Oh Instagram, the mysterious, the wonderful, the irritating, the life consuming app we all love to hate.
I have to say i’ve always been an Instagram lover. Since the days of posting blurry, out of focus photos with some sort of ‘cool’ border, my heart has been set. It’s 100% my favourite social app.
I love seeing little insights into people’s days, or what outfit they’re wearing to go shopping, and of course most of all, what they’re eating. And that’s exactly what I love doing with my own account, talking to my followers about my day and showing them little snippets of my life.
There are so many Instagrammers I admire, I can look at their accounts and end up scrolling back to a cosy Thursday back in 2008. Because their feeds are so beautiful! They make life look gorgeous and of course their captions usually make me laugh. To name a few who inspire me; @imlaurabradshaw, @hannahfgale, @jesschamilton, @bethsandland. I could go on for a while longer … but i’ll get to the point.
Until January this year, i’ve never really taken Instagram ‘seriously’. I’ve always loved taking a great photo and sharing it, but that was the extent of it. It has never been with any other intention than to just post a photo I particularly like. And maybe i’d put an emoji as the caption because ya know, cute.
With my blog really getting started, I’ve decided to start putting a little more thought into my Instagram.
I should say before I go on, Instagram is a passion for me, and a passion I think some people just don’t get. (You can see in my recent post my full views on this as well as other thoughts about becoming a blogger.) So when I say i’m making more effort with my account, that’s something that excites me! I enjoy creating the content I love as well as finding new accounts to follow. It’s in no way shape or form a chore.
Since changing my Instagram ways in 2018, I have had an unbelievable response. It’s been so encouraging to see my follower count DOUBLED, and my daily interactions going up by like 23,000%. I’ve also found some stunning new accounts, and connected with so many like minded, lovely bloggers.
I know Instagram can be a real challenge sometimes, with the dreaded algorithm and ridiculous follow-unfollowers (EYE ROLL), so I thought it might be useful to share a few of the things i’ve been doing so far to improve my insta game, so here goes!
1. Create content you love
One thing that has become incredibly apparent, is that your followers want to see content that your passionate about. One of my favourite things to post is food photos, and my followers know it. I can talk for pages about the breakfast I just had, or the huge hot chocolate I downed, and it’s also what I love photographing. Your passion will be your best content, simply because you spend time doing what you love, therefore getting it just right.
2. Engage, Engage, Engage
I’ve never realised how much things could change until I started properly interacting with other users. There’s a few ways I engage on Instagram:
- Comment as much as you can. If I see a photo I really like, i’ll make a conscious effort to let them know. This is great because one, it can really make someones day and two, hopefully they’ll see your name pop up and remember the support you’ve given.
- Reply to stories. This is a really nice way of starting conversations and getting to know the people your connected with.
- Do weekly shout outs. Take a screen shot of a few of your favourite accounts feeds and post them in your story. You’ll likely get a lovely message from the people you’ve tagged and it shows others you’re a supportive and a loyal follower.
3. Remember your followers
With the Instagram game, it can often be easy to focus on getting new followers all the time. What i’ve learnt is that actually focussing on the followers you have, can in the end lead you to gaining more.
If you’re frequently liking, commenting, engaging with your followers, they’re less likely to unfollow, and are more likely to show the support back. I’ve been doing this a lot lately and as a result have made some really great connections. I’ll often get shouted out on stories, and I’d say I get a pretty decent amount of interaction on my photos.
(I’m starting to feel like i’m bragging here, I promise i’m not!)
4. Use stories
This comes very naturally to me, the moment a plate of food appears in-front of me I get the irresistible urge to post to my stories. I’ve started talking more to my followers which means they get to know me more. It’s also great to use polls to ask your followers what content they particularly like, or even what snack they think you should have.
5. Think about your captions
I cannot begin to tell you how much this has changed the way I Instagram. When I post a photo, the caption will often tell a little story. Usually just about what i’ve done with my day, or very possibly what i’m going to make for dinner. More often than not, i’ll ask a question in my caption and usually I get quite a few lovely responses. By telling a story in your caption, people have the chance to properly get to know you as well as hearing about what you’ve been up to.
