Likes are a fundamental part of Instagram and can be a useful tool for analysing the preferences of your followers. If you’ve been searching for the best way to boost your Instagram Likes then you’re in luck – here’s our foolproof guide to ensuring that Like count increases.
Here are 10 tips on how you can get the most engagement from your followers.
1. Make your account public
This may appear to be obvious, but it really works! Setting your account public enables you to engage with more than just your followers, and it increases the chances of Instagram promoting your account on the Explore page.
2. Use engaging captions
Writing witty captions and tagging your friends in them are proven methods for increasing engagement on Instagram. If you think about it, using the same mundane caption of ‘tbt’ or ‘take me back’ that we are bound to see come September is really quite offputting. Instead, spice it up and engage with your followers or make your posts entertaining.
3. Take pictures with animals
There’s nothing more adorable than a picture of someone with a cute animal – especially if it’s their pet. It’s not very surprising that there’s been a recent rise in the number of pet influencers. Jump onboard that trend and put your pet in the picture.
4. Use hashtags
Hashtags can help you reach your target audience and expose your account to new followers. You can use the most popular hashtags such as #tbt or #love, but also use more relevant ones that relate to your post to gain more Likes.
In theory you should aim for around five hashtags. If you use too many then Instagram might think you are a bot and lower your reach, so don’t overdo it! However, pitch it just right and you will soon be reeling in those Likes.
5. Tag your location
This is a great way to show your account to new people in the area and yet another way to engage with your followers. The more information you provide the more likely they are to see your post. Consider tagging trendy places that your friends would be interested in seeing.
6. Be conscious of the time
Posting late at night or early in the morning is not going to get you the most Likes, and there is a science behind all of this. Aim to post between 11am and 4pm mid-week, and consider that Sundays typically see the least engagement.
Of course, this also depends on your age and where you live – play around and see what posting times are most lucrative for your posts.
7. Follow people and engage with their photos
In essence, if you engage with someone else’s photos then they are more likely to engage with your posts. Go ahead and follow loads of people and like and comment when you get a chance, especially just before and after you post.
Instagram’s algorithm no longer shows you posts in chronological order, but by liking and commenting on their posts you will push your own to the top of their feed.
8. Know your audience
Who follows you? If they are interested in specific genres – for example music, fashion or make-up – be sure to post photos related to that content.
That’s not to say you can’t post photos that don’t fit the theme – it’s your Insta so you are free post whatever you want, but to really built engagement you should try to keep focused on content that fits the general vibe of what you and your followers like.
9. Utilise all Instagram’s tools
With growing interest in new Instagram features such as stories and IGTV it is important you use them. The more people who see of you and your Insta, even when you’re not posting, will increase how likely they are to Like your posts. So even if you’re not posting regularly, a short video or snap on your story every now and then will go a long way.
10. Take unique photos
Take photos that interest your followers and make them want more.
It might be tempting to post a photo of your Starbucks coffee and comment on how they misspelt your name *again*, try to make your posts more interesting.
Perhaps you could find a scenic background or take a candid picture. Post pictures that will grab your followers attention or photos that are simply aesthetically pleasing.
Read next: How to upload photos to Instagram on a PC or laptop