If you’ve ever wondered how to get more likes on Instagram (haven’t we all) then this post coming up is for you.
Today I’m going to share with you the strategy my clients and I use to get more likes and engagement with every bit of content we share. That said, I need to rock the boat a bit.
See, I know you’re wondering how to get more Instagram likes, and I’m sorry to be the bearer of old bad news!
But in terms of what Instagram REALLY cares about?
Well in 2021, ‘likes’ is really the weakest social signal on the platform.
That’s why the strategy I’m about to share is so powerful, as not only does it answer your question on not only will you naturally attract more Instagram likes. When you apply this strategy consistently it will help you get more of ALL the social signals Instagram cares.
So let’s dive in
How to get more Instagram likes, comments & Saves
Step 1: Research your competition
This step important so don’t overlook it.
Go back through their last few months of posts and start to make notes of the content which gets the most engagement. Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Hashtags they use that you don’t
- Images with the most likes/comments
- Videos/REELS – are they making them, if so which type, are they