How to Improve Instagram Engagement in 2023?
Imagine spending an incredible amount of time planning and creating your content for Instagram, then, getting only a few likes – worse, you get no engagement.
True enough, the basis for Instagram success shouldn’t only be the likes, comments, and shares. But if you’ve been marketing for so long, and you still feel like no one’s hearing you, probably it’s time for a change in strategy.
You should see the Head of Instagram, Adam Moserri (@moserri), constant updates on Instagram. There are always new changes. It’s easy to get left behind if you don’t keep up!
Apparently, marketers expect heavy competition in 2023, and with TikTok on the side, it’s best to prepare how you can compete with the “giants” in your field.
Luckily, there are thousands of resources available online to help you understand the platform and how you can make it work for you. As an Instagram Consultant, I can also assist in exploring how you can get more Instagram traffic while growing your following over time.
You don’t have to be alone. Let your audience see and hear you more this 2023.
2022 Important Changes to the Instagram Algorithm
To provide the appropriate content to the appropriate users, the Instagram algorithm compares data from posts, stories, and reels with data from users’ interests and platform usage.
Now, if you post multiple contents without minding how the algorithm works, you might experience more “flop” than “smash” results.
Hootsuite, in their recent article, shared the top 3 factors brands can rank on Instagram this year 2022. These are:
- Relevancy
- Relationship
- Interest
If your content does not contain any of these, then you’re clearly wasting time posting them.
Another notable change to the algorithm is the tendency of the platform to prioritize original content. So, if your post contains visible watermarks from other apps, expect it to gather less reach.
Ultimately, the users or your audience would likely interact with you, and you’d find yourself prioritizing Instagram if your content appeals to them and you follow their guidelines.
6 Ways to Improve Instagram Engagement in 2023
The best thing you can do to raise your Instagram algorithm ranking is to encourage as many interactions (likes, comments, saves, and clicks) as you can.
Additionally, by gaining momentum within your current community, your content will soon be exposed to new audiences.
The following are six ways to increase your Instagram engagement in 2023 and expand your audience:
1- Prioritize Engagement
Engagement is crucial to Instagram’s algorithm.
If you’re not receiving the attention you expect from your posts, it’s time to explore how to encourage engagement.
Applying a sticker to your Instagram stories is frequently all that is necessary. Use polls, emoji sliders, and question stickers to gather feedback from your audience.
Similar to this, on posts, specifically asking comments or questions in the caption (or inside the image or video itself) is a proven method to start conversations.
2- Post consistently!
Consistent posting is important if you want help with boosting your reach, engagement, or follower growth.
Statistics show businesses publish 1.6 posts to their feed per day on average. If that seems like way too much for your small business, don’t worry; all it takes is showing up consistently (every weekday, for example) to keep things moving.
Bonus tip, consistently share Instagram reels. Instagram continues to strongly advertise reels throughout the entire app interface. Get creative and grab this opportunity to reach more audiences.
3- Allot time to do your analytics
Analytics can be your best friend in letting you know what is and isn’t working. You can focus on audience preferences and learn what kind of material keeps people coming back to your account with the aid of the analytics tool.
The analytics tool can also help you determine the best times to publish and prospective hashtags with a wider audience, as well as what content is effective.
Just remember, exploring your Instagram analytics entails more than just identifying the most popular stories, videos, and photos.
Knowing what affects your ranking is vital, which can only be done by tracking the right metrics over time.
4- Schedule post at the right time, the right way
Posting during peak hours is arguably the easiest way to succeed with the Instagram algorithm. You can check out Sprout Social’s best time to post research and try to post at those times.
On Instagram, audience engagement is a crucial signal across the board, so uploading your content at the ideal time and day will have a significant impact on your organic reach.
Due to the non-chronological feed, publishing during busy times does not always guarantee a flurry of activity. You will be able to achieve some of the timeliness and usage frequency ranking elements though if you publish content at the same time as when users are really using the app.
5- Don’t ignore the power of hashtags
Adding relevant and evocative hashtags in your Instagram posts is still an effective strategy. The algorithm can distribute your post to people who are interested in that topic if it can identify what your post is about. Additionally, hashtags are cost-free (unlike Instagram ads).
More than just adding #followforfollow or #likeforlike to all of your posts, use the right hashtags. Do hashtag research in your niche and ensure you’re adding relevant ones to your posts.
6- Learn to cross-promote
Cross-promoting your Instagram content is a terrific way to start if you’re looking for a quick and simple engagement success to improve your algorithm rating.
The number of channels available for sharing content on Instagram has increased as well. These channels include feeds, stories, guides, and Instagram reels.
Reaching new audiences with Instagram Collabs feed posts (with co-shared authorship) has also never been easier.
Your Next Steps
What is the best strategy for taking advantage of Instagram’s algorithm?
I believe the most effective technique to “hack” the Instagram algorithm is to be consistent and develop real relationships with your followers. This will also do wonders for your brand!
One of the most important factors in determining how the algorithm behaves is timeliness. By using content calendars and social media scheduling tools, you may increase your timeliness.
If you still don’t know how to harness the power of Instagram to reach your business goals, I can help. As an Instagram speaker, I conduct Instagram webinars, generally digital marketing webinars that business organizations and professionals can explore at their convenience.
Optimize your marketing efforts today. Reach out or visit my site to learn more about the service I can offer.
