Do you want better engagement with your followers on Instagram™? Here’s the truth: There are no shortcuts to fostering authentic relationships on Instagram™. Real engagement is the key to converting your Instagram™ followers into buyers.
In this blog post:
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- Use Instagram™ Comment Threads
- Comment on Your Ideal Followers’ Posts
- Pro Tip: Turn on Notifications for Your Ideal Clients
- Direct Message to Reply When Someone Watches Your Instagram™ Story
- Send Your Instagram™ Posts to People You Know Want and Need What You’re Sharing
- Highlight a Customer in Your Instagram™ Feed
Use Instagram™ Comment Threads
First, let’s talk about how Instagram™ comment threads can increase engagement with your Instagram™ followers. So often businesses spend a ton of time creating beautiful Instagram™ content. But they spend almost no time engaging with their followers. This is a big missed opportunity.
Instagram™ comment threads are a golden opportunity to build stronger relationships with your Instagram™ followers. When you @ mention someone to reply to their comment or bring another person into the conversation, you are reminding them that there’s a real person behind your account.
It doesn’t even have to be your Instagram™ content. If you see content that you know someone would like, go ahead and @ mention them. Let them know why the content made you think of them.
Not only does it show that you’re being thoughtful, but you’re creating an additional connection. That engagement is a big win for the Instagram™ algorithm.
Comment on Your Ideal Followers’ Posts
Next, you need to comment on your ideal followers’ posts. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your engagement, you should spend time every day engaging with 10-20 ideal Instagram™ accounts. I’m not talking about leaving a random emoji or one-word comment.
You should always try to leave thoughtful comments. That means leaving something deeper than “great post.” Instead, ask a question and express genuine interest that can lead to a bigger conversation.
Pro Tip: Turn on Notifications for Your Ideal Clients
When you turn on notifications for your followers, you’ll get an alert whenever they share a post, Instagram™ Story, IGTV, or go live. To set up notifications go to their profile and tap on the bell in the top right corner. Then, you can tap “posts, Instagram™ Stories, IGTV, and live videos.” Now, you will get a push notification to your account.
Direct Message to Reply When Someone Watches Your Instagram™ Story
Now, let’s talk about using Instagram™ Direct Messenger. One strategic way to use Instagram™ Direct Messenger is by replying to your followers’ Instagram™ Stories. Instagram™ makes it super easy to instantly reply.
While I don’t recommend using an emoji to reply in the Instagram™ post comment thread, they can work really well for Instagram™ Story replies. But really a combination of emojis and thoughtful comments is the best approach.
For example, if someone shares a video of their dog you probably don’t need to leave a long response. Instead, a heart-eyed emoji is probably enough. But if they share something like a vulnerable story or behind-the-scenes look at their life or business, thoughtful responses will spark a deeper conversation.
Send Your Instagram™ Posts to People You Know Want and Need What You’re Sharing
Next, send your ™ posts to people you know want and need what you’re sharing. While it would be great if people saw every post you share, the algorithm doesn’t work that way.
To make sure people don’t miss your content, share the content via Instagram™ Direct Messenger. Tap the airplane icon at the bottom of your post and send a message. Just make sure to explain why you’re sharing the content.
Keep in mind, you don’t want to bombard your followers every time you share a post. Be selective in what you share and make sure it provides value to your followers.
Highlight a Customer in Your Instagram™ Feed
Finally, let’s talk about one of my favorite customer engagement strategies. Nothing shows that you appreciate your followers more than putting a spotlight on them.
I always say the light shines brightest on you when you shine the light on others. Not only will it showcase your willingness to venture outside of your Instagram™ account, but it will also strengthen your relationship with current and potential followers.
For example, take a look at this testimonial. Angela Wagner, my high-level coaching client, shared a great carousel post highlighting her customer’s success. She also makes it more interesting by sharing a video in the first slide and a text testimonial on the following two slides.
Keep in mind when you’re sharing a testimonial, you want your followers to envision themselves with the success you’re highlighting.
Discover More Strategies to Engage with Your Followers
But wait, the Instagram™ knowledge doesn’t stop there! Download my FREE Instagram™ Strategy Guide to discover more strategies that will help you create stronger relationships with your followers.
