If you are starting to build an online presence, I know that it is hard to know how to start. The importance of engagement on Instagram goes beyond vanity; engagement is necessary to gain visibility as a brand or as a professional who wants to become a reference in the market.
After years of strategy work on this platform, I realized that some posts are always very successful among followers – for different reasons. Those ̈templates ̈ are a guarantee that your presence will not go unnoticed. To help you out, I prepared a list of 7 types of posts that generate engagement on Instagram.
1. Introduce yourself
Over time, we will gain new followers, many of them arrive unintentionally, by referral or by someone else’s tags. As much as they might have been following you for some time, they may not REALLY know who you are.
That’s why it’s so important to introduce yourself to the people that have just arrived – or even just remember old followers of who you are. Give that nudge, remind everyone of why they follow you, and reinforce the connection with them.
This technique is very useful to create an affective bond. Often, when people learn more about you, they start to relate to your goals and/or life path.
Some questions that can help guide you:
- What do you do?
- What are the beliefs and values that guide you?
- What subjects do you address?
- Why should people follow you?
- How do you serve your customers?
- There is an event or change in your life that brought you here?
Be objective, but in a sympathetic and empathetic way. This way, your audience will feel closer to you and to your brand.
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
2. Post about your progression (or evolution)
Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to get your audience closer, attract new people who can relate to your story, and of course, generate that SUPER engagement. So, tell a story showing a transformation, you can use the swipeable carousel Instagram option to upload up to 10 pictures at once on your feed!
Show how you were at the beginning of your career, or how you have been throughout your evolution, and how you are today.
Suggestions:
- The evolution of your work as an influencer
- Your personal transformation
- Photos throughout your career
- The growth of your business
Tip: Carousel posts generate more impressions (therefore, you have a better chance to generate more engagement) than single photos or videos, so keep that in mind for your next posts! Watch more about this topic in the video below!
3. Posts that show vulnerability
Truth #1: People love taking care of other people’s lives.
Truth #2: This is not always bad, and it can be used to our advantage!
Posts with captions that show vulnerability are a way to connect with your followers on a personal level.
The strategy behind this type of post is to break the paradigm of the online figure. People tend to show “perfect lives” on Instagram, but that doesn’t exist! Talking openly about our difficulties and obstacles makes us much more than a little head talking behind the screen. It makes us humans.
Me, for instance, I once took some pictures with a photographer I didn’t know and felt SUPER uncomfortable! Hahaha yes. The photos came out terrible, of course. I may look super confident in my photos, but situations like this have happened.
The goal is to post a bit more of the truth behind the scenes – and it works – because the audience can relate to that, you know? Authenticity is everything!
Things to think about:
- Something that you learned from a mistake.
- Which flaws are you trying to improve?
- Something that you dislike about yourself and could share with others?
Yes, I know it is not easy, but you need to show more! You will see that the more you show yourself, the more your audience will trust you – which will drive more engagement and growth to your profile.
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
4. Controversial topics
Controversy and vulnerability are not that different.
But to be clear, it doesn’t need to be an over the top drama.
State your opinion on a subject that generates noise. Politely position yourself, when the time is right, share your opinion about something controversial that happened in your market, and show your side!
A question that commonly arises amongst my clients is whether people and brands who are building their online presence should position themselves firmly when it comes to controversial issues. Many think that taking a side might alienate part of their audience, but I think the opposite – trying to please everyone will make you not really please anyone THAT MUCH.
People will only create a meaningful connection with you if they identify with where you stand with your beliefs, with your attitudes. And more – in the online space, our goal is to create a community of like-minded people that actually admire you so that you really have a voice.
So my advice always is: don’t just take a stand – position the fuck out of yourself!
Still in doubt? I’ll prove it:
I’m a feminist! I’m proud LGBTQ+! I’m Brazilian and equally American! I’m pissed at this administration! I curse! I don’t believe in religion! I’m sex-positive, body-positive, vegan-friendly, and weed-friendly. Am I missing anything? Here is the post where I openly share my voice!
5. Be Bold
Do you know that picture you have never dared to post? Or that very creative attempt you made but didn’t think would fit your profile?
Be creative, post something different from what you usually post.
I don’t mean just by showing skin. You can be bold by arranging products or objects for a photo, using different colors and filters, trying new locations and creative poses. The idea is to post pictures that are different from what you usually post and watch your engagement go up, people like to comment when they see unexpected posts.
Some ideas:
- Upside down photos
- Unexpected objects
- Different filters
- Unique ways to use your products
- Include on your carousel what inspired you to take that bold picture and the process of the shooting
Let’s try?
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
6. Tutorial
A tutorial is one of the things that makes people grow the most on the internet. Besides being one of the most relevant types of content, educational posts have a better chance of going viral. So think about it: what could you teach?
Think of valuable skills you have and create a mini tutorial on your Stories.
Choose something that is easy for you but can be of high value to others, and teach it how you do it!
This is your time to shine:
- Choose a subject you are an expert in
- Think about your niche
- Give classes on a topic you master
- Share a mini tutorial with techniques you use with your clients
- Demystify a subject or clarify a FAQ
Go deep into the doubts, pain, or/and insecurities of your followers and create this mini-tutorial. Include a lot of information and, most importantly, teach something in a step by step format.
If you are comfortable enough, create a super video to post on your feed or IGTV. Instead of showing the walkthrough in your Stories, in that relaxed format, you should record the whole process and edit to make it look great! Think about those quick recipe videos or Stop Motion videos. The results can be amazing!
7. Photo with someone else (famous)
Who doesn’t LOVE meeting their idol or a famous person that they admire?
I don’t know! I do, and I know your followers do too!
When the opportunity arises, we just can’t help it but take pictures. Of course, these pictures will end up in our feed – so we have to treat it with love. And I say in every way.
The image of a famous person on our feed will generate engagement by itself, but don’t forget to explain in the caption why are you posting that photo with that specific person.
To guide you:
- What’s your connection with that person?
- What’s the story behind that photo?
- How did you end up in the same place as that celeb?
People want to know! The more details you provide, the more targeted the engagement will be. Enjoy your minute of fame!
** Click on the picture to read the full post on Instagram**
These are just some ideas that I know for a fact that generate engagement. If you are genuinely trying to build your online presence, take a look at my challenge #21bombando
It’s a 21-day challenge of pure motivation to help you get out of your comfort zone and take action, unlocking creativity, and creating content that engages and enables you to grow and convert on Instagram.
Beijos, see you on Insta.