I have had many people ask me how to receive more interaction on Instagram. In fact, many are frustrated that they can barely get 10 likes on nice images that they upload. I understand the frustration and I have had to learn myself on how to create a healthy presence on Instagram.
Instagram, the image sharing network is becoming more and more popular. In fact, many business owners have found their clients by sharing their photos across the network. It is not a surprise that the popularity is increasing since many individuals are the visual type and are attracted to pictures. It is definitely a great idea on how to learn how to attract more engagement on this network as a result. I want to share four?powerful tips on how to just do that.
- Upload Images that you know will Catch People’s Attention- Most of the time many people know to do this anyway. However, just in case you want to be reminded of the types of pictures that strike a bunch of fancies- I will tell you. Pictures of food, striking looking food that is like desserts or scrumptious dinners always get people curious. Taking a picture of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is definitely not discouraged, however you may not get as much interaction on a post like that because it just may not be interesting enough for most people. Pictures of animals, beautiful scenery, plants, flowers and even image quotes you can download onto your phone from sites will certainly capture the interest of others. You are also encouraged to take pictures of places you visit, or even pictures that are related to your business. It is best to mix types of photos up as well to diversify. Some social media consultants may disagree with this. Mixing niches too often in other social media networks like Facebook and Twitter is not recommended. However, with Instagram, I think it is perfectly fine to do! Instagram is an excellent platform to really express yourself. Common sense will also tell you to never post images that are downright disturbing, which I don’t feel is necessary to elaborate on. Unfortunately I have seen shocking images on Instagram and have reported them?as well.
- Always Use the Following Hashtags– Hashtagging your social media posts is a sure way to receive extra exposure! However for Instagram you will want to use the following hashtags to receive more interaction and likes for your images- #likealways #instagood #instadaily #instalove #instaquote #picoftheday #instacute #likeforlike #like4like #20likes. If you are posting a picture of a dog, it is fine to also add #dog or the type of breed. If it is a picture of dessert, then hashtagging the dessert is also fine. However you don’t need to use all of the hashtags in one post listed above. Be sure to not to use more than 7 hashtags for your Instagram pics or else it will appear too spammy (For other networks like Facebook and Twitter it is not advisable to use more than 3). Doesn’t it annoy you when you click on someone’s Instagram picture and underneath it is filled with 100 hashtags that you need to scroll down through? How many of them have you read as a result of that as well? I bet none. Be mindful when hashtagging.
- Engage Back– If someone likes your images, then be sure to engage back. If you don’t, then other users will lose interest. In fact if someone comments on your images, mention them and thank them. They will appreciate it and keep an eye out for your new stuff!
- Post At Least One Image a Day– Be consistent with posting on Instagram. If you post less than one image a day, you will have not much of a presence on Instagram. That means less interaction than you would like. If you are not sure of what to post, you can either go and take pictures of a nice outside scenery, or your delicious dinner, your pet, or you can download royalty free images that fit into a category that you know will pique people’s interest.
To sum up, post at least one image a day, hashtag it, and interact! Happy Instagramming!
Hi Miriam,
I never remember Instagram…oh my. I signed up for an Instagram account a couple of years ago so that I could follow a fashion consultant but I do not believe that I ever posted a single thing.
I do like your plan for engagement though…that is the whole purpose, right?
Lots of people create these accounts and forget about them. I highly recommend you get back into IG, it’s a great platform. Thanks for commenting Rachel.
Hi Miriam, this is my first visit to your blog and I would like to say how impressed I am with all the value you are giving here. I decided to read your this post about instagram because I have been thinking about using instagram for my online business. I am not an instagram user yet but thanks to your helpful information I think I will be giving it a go.
best wishes
Sarah
Thanks for sharing Sarah. I am glad you are happy!
Hey Miriam,
Great tips here. Starting to use Instagram a bit more to document my life as time goes on.
That is great, you can share your life with your followers and they love pics. Thanks for commenting.
I like the tips that you have in the post! Instagram was something that stumped me and frustrated me some because my pictures never received many likes, much like the people you mentioned early in your post. I would see my friends (mainly females) that would post something and it would have 50+ likes in a matter of an hour. I never knew how they did it, but I suppose the consistent posting of selfies and other elaborate pictures obtained the attention of various people on instagram. I like the tips that you had about 7 hashtags or less because it is annoying to see people that use 30-40 hashtags. Instagress is also a good tool for this and thank your for sharing!
Thanks for commenting Kyle. Consistency is the key as well and yes, too many hashtags in a post just makes me want to skip it and none will be seen!
Thanks for all this advice Miriam. I know I need to ‘get with it’ and start using Instagram so these tips help. Social media moves too fast for old chooks like me.
Have a great weekend.
Liz
Sound advises! A bit general, more useful for a beginner, but still good. Although there’s something missing. The most crucial part is engaging. No matter how many followers you have if they are not active towards your account – they are useless. The best way to engage in my opinion is to interact with as many convenient users as possible. Follow & like & comment, then get rid of those who did’t answer with fast-unfollow.com, then repeat until you’re famous. This is the key to a good, consolidated and engaged community, when you follow the same number as you are being followed. The feeling of implication is crucial.
You are right on that, thanks for bringing that up.