How to get more engagement on Instagram: 12 effective tips

With over a billion monthly users scrolling through social feeds, getting noticed on Instagram may seem like a long shot. But here's the thing—it’s entirely within your reach. The secret lies in crafting posts that don’t just get seen but spark engagement and leave a lasting impression. 

Your Instagram content is an opportunity to connect and engage. But how can you be discovered by the masses? 

In this post, we’re uncovering 12 tried-and-true strategies that share how to get more engagement on Instagram. Whether using hashtags or making the most of Instagram Stories, you’ll walk away with practical tips that can transform your social media game and elevate your presence on one of the world’s biggest social media platforms.

• Instagram engagement measures interactions including likes, comments, shares, and saves, reflecting how well your content resonates with your audience.

• You can boost engagement using strategies such as consistent posting, relevant hashtags, high-quality content, and active engagement with your audience.

• Utilizing Instagram Stories, collaborating with influencers, and hosting giveaways can further drive engagement and increase your brand's visibility.

• Leverage Gelato's print on demand services to monetize your Instagram presence, offering custom products to your followers and generating new revenue streams.

Instagram engagement refers to how people interact with your posts. It can be measured in terms of how many likes, comments, shares, and saves your posts receive. Higher engagement means your content resonates with your followers, which can help you build a loyal and interactive community on the platform. On the other hand, lower engagement may indicate the need to improve the quality of your content.

Knowing your engagement rate is crucial for understanding how your content resonates with your audience. To calculate it, use this simple formula: 

Total number of likes and comments ÷ follower count x 100 = Percentage (%)

For example, if you have 200 likes and 50 comments on a post with 5,000 followers, your engagement rate would be ((200 + 50) / 5000) * 100 = 5%. Regularly monitoring this metric helps you identify what's working and where improvements can be made.

Here are 12 actionable strategies that can help boost your engagement rates and gain a comprehensive understanding of creating engaging content that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful interactions.

1. Post consistently

Consistency is vital to increasing Instagram engagement. When you share new posts frequently, your audience knows when to expect them. This makes them more likely to engage and respond! Here are some steps to ensure consistent posting: 

• Create a content calendar: Plan your posts for the week or month. Use tools like Trello or Google Calendar to keep track.

• Set a posting schedule: Determine the best times and days for your audience. Stick to this schedule to build anticipation.

• Batch create content: Produce multiple pieces of content in one sitting. Doing this saves time and ensures you always have posts ready.

• Utilize scheduling tools: Schedule posts using tools like Hootsuite or Buffer, ensuring consistent output even during busy times.

By investing in quality and consistent content, you'll see a boost in likes, comments, and shares and cultivate a loyal and engaged community that supports your brand. 

2. Use relevant hashtags 

Hashtags are indispensable for amplifying your reach on Instagram. Here's how to use them effectively: 

• Research trending hashtags: Use tools like Hashtagify or Instagram's search feature to discover popular hashtags related to your interests.

• Mix popular and niche hashtags: Combining both increases visibility while reaching a target market or audience. For instance, use a mix of viral hashtags and ones specific to your content.

• Create a branded hashtag: Encourage your followers to use it, enhancing community engagement and providing user-generated content.

• Use five or six hashtags per post: Too many hashtags can look spammy and be a recipe for disaster. Focus on delivering quality over quantity.

Applying these tips makes your posts more discoverable, boosting engagement. Connecting more deeply with your followers transforms them into your dedicated community.

3. Post high-quality content

High-quality content is the backbone of Instagram engagement. Here's how you can ensure your posts stand out: 

• Create value-driven content: Share value-driven content with your audience, such as helpful tips, behind-the-scenes, or fun facts that teach something new!

• Edit professionally: Enhance your photos using editing tools like Lightroom or VSCO. Stick to a consistent filter to create a cohesive feed.

• Focus on lighting: Natural light works best for photography. Shoot your content in well-lit places to avoid grainy and unclear images.

• Visual consistency: Consistent visual aesthetics and themes create a recognizable brand identity essential for engagement.

• Invest in good equipment: Use a good camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera to capture crisp images and videos.

By frequently sharing visually appealing and valuable content, you will attract more followers and build a loyal and engaged community on Instagram. Engagement thrives on authenticity and value, so focus on creating quality content.

4. Engage with your audience 

Regular interactions make your audience feel valued and more likely to engage with your future posts. To implement this strategy effectively: 

• Respond to comments promptly: Reply to the comments on your posts to show your followers that you appreciate what they have to say.

• Like and comment on followers' posts: Engage with your audience by liking and commenting on their content, fostering a sense of community. 

• Use Instagram Stories Q&A and polls: Host Q&A sessions to address followers' queries and create polls to encourage interaction and gather opinions.   

A committed and engaged audience is critical to growing your Instagram presence and achieving your social media goals.  

5. Leverage Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories offer a fantastic way to keep your followers engaged daily. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature: 

• Post regularly: Aim to share a mix of behind-the-scenes content, product highlights, and user-generated content.

• Utilize features: Use stickers, polls, and question boxes to encourage interaction.

• Highlight key stories: Save essential stories for your profile highlights for ongoing visibility.

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent theme or aesthetic to make your Stories visually appealing.

Instagram Story is a feature designed for bite-sized engagement in real time, so any content shared as Stories disappears after 24 hours. Regularly posting Stories creates opportunities for followers to interact with your content in fun and dynamic ways on a daily basis and stay engaged with your brand.

6. Collaborate with influencers 

Working with influencers clearly has its benefits, as it boosts your Instagram engagement. Here’s how to do this right: 

• Research and select influencers: Choose influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Look at their engagement rates and the type of content they post.

• Build a relationship: Before proposing a collaboration, engage with their content by commenting on and liking their posts. Doing so will set a foundation for a genuine partnership.

