Figuring out how to increase your engagement level on Instagram can be difficult.

With this even newer edition of the Instagram algorithm, the way your business engages with other accounts and vice versa needs to be reworked.

Commenting and liking isn’t enough anymore. Businesses now have to be experts in engagement with stories, Instagram pods, tagging, and more.

Don’t worry, we will show you how to use 4 different functions on the app to increase your engagement!

1. Story stickers

When Instagram changed its original algorithm, it had to ideate ways to fix the engagement problem many accounts were facing.

One of the solutions headquarters came up with was Instagram Stories, which led to the birth of Story Stickers.

Instagram Story Stickers can be anything from GIFs to location tags and are added to photos posted on the Story format.

Some of the most popular stickers include poll stickers where users can ask questions such as, “which boots should I wear today,” and supply two options for the audience to choose from, as well as “question and answer” stickers where an individual’s followers can ask the poster anything through the Story.

I could not have said it better myself when Nikki Canning of Later wrote, “Instagram Story Stickers,” like the ones mentioned above, “Are a great way to encourage your followers to chat and share their opinions and experiences with you, which, in turn, will help create a loyal following that feels connected to your brand.”

2. Hold a contest

The best way to increase engagement in the shortest amount of time is through an Instagram contest.

This can be exclusively through your company by giving discounts and special offers on your products or services, or it can be done collaboratively with other businesses or influencers to give away free products.

Collaborative contests are especially effective because they offer a “Great way to promote your Instagram [business] to both of your audiences, and also share each other’s followers. By getting Instagram users to tag their friends in the comments, you can draw more attention to the contest, and drive even more engagement than you would otherwise,” says Chacon. 

3. Engage with other accounts

Following potential customers might not always ensure engagement, so a more efficient and effective way to increase your engagement level on Instagram is by interacting with similar brands.

Caitlin Hughes of Iconosquare argues that the “Basic rule of Instagram is that engagement feeds engagement. By interacting with other users on the platform, you’re increasing your chances of being seen. The more you engage, the more visible your account becomes, and the more engagement you’ll get from visitors to your profile.”

However, you need to remember that following random businesses will do you no good. Be sure to follow accounts only within your industry, and watch your engagement grow!

4. Tag accounts

Last but not least, try tagging accounts more.

Sure, hashtags work, but “Tagging other users wins out as a universal best practice for Instagram. Perhaps this is because it communicates more authenticity to users (and not adding hashtags simply for the benefit of reach)” writes Brit McGinnis of the Social Media Examiner. 

In this day and age, Instagram is one of the most important ways to communicate with your audience about who your brand is.

However, you can’t show your followers who you are unless they engage with your content. With this guide, you will watch your engagement level on Instagram grow and be able to create content that your followers will truly enjoy.

Additional Articles You May Be Interested In:

• 5 Best Ways To Connect With Your Instagram Followers
• 13 Ways To Increase Your Instagram Engagement
• 14 Ways To Increase Video Views On Your Instagram Stories
• How To Use Every Function On Instagram Stories
• How To Discover And Engage Your Target Audience
• How To Engage Your Target Audience

Claire Erickson is currently a blogging intern at LadyBossBlogger.com. Claire has just returned from studying abroad at the London College of Fashion and will finish her senior year studying retail merchandising back at her home university – University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). She is looking forward to having a future in buying, trend research, or planning.