When people comment a response to your photo, it can really boost you page and feed so other users are more likely to come across it. More engagement, more views.
As i’m coming up to 1000 words here, I feel like I should probably stop, even though I really could go on … for now, i’ll leave it there.
If you’ve found this helpful, let me know and i’ll do a part two!
The last thing I want to say is thank you. Thank you to all the lovely new faces on my Instagram account, thank you for all the comments, and thank you for being so accepting of me.
If you’re dying to know what i’ve had for breakfast, or what movie i’m watching in the bath, here’s where you can find me – @estherwyse
What are your top tips for Instagram?
Esther xo
What a wonderful post! I’m trying to engage as much as possible, but I don’t see much difference in the number of my followers 🙁 It’s so difficult to attract new people who won’t unfollow you after a couple of hours.
Author
Oh girl I know the pain!! It is so difficult and so disheartening but just remember to connect as much as possible with the people who are loyal and the rest will follow! Thank you for your lovely comment! x
Found your blog through your lovely Instagram, great post that i’ll definitely try and use! Thank you! x
Author
Aw that’s amazing i’m so glad!! Hope they come in handy, thank you lovely!
Such great points – The Instagram ‘game’ is not about the follow to unfollow life but rather exploring, engaging and ultimately enjoying it! 🙌🏻💖Sorry to sound cheesy but really glad I found your blog! xx
Author
You are SO right!! I can’t stand the follow unfollow, I want genuine people interested in my content! Thank you for your lovely comment, it really means alot! I’m off to check our your pages now xxxx
Thank you so much for the tips! I am trying really hard to engage and be more intentional on instagram so this was a great reminder!
XO
Author
That’s ok lovely, i’m glad they could be a help! it certainly makes a big difference xxx
I always have trouble with the follow/unfollow game — I see a spike in my followers and then a few hours later, they unfollow. I know it’s because they are wanting me to follow them but I am “selective” with who I follow — I love engaging with people, but on my feed I’d like to see things that I am interested in/inspired by.
Great advice! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
Author
Michelle I am EXACTLY the same! I don’t want people to follow me just because they want followers, I want followers who actually enjoy my content and I want my feed to be what I want. Totally agree! Thank you lovely! xxxx
You can really make a lot of progress on Instagram traffic by joining Facebook groups for Instagram. My traffic has picked up tremendously since I joined a few. Your blog is really good btw!
Author
Oh really? That’s an interesting idea! i’d never thought of that, i’ll look into it! Thank you so much!
My wife gave me the idea and she doesn’t even care that much about social media. This is why I married her 👍🏻
Author
Haha love it! Smart lady!
I loved reading this post. I know we all have a love/hate relationship with instagram these days 😂 but I love that your using it well and engaging and it’s also a great way to link people to your blog and recent posts and other social media accounts x
Author
Thank you lovely, that’s so kind! I’m really glad you enjoyed the post, and hopefully it’ll inspire you! 🙂 xx
Really good post. I’ve been trying to enagage more on instagram and comment on others pictures when I really like them. I have found that more people are engaging with me as well and I’m really enjoying it 👍👍
Author
It makes such a difference doesn’t it? It’s so nice to show support and often it’s reciprocated. Thank you for the comment lovely! xx
This is such a great post! I started my blog about four months ago and –being a fashion blog– I knew I was going to have to utilize Instagram. It’s such a tricky platform that kind of requires you to be constantly active, but it’s one that I actually really enjoy. Everything you mentioned is *so* important to building an audience on that platform.
Thanks for sharing! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
Author
Thank you for your lovely comment, i’m so glad it could help! You’re absolutely right, it is about being always active so it’s quite time consuming hahah! But you just need to get a little momentum going 🙂 xxx
This is such a lovely post! And you have some really useful tips in here. Thanks for the advice lovely!
Author
You’re so welcome i’m glad it could be a help! Thank you for the lovely comment! x
I absolutely love this advice! I’ve been trying to step up my instagram game and I’m definitely going to try some of these tips 🙂
Author
Ah i’m so glad it could help! Thank you for the lovely comment x
I definitely fall into the trap of not posting detailed enough captions, I’ve expanded from single emoji one’s but I do need to go further most of the time! Great tips!
