10 Tips for Increasing Your Instagram Engagement

If you're a small business owner trying to grow your Instagram presence, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How do I actually get more people to engage with my posts?”. The algorithm can feel like a mystery, but there are some simple, tried-and-tested ways to boost your engagement—and none of them involve buying followers or trying to go viral overnight.

Here are 10 actionable tips that you can start using today to increase your Instagram engagement and build a community that actually cares about what you do.

1. Start Conversations in Your Captions

Think of your caption like a chat with your audience. Instead of simply describing your product or service, ask questions, share stories, or invite opinions.
✨ Example: “We’re planning our next workshop – would you prefer a weekday evening or a Saturday morning? Let us know below!”
It’s all about sparking a two-way conversation rather than just broadcasting information.

2. Use Instagram Stories (and Use Them Often)

Stories are where the real, unfiltered fun happens—and your audience loves them. Use features like polls, question boxes, and quizzes to encourage quick, easy interaction.
Don’t overthink it—behind-the-scenes clips, day-in-the-life updates, or sharing customer feedback all work brilliantly.

3. Be Consistent, Not Constant

You don’t need to post every day to grow on Instagram, but you do need to show up regularly. Create a realistic posting schedule you can stick to and aim for consistency over quantity.
Even 3–4 quality posts per week can make a huge difference if you're consistent.

4. Add Strong Calls to Action (CTAs)

Give your audience a little nudge to engage. Want them to comment, share, or save? Ask them!
Try: “Double tap if you agree”, “Tag a friend who needs to see this”, or “Save this tip for later”.

5. Jump on Reels—But Keep Them Relevant

Reels are being prioritised by the algorithm right now, and they’re a great way to get discovered by new people.
Keep them short, snappy, and on-brand. Think how-to tips, quick product showcases, or funny behind-the-scenes clips. You don’t need to dance (unless you want to!).

6. Engage First

Instagram is a social platform, not a one-way street. Spend 10–15 minutes a day commenting on posts in your niche, replying to Stories, and chatting with your followers.
The more you engage, the more engagement you'll get back. It's that simple.

7. Use Hashtags Smartly

Hashtags help new people discover your content, but random ones won’t do the trick.
Use a mix of hashtags:
・Niche-specific (e.g. #childrensactivityproviders)
・Location-based (e.g. #kentbusiness)
・Community or branded ones (e.g. #supportsmalluk)
・Aim for less than 10 per post, and keep them relevant.

8. Share User-Generated Content (UGC)

If a customer tags you or posts about your product/service, share it (with their permission). UGC builds trust, gives social proof, and encourages others to do the same.
It’s a win-win—you get content, and they feel valued.

9. Write for Saves and Shares

Think about what kind of content your audience would want to come back to or pass on to a friend.
Tips, checklists, myths, how-tos, quotes that hit home—they’re all highly shareable and save-worthy.

10. Track What Works (And What Doesn’t)

Use your Instagram insights to review what’s resonating with your audience.
Which posts got the most comments? Which Stories had the highest views? What time of day got the best results?
Use that data to do more of what works and less of what doesn’t—it’ll save you time and give your engagement a boost.

Final Thoughts

Remember: engagement isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a loyal, genuine community that supports your business.
Start with just a few of these tips and build them into your weekly routine. You’ll be surprised how quickly things can shift when you show up consistently and with intention.

And if you’re feeling stuck with your Instagram strategy, or you’d love a fresh pair of eyes on your content—I offer 1:1 support and content creation tailored to small businesses just like yours. Feel free to get in touch or pop me a message on Instagram!

Dani x