Three Ways to Improve Engagement on IG
For many industries, Instagram is the best performing social media in terms of engagement. However, there are a number of ways that you can take that to the next level. Whether taking advantage of features already within Instagram of utilizing third-party apps, following these three easy steps can get you to the next level on IG.
Choose Carousels
The carousel post has the highest engagement rate of any Instagram post type. Why? Because Instagram will re-serve a carousel post to users who didn’t interact previously. Further, carousel posts allow you to flex your creative muscle by stitching together multiple photos into a cohesive slideshow.
Third-party apps like SCRL allow you to create collages that weave through the borders of an Instagram carousel creating a unique and memorable look. With the help of these templates and some well-chosen photos, your Instagram aesthetic can reach new heights.
Make your posts accessible
When you’re posting on Instagram, there is a small “Advanced Settings” tab. Once you’ve clicked this, you’re able to write “Alternative Text” descriptions for people with visual impairments. This caption should be a written description of what is pictured in the photo or video.
When someone with a visual impairment browses through Instagram, this description will be read aloud using a screen reader to improve the experience. Writing this description not only makes it easier for a wider audience to experience your posts, but also allows you to dictate exactly what is said, versus relying on an auto-generated caption from Instagram.
The $1.80 Strategy
This Instagram growth strategy was coined by entrepreneurial icon Gary Vaynerchuk. It comes from the old adage of “giving someone your $0.02.” Vaynerchuk suggests leaving an engaging comment on the top nine posts for ten hashtags relevant to your industry. If you leave your two cents for this many posts, it will add up to $1.80!
The catch to this simple strategy, is that your comments have to be genuine. Don’t copy and paste the same comment multiple times. Further, make sure you’re searching hashtags that are relevant to the type of audience you want to grow. This strategy may take some time, but will help you find an engaged audience that’s interested in the topics you post about!