Listen, if your engagement is looking dry, it’s time to switch things up. Social media isn’t just about posting cute pics and hoping people care. It’s about connection. And if people don’t feel connected to you, they’re scrolling right past your content.
For some reason, everyone feels like having a large following is the ultimate goal. However, for influencers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, focusing on engagement is what truly matters.
Stop Talking At Them, Talk To Them
Nobody wants to feel like they’re just a number in your follower count. And if your captions sound like a textbook, that’s the problem. Nobody wants to feel like they’re reading a sales pitch or a lecture. Speak in your real voice, like you’re talking to a friend. Ask questions, invite conversations, and make people feel seen. The more personal, the better.
❌”Here are 5 ways to improve your Instagram strategy.”
✅ “Sis, why is Instagram playing with our engagement like this? Here’s how we’re about to fix it.” Or “Drop an emoji that describes your mood today! Mine is🏝️because I’m daydreaming about my next trip.”
See the difference? You’re making people feel seen and part of the conversation. Show them that you value their opinions and appreciate their support. Make them feel involved and invested in your journey.
Spend at least 15-20 minutes before and after posting engaging with your audience, replying to comments, reacting to stories, and showing love. Be the kind of follower you want to attract.
Go Live and Let People Feel Your Energy
Nothing builds trust faster than real-time interaction. Whether you sharing tips, answering questions, or just vibing, going live makes people feel like they know you. And people engage more with creators they feel connected to. If you’re nervous, start with short Lives and work your way up. Just show up!
Show Up in Stories Every Day
Your feed is curated, but your Stories? That’s where the real connection happens. Show behind-the-scenes moments, your daily routine, or just random thoughts. Polls, Q&As, and ‘this or that’ games are easy ways to get people to interact without overthinking.
Create Content That Starts Conversations
If you’re scared to ruffle a few feathers, you’re gonna struggle with engagement. People connect with bold opinions, not wishy-washy content. Have a controversial topic? Say it. Challenge the norm.
Example: Y’all, brand deals are NOT the only way to make money as a creator, and honestly, they might be the worst option. Let’s break it down.” Now, watch the comments roll in.
Give More Than You Take
If every post is a sales pitch, people will tune you out. Give value first. Teach something, inspire people, drop free gems. When you consistently show up with helpful content, your audience will naturally engage and support when you do sell something.
Use Content That Sparks Emotion
People share and engage with content that makes them feel something. Humor, nostalgia, inspirational, use it to your advantage. Example: Remember when we thought working a 9-5 was the only way to make money? Lmaooo, the ghetto. Pair that with a personal story or a transformation, and boom, engagement.
Use CTA’s
You also want to make sure you’re using a call to action in your content. End your posts and stories with things like “comment below,” “share this post,” or “tag a friend.” This encourages your followers to engage.
Stay Consistent
One of the most important factors in boosting your engagement is posting consistently. Your audience craves regular updates and fresh content, so make sure to establish a posting schedule that works for you.
Posting daily is ideal, however, consistency doesn’t always means posting 3-4x a day or posting at minimum of 4-5 times per week. Consistency could be posting on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm. Consistency is whatever works for you.
You want to give your followers a reason to check back. By showing up consistently, you demonstrate your dedication and build anticipation among your followers. To make scheduling your content easier, you might want to take a look at this website.
The smaller you are as an influencer, the more engaged your audiences tend to be. So, focus on engagement over rapid growth, especially when you're first starting out. An engaged community will drive more growth and success in the long run.