Engagement, engagement, engagement. In the marketing world, we hear this word all the time. But what does it really mean, and how can we, as smart marketers, improve it?
Put simply, engagement measures how many people are interacting with your content. Think likes, comments, shares, saves, profile taps, and link clicks. These interactions tell you how well your content connects with your audience and offer valuable insight into how to communicate with them more effectively in the future.
If you’re already posting consistently, using relevant hashtags, and following the latest trends but your engagement is still low, this post is for you. Here are a few lesser-known strategies to increase engagement that you may not have tried yet.
1. Comment Three Times on Your Own Post
It might feel a little strange at first, but this tactic helps more than you think. Right after your post goes live, leave a few thoughtful comments under it. Use this space to:
- Share a behind-the-scenes story
- Ask your audience a follow-up question
- Add something you maybe forgot to mention or additional information that might be helpful to your audience
- Tag collaborators or featured businesses
This helps kick off the conversation and encourages others to join in. It also shows activity on your post, which can help increase its visibility on users’ feeds.
2. Refine Your Instagram Explore Page
Your Explore Page reflects what Instagram believes you’re interested in. If it is not showing content that is relevant to your brand or audience, it might be time to retrain it so your algorithm interacts with potentially interested accounts.
Start by engaging with posts that reflect your niche. Save and like content from creators, brands, or thought leaders that align with your business goals. Avoid clicking on unrelated content so the algorithm can better serve you content that inspires, informs, and supports your strategy.
A curated Explore Page can keep you in the loop with trends and give you new ideas for posts your audience is more likely to engage with.
3. Comment on Popular Accounts in Your Area or Niche
This is a simple and effective way to get your profile in front of new people.
Find local influencers, brands, or media accounts that your ideal audience already follows. Leave thoughtful, relevant comments on their posts. Do this consistently to help your brand become part of the conversation.
Avoid generic comments. Instead, respond with insight, encouragement, or questions that spark conversation. This helps build brand awareness and encourages more profile visits from engaged users.
4. Share and Celebrate User-Generated Content
User-generated content, or UGC, is one of the best ways to build trust and strengthen your community. Reposting photos or stories from customers shows appreciation and adds authenticity to your feed.
Ask your followers to tag you or use a branded hashtag when sharing about your brand. Then feature their content on your page or in your Stories. Always credit the original creator.
When your audience feels seen, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue sharing their experiences with your brand.
5. Tag Relevant Accounts in Your Posts
Tagging is a simple way to get more eyes on your content.
Tag any brands, influencers, or collaborators that are featured in your post. This increases the chances of a repost and opens your account to a wider audience. Be sure your tags are relevant and meaningful. Random or excessive tagging can come across as spammy and may be ignored.
Final Thoughts
Engagement is not just about numbers. It is about building a real connection with your audience and giving them a reason to interact with your content. By adding a few of these less common tactics to your strategy, you can boost engagement and build a more active, loyal community.
Try one or two of these tips this week and see what happens. Need additional help boosting engagement? Reach out to Social Ape Marketing today!