~ Sophie // sofilly.com
Author
Ah yes I used to do the same! It’s much nicer to share a bit of a story in your captions! Thank you for the lovely comment x
This is a wonderful post! I’m really trying to up my Instagram game this year as I love to travel and want to share my adventures with the world.
Kathryn
@adventuresofkathrynblog
Author
I’m so glad you liked it! Sounds amazing!
Love these ideas! I have only just started instagramming ‘properly’ but like you, and many others have said, it is so difficult to find new followers that won’t just unfollow again! If i follow someone I never unfollow them, so it is disheartening when they use me like that! I am trying to engage more, but actually finding the smaller accounts that are genuine is difficult in itself! This was a really helpful post though, and I would love a part 2! xx
https://zoe-ware.blogspot.ca
Author
I completely agree it’s completely frustrating, I would never follow and unfollow, so I dont understand how people can. But the thing is, by engaging with our followers we know they are genuine and they are the important ones 🙂 So glad you liked the post I will be doing a part two very soon! x
I only have 43 insta followers it’s hard
My insta is @blogmiablog_
Author
I know it’s a bit of a challenge sometimes but keep posting what you love 🙂
Love this post! Thank you so much for sharing with us! I’ve just followed your Instagram and love your feed! Would love to see a part 2 💕 xx
Author
Ah i’m so glad!! I’ts so important to me that it can be of help to you 🙂 Part two coming soon! xx
Love this post my love! I have definitely seen an amazing uptake due to engagement alone 😍
Insta Stories is also a good shout! I feel like InstaStory is as close as I will get to a YouTube account!!
R x
Author
I’m so glad! I completely agree, I use my Insta stories as a bit of a vlogging space as well which is nice, I like having it all in one place 🙂 xx
I love all of your tips. I’m trying really hard to engage with people more and that seems to be helping! My main struggle is bloody captions! I love your account, you’re always so happy and positive! Big love, Kat xx
http://Www.Shesagentry.Com
Author
That’s so lovely thank you SO much, thats really made my day! I love your account too – it’s so colourful and bright!! I often find the captions are just a mini diary of my day hahah, just my mind in words! Thank you Kat, have a lovely day! xxxxx
I don’t take Instagram as seriously as I think I should. Recently I’ve stopped being online as much and hence my interaction on twitter, Instagram and other blogs has gone down. It makes me sad seeing less views but I’m also spending more time doing other things so I’ve accepted that something has to give.
I’m considering somehow working out a routine or habits slowly such that I can interact more online. I should get to it this month.
Great post!
Author
I know exactly what you mean, it’s almost impossible to grow without spending a lot of time on it, but it’s so important to take time out 🙂 I think making a bit of time each day to do it may be good, for example an Instagram hour a day or something! Thank you 🙂 x
This really was so helpful! Thank you Esther, I love your Insta 😀 xx
Author
I’m so glad! Thank you so much lovely! xx
I’ve been slacking so much on engaging and my Instagram has really taken a hit — a noticeable difference in how many people follow me as well as how many likes and comments I am getting. I really need to step my game up!
Great post! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
Author
I know sometimes it’s hard to get into the habit right?! So glad you enjoyed the post – thank you lovely! xx
Amazing advice thank you so much! Instagram is certainly becoming more tricky but I can’t wait to give some of these tips a go!
http://www.lilyroserichards.blogspot.co.uk | @bloglilyrose
Author
I’m so glad the tips were helpful! Good luck lovely! xx
I think captions on a post is so important! I actually really enjoy it when the caption tells a little story! 😃
Charlotte x
Author
I totally agree! It;s like a little micro blog! xx
Great tips! I am always looking for ways to boost my engagement. I am definitely going to test some of your theories out!
FORKANDVEG.COM
Author
Thank you so much! I hope it works out for you!
I too love instagram, I think it’s the visual aspect, just scrolling through and seeing people enjoying life and sharing moments is nice! These tips are great and I have been actively working on several of them. I need to do more stories but I have trouble with them some days !
Author
Me too! I just love it but it takes a lot of hard work if you want to grow. I also need to get back into the swing of these things…i’ve been slacking! So glad you found it useful! x