Instagram’s engagement rate has long been elusive. Frequently asked questions include: what is a good engagement rate, how to increase it, or why it matters at all? It is true that engagement rates on Instagram have declined for everyone this year. The average engagement rate has been around 2.4% for the early part of this year, but a good number would be about 1-4%.

Engage with others and grow your following

Increase your engagement rate by engaging with other accounts more frequently. This is one of the best ways to do so. It makes a difference if you comment on your followers’ posts or like posts from pages you enjoy or would like to follow. Engaging with others will encourage them to participate in your posts. Another great way to increase engagement is to buy Instagram auto likes for your content and increase your engagement with the right, real people. Engaging with new followers is also a common practice. Your followers probably followed you for a good reason (probably because your content is great and engaging), and the algorithm tends to show them multiple posts when they first follow you. They will have an opportunity to see what you post and engage with you.

Make use of user-generated content

Using UGCs is an excellent way to encourage your followers to interact with your posts. User-generated content is more relatable and trustworthy because it is not created by your brand. As an added bonus, UGC also provides you with a breather from continually coming up with new content ideas, and it might even provide some inspiration. 

You encourage your followers to assist your marketing efforts by incorporating user-generated content into your content strategy. Furthermore, it is likely that when you share their posts, they will want to let their audience know that they have been featured. Engaging your audience with an UGC is a fairly simple process. 

Add Hashtags

Taking advantage of hashtags is an excellent way to promote your content and put it in front of potential followers, so if you’re not already using them, it’s time to do so. You should consider using hashtags if you have not yet done so. Hashtags are the best way for you to get in front of potential followers because they are an effective way to get your content noticed. Firstly, you are permitted 30 hashtags per post on Instagram, so if you can, be sure to use them all. It is not necessary for you to use all of these on every post, but you probably will on important posts that you want to receive a large amount of traffic and visibility. Ensure that the hashtags you select are relevant.

Last but not least, be sure to use hashtags that your audience is interested in. When you come across a hashtag that has not yet been used too many times and is relevant to the community or industry, run with it. Make sure to use hashtags that relate to your image, even if they are a little different from what you usually post. Your posts may be seen by someone who is interested in them.

Use calls to action (CTAs)

Are all of your posts accompanied by a call to action? No matter the scenario, asking your followers to take action – whether it’s “check out the link in my bio to sign up for my email list,” or even as simple as “double tap if you agree” – is a thoughtful way to improve engagement. If you wish to simply increase engagement, asking your followers to like, comment, or save your posts is an obvious strategy. You should also include some CTAs in your Instagram stories (if you are using them). Stories are more than just ‘replies’, although they are great because they allow you to chat with your followers and begin building those relationships. In addition to question boxes, polls, quizzes, swipe-ups, and other interactive features in Instagram stories, these also contribute to engagement. Hence, to make sure that you utilize your followers’ opinions, insights, and suggestions as much as possible, please ask them for their opinions.