Is your Instagram engagement lower than you’d like? Don’t worry – many businesses and influencers face similar challenges. The good news is that you can fix these issues quickly with the right strategies. Here’s a detailed guide to improving your Instagram performance, complete with examples from popular accounts and professional marketing advice.
Problem 1: Low Likes
Reason: Weak Hook
Solution: Strengthen Your Hook
A strong hook grabs attention and entices users to like your post. Here’s how to do it:
- Comment “IDEA” for a free Ultimate Guide to Viral Hooks: Encourage interaction by offering valuable content in exchange for a simple action. For instance, @foundr often uses this strategy to boost engagement on their educational posts.
Example:
- @natgeo: National Geographic often uses compelling hooks in their captions, such as intriguing facts or questions related to their stunning photographs, drawing users in and encouraging them to like the post.
Problem 2: Low Comments
Reason: Bad Conversation
Solution: Improve Conversation Starters
Engage your audience with better conversation tactics:
- Ask questions in your CTA: Directly ask your audience questions to encourage comments. For example, @wework frequently ends posts with questions about workplace preferences or productivity tips.
- Put Easter eggs in posts: Hidden elements or surprises can prompt followers to comment. @adobe often includes Easter eggs in their creative posts, inviting users to find and discuss them.
- Cover trending topics: Posts about trending subjects can spark conversations. @buzzfeedtasty capitalizes on food trends to engage their audience.
- Share personal opinions: Expressing personal viewpoints can encourage discussions. @cleowade, a poet and author, often shares personal reflections that resonate with her followers and prompt them to comment.
Problem 3: Low Views
Reason: Bad Video Retention
Solution: Enhance Video Retention
Keep viewers engaged throughout your videos:
- Hemingway to shorten script: Use the Hemingway app to simplify and tighten your video scripts, making them more engaging.
- No industry terms when possible: Avoid jargon that might confuse or alienate viewers.
- Cut out empty space in videos: Edit your videos to remove unnecessary pauses or filler content. @garyvee is known for his concise and to-the-point video content.
- Add open loops at the start: Start your videos with a question or teaser that encourages viewers to watch until the end. @marieforleo frequently uses this technique in her video content.
Example:
- @nike: Nike’s short, dynamic videos often start with a compelling action or question, ensuring high retention rates.
Problem 4: Low Saves
Reason: Bad Value
Solution: Provide More Value
Ensure your posts offer clear, valuable information:
- Add summaries at the end: Summarize key points in your posts to make them more actionable. For example, @thefinancialdiet often includes summaries in their educational posts.
- Give info that can be used NOW: Provide immediate value. @mindbodygreen shares wellness tips that followers can implement right away.
- Use diagrams/examples often: Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention. @hubspot frequently uses infographics to convey complex information.
- Don’t gatekeep any value: Share your best tips and insights freely. @patflynn, from Smart Passive Income, shares detailed advice and strategies without holding back, increasing the likelihood that followers will save his posts.
Problem 5: Low Shares
Reason: Not Relatable
Solution: Increase Relatability
Make your content more shareable by resonating with your audience:
- Check Quora for pain points: Understand your audience’s challenges by looking up common questions and concerns on Quora. Tailor your content to address these issues.
- Use Google Trends for trends: Stay updated on what’s trending and create content around those topics. For example, @nytimes stays relevant by posting about current events and popular topics.
- Do Story Polls & learn your tribe: Use Instagram Stories to poll your audience and learn about their preferences. @glossier frequently uses polls to engage their followers and gather feedback.
- Read/Reply to questions in comments: Show your audience that you’re listening by responding to their questions and comments. @emily.schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere is known for her active engagement with followers, making her content feel more personal and relatable.
Example:
- @humansofny: Humans of New York shares deeply personal and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience, prompting them to share these stories with their own networks.
Conclusion
Fixing your Instagram engagement issues doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By focusing on improving your hooks, starting better conversations, enhancing video retention, providing more value, and increasing relatability, you can see significant improvements in a short amount of time.
Final Tips:
- Consistency is key: Regularly apply these strategies to maintain and grow your engagement over time.
- Analyze and adapt: Continuously monitor your analytics to understand what works and adjust your strategies accordingly.
- Stay authentic: Authenticity builds trust and loyalty, which are crucial for long-term success.
By implementing these solutions and learning from successful accounts, you can transform your Instagram presence and achieve your engagement goals. Happy posting!