• Create mutually beneficial content: Work together to create content that benefits both parties, such as product promotions, takeovers, or joint live sessions.

• Use clear agreements: Define expectations, deliverables, and compensation to avoid misunderstandings. A well-structured agreement ensures a smooth collaboration.

Leveraging influencer partnerships can help you effectively tap into new audiences and enhance engagement. Influencers bring authenticity and trust, which can immensely boost your brand’s credibility and follower interaction.  

7. Host giveaways and contests 

Giveaways and contests are powerful tools to boost engagement. They spark excitement and incentivize participation. Here's how you can execute a giveaway or contest: 

• Set a clear goal: Identify your objective—grow followers, increase engagement, or promote a product.

• Choose a relevant prize: Ensure the award aligns with your audience's interests to attract genuine followers.

• Define rules and entry methods: Make it simple. Ask Instagram users to like, comment, tag friends, or share your post.

• Promote the giveaway: To maximize visibility, use Instagram Stories, Reels, and cross-promotion on other social media channels.

• Engage during the giveaway: Respond to comments and keep the excitement alive throughout the contest period.

These steps will boost your Instagram engagement, increase your follower count, and build a more interactive and loyal community.   

8. Use Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are short, engaging videos that can skyrocket your engagement. Here’s how to effectively use them: 

• Be authentic: Show the genuine side of your brand or personal life. Authenticity resonates well with followers.

• Jump on trends: Monitor trending music, challenges, or memes and tailor them to your niche.

• Educational content: Create quick how-tos or tutorials about your expertise; people love learning new things.

• Collaborations: Partner with other creators or brands to reach a broader audience.

• Use text overlays: Add captions to make your Reels accessible, primarily if they rely on spoken word.

• Include CTAs: Prompt your viewers to like, comment, or follow for more content.

Mastering Reels can drastically boost your visibility and engagement. Embrace Reels' creativity and fun to showcase your unique personality and connect with your audience.   

9. Write engaging captions 

Captions are a powerful tool to enhance the appeal of your posts and drive engagement. Here are some effective strategies: 

• Be authentic: Use a genuine voice that reflects your personality or brand. Share stories, experiences, or insights to connect with your audience.

• Ask questions: Encourage interaction by asking questions about your post, which can prompt comments and conversations.

• Include calls-to-action (CTAs): Directly ask your followers to like, comment, share, or save your posts—CTAs will immensely boost engagement.

• Use emojis: Emojis can make your captions more relatable and visually appealing. Use them to highlight key points.

• Keep it concise: While detailed stories can be engaging, don’t overwhelm your audience with long texts—aim for clarity and brevity.

Implementing these tips can make your captions more engaging, increasing interaction on your Instagram posts. Captions that resonate with your audience can also help build a loyal community around your brand.

10. Post at optimal times 

Timing is critical when it comes to Instagram engagement. Posting when your audience is most active will improve your reach. Here’s how you can implement this strategy effectively: 

• Analyze insights: Monitor analytics to see when your followers are online. Pay attention to the days and times with the highest activity.

• Experiment: Try posting at different times and tracking engagement levels, as this will help you identify patterns and refine your posting schedule.

• Factor in different timezones: If you have a global audience, consider scheduling posts to align with different time zones to maximize exposure.

• Keep it consistent: Once identified, stick to your optimal posting times. Consistent posting builds anticipation and ensures your content appears when followers are most prepared to engage.

Determining the best times to post will increase your content's visibility and engagement. Use Instagram Insights to identify when your followers are most active and plan your posts accordingly.

11. Tag relevant accounts 

Tagging relevant accounts can dramatically boost your reach and engagement on Instagram. Here's how to use this strategy effectively: 

• Collaborate with influencers: Tag influencers related to your niche. They might share your post, giving you visibility among their followers.

• Feature customers: If a customer uploads a photo using your product, tag them, build a community, and encourage others to share their experiences.

• @mention brands: Tag brands featured in your post. They might repost, exposing you to a broader audience.

• Use location tags: When you’re at events or notable locations, tagging helps you reach users searching for that location.

The key is relevance—only tag Instagram account holders genuinely related to your content to avoid appearing spammy. Doing so increases your reach and builds authentic connections within your niche.

12. Use Instagram Analytics

When understanding what works and what doesn't on your feed, Instagram Analytics is your best friend. Here's how to leverage it effectively: 

• Track critical metrics: Monitor likes, comments, saves, shares, and profile visits.

• Analyze audience insights: Examine demographics such as age, gender, and location to tailor your content.

• Review content performance: Identify top-performing posts to understand what content resonates with your audience.

• Adjust posting times: Use insights to determine the optimal times to post for maximum engagement.

• Monitor Stories and Reels: Check the performance of Stories and Reels to diversify your content strategy.

Consistently analyzing and acting on these insights helps you fine-tune your strategy, ensuring your content is engaging and relevant. Taking a data-driven approach is critical to leveling up your Instagram game and taking it from good to extraordinary.

Boosting your Instagram engagement can transform your social media presence. Consistency, high-quality content, and authentic interactions are instrumental to your long-term success on Instagram.

But why stop there? With Gelato's print on demand services, you can tap into even higher engagement and turn your influence into a steady stream of income!

Gelato offers a hassle-free solution to monetize your social media presence by providing a platform to create custom products that will resonate with your followers. 

Integrating Gelato into your Instagram strategy means you can build deeper connections with your customers by selling personalized items that reflect your brand’s value and story. We have a vast network of global print providers spanning 34 countries, helping you bring your unique designs to life and deliver them quickly to your customers.

Sign up for Gelato, select one of our flexible subscription plans, and kickstart your journey to transforming your Instagram engagement into a profitable venture!