughts and feelings. If you’re a travel blogger, then you can also give a background of the place in the picture, your experience in the city, tips to roam around the city and more. Ask questions, play a fun game, give valuable info or tell a personal story. These are all great ways to fuel people to stop scrolling and actually engage with your post. This is a sure shot way to increase your Instagram followers as well.
You can also try writing emotional captions which really move people. It might anger them, connect with them, make them take an action or even make them go click on your blog website.
What you really want to do is create such an account that matters to people and makes them want to stick around.
And just because you’re starting out, doesn’t mean that you should get disappointed by the people who are already above you. Everyone has their own story, their own pace and everyone is capable of creating a story.
So, do just that. Create such a story and mark through your content that people really do stop and engage. That’s how you can increase your Instagram engagement.
Did you like this article? If yes, then please comment below and let me know your thoughts! Do you want more such tips on social media and blog creation?
