How to Implement an Instagram Engagement Strategy in 2023

How to Implement an Instagram Engagement Strategy in 2023

2023 will be here before you know it! Over the past year, there have been enormous changes on the Instagram platform, and there will likely be more over the next twelve months. An Instagram engagement strategy is an integral part of any social media marketing campaign. Engagement is one of three areas of social media marketing, which we covered in our last blog post, so it’s important not to ignore it. This blog post includes some great engagement tips that you can use to increase your reach, impressions, and following.

First, it’s important to define “engagement.” What does it mean, and why is it important? The Two Step Social team defines Instagram engagement as the amount of interaction your account receives from others. Interaction includes likes, comments, saves, and DMs. The more interactions you receive, the better, because this indicates that your content is interesting to users.

Have you ever seen an account with tens of thousands of followers, but its posts only get a few likes? These accounts likely purchased fake followers, which is a big no-no. It’s much better to have an account with only a few hundred followers and a ton of interactions versus an account with tens of thousands of followers but no interactions.

Instagram Engagement Strategies To Try

1. Post High-Quality Content

This is probably the most crucial piece of any Instagram engagement strategy. To be successful at social media marketing, you must post informative, educational, and engaging content. Without content, how will users interact with your account and learn more about your business? Creating and scheduling high-quality content can be very time-consuming, which is why many businesses use Two Step Social to do this for them.

2. Follow Other Accounts

If you own a bakery, you should follow other baking-related accounts. Not only does this allow you to present your brand to other baking accounts, but it also makes your account look more legitimate. If you’re not following any accounts, it can make your account look unpersonable and corporate.

3. Use Hashtags

Hashtags can be a great way to get more reach and Instagram engagement, and they’re simple to implement. By including hashtags with your posts, your content can be displayed to users following those hashtags. Instagram will also show your post to users interested in similar content. These users can be “previously-untouched” by your brand, which means they’re a great way to make first impressions! The effects of hashtags can significantly depend on your industry & niche. Some of Two Step Social’s clients have seen enormous success from hashtags, while others see minimal results.

4. Like, Save, and Comment on Interesting Content

Use Instagram as it was intended to be used! By liking, commenting, and saving posts, you’re more likely to be discovered. It’s widely believed that Instagram’s algorithm rewards accounts that use Instagram’s features.

Instagram Engagement Strategies To Avoid

1. Buying Followers

NEVER buy followers! If you buy followers, your account will likely get banned. Additionally, these “followers” are likely fake accounts and won’t lead to any Instagram engagement. You’re better off spending the time and money engaging with real accounts within your Instagram account.

2. Following Random, Unrelated Accounts

Don’t just follow accounts for the sake of following accounts. Be intentional about the content with which your users interact. This can help Instagram better identify your industry/niche, which will increase the likelihood that your organic content is recommended to appropriate audiences.

3. Posting Inconsistently

Don’t post twenty times one month, and then three times the next month. Being inconsistent can be confusing to your followers. Also, followers are more likely to unfollow you after long periods of no posts. Decide on a posting schedule and stick to it!

Creating content AND implementing an effective engagement strategy can be extremely time-consuming. Let Two Step Social handle the content creation piece! Our Charlotte, NC-based team of social media marketing experts has created content for over 200 brands. Sign up for one of our month-to-month social media plans today – they start at only $99 per month!