Are you tired of your Instagram posts receiving only a few likes and shares? Do you want to see your content spread like wildfire across the platform? If so, you’re in luck! This blog post will explore five proven strategies to increase your Instagram post shares and maximize your reach.
Importance of Instagram Post Shares
Shares on Instagram are vital for several reasons. Shares amplify the reach of your content, exposing it to a broader audience beyond your immediate followers. Each share extends the potential reach of your post, increasing visibility and brand exposure. It also reduces the risk of Instagram unfollowers.
Additionally, shares serve as social validation, indicating that your content resonates with your audience to the extent that they want to share it with their followers. This social proof can enhance your credibility and attract new followers who are drawn to your content’s perceived value.
Furthermore, shares contribute to engagement metrics, such as reach and impressions, which are crucial for algorithmic visibility on the platform. In essence, shares on Instagram expand your audience and enhance your brand’s credibility, engagement, and overall presence on the platform, making them an indispensable component of a successful social media strategy.
How to Get More Instagram Post Shares
Consistency in strategy is crucial to increase Instagram post shares. From crafting shareable content to strategic timing of Instagram activities, several critical steps should be carefully considered and consistently applied.
Create shareable content
The key to getting more shares on Instagram is to create content that resonates with your audience and compels them to share it with their followers.
Here’s how you can get better at content creation:
Know Your Audience – Take the time to understand your target demographic – their interests, preferences, and pain points. Tailor your content to address their needs and desires. For instance, an agency specializing in WWII tours like Beaches of Normandy knows its audience – history buffs and relatives of those who served. They tailor their content to this audience by strategically incorporating elements about visiting Utah Beach, alongside other WWII landmarks and memorials. Their posts offer historical insights and captivating stories that deeply resonate with this specific interest, fostering an engaging and immersive experience for their audience.
Tell a Story – People love stories. Use your Instagram posts to tell engaging narratives that evoke emotions and capture attention. Whether it’s through captivating visuals or compelling captions, storytelling can make your content highly shareable.
Educate and Entertain – Strive to balance educational and entertaining content. Share helpful tips, hacks, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your life or business. Make your audience laugh, learn, or feel inspired, and they’ll be more inclined to share your posts with others.
Optimize for sharing
Make it possible for your audience to share your Instagram posts with their followers. Here are some tips to optimize your content for sharing:
Use Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs) – Encourage your followers to share your posts by including clear CTAs in captions or visuals. Whether it’s asking them to “Tag a friend who needs to see this” or “Share this post with someone who would love it,” CTAs can prompt action.
Utilize Instagram Features – Take advantage of Instagram’s built-in sharing features, such as Stories, Direct Messages, or the Share button. Encourage your audience to share your posts directly from the platform with just a few taps.
Create Shareable Graphics – Design visually appealing graphics with quotes, stats, or memes that are highly shareable. Ensure your brand or username is prominently displayed so your content drives traffic back to your profile even when shared.
Engage with your audience
Building a strong relationship with your followers is essential for increasing post shares on Instagram.
Here’s how you can engage with your audience effectively:
Respond to Comments and Messages – Show your followers that you value their input by promptly responding to their comments and direct messages. Engage in conversations, answer questions, and acknowledge their contributions to your community.
Host Interactive Content – Encourage participation by hosting interactive content such as polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions on your Instagram Stories or posts. When followers feel involved, they’re more likely to share your content with others.
Collaborate with Influencers or Followers – Partner with influencers or loyal followers in your niche to co-create content or run joint campaigns. Their endorsement can significantly amplify your reach and encourage sharing among their followers.
Create an Instagram QR code to catch potential followers offline — Go on QR.io and generate a dynamic QR code for Instagram and print it on any marketing deliverable. Targeted audiences will access your Instagram accounts by simply scanning the code with their phones.
Timing and frequency
Timing and frequency play a crucial role in maximizing post shares on Instagram. Consider the following tips:
Post Consistently – Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and accustomed to seeing your content. Experiment with different posting times and days to determine when your audience is most active.
Optimize Posting Times – Use Instagram Insights or third-party analytics tools to identify the best times to post based on your audience’s online behavior. Aim to publish content when your followers are most likely scrolling through their feeds.
Monitor Engagement Metrics – Keep an eye on your post performance metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares, to gauge the effectiveness of your posting times and frequency. Adjust your strategy accordingly to optimize engagement and sharing.
Incentivize sharing
Sometimes, a little incentive can go a long way in encouraging your audience to share your Instagram posts.
Here’s how you can incentivize sharing:
Run Contests or Giveaways – Organize contests or giveaways where followers can enter by sharing your post, tagging friends, or using a specific hashtag. Offer attractive prizes or incentives to motivate participation and sharing.
Offer Exclusive Content – Reward your loyal followers with exclusive content or access to special discounts, promotions, or behind-the-scenes content in exchange for sharing your posts with their followers.
Leverage User-Generated Content – Encourage your followers to create and share content featuring your products or brand. Repost user-generated content on your profile, giving credit to the creators to foster a sense of community and incentivize sharing.
Conclusion
By implementing these five strategies, you can significantly increase the chances of your Instagram posts being shared by your audience, expanding your reach and growing your presence on the platform. Remember to consistently monitor and refine your approach based on audience feedback and evolving trends to maintain engagement and drive more shares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How important are Instagram post shares for my overall social media strategy?
Instagram post shares are crucial as they amplify your content’s reach, enhance brand exposure, and serve as social validation, boosting credibility and attracting new followers.
How can I encourage my audience to share my Instagram posts?
You can encourage sharing by creating shareable content, optimizing for sharing features, engaging with your audience, posting consistently, and incentivizing sharing through contests or exclusive content.
What types of content are most likely to be shared on Instagram?
Content that tells a compelling story, educates, entertains, or provides value to your audience will most likely get shared on Instagram.
How can I determine the best times to post on Instagram for maximum shares?
You can use Instagram Insights or third-party analytics tools to analyze your audience’s online behavior and identify optimal posting times. Experimentation and monitoring engagement metrics can also help refine your posting strategy.
How do I know if my efforts to increase Instagram post shares are effective?
Monitor engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares to gauge the effectiveness of your strategies—additionally, track follower growth and profile visits to assess the overall impact on your Instagram presence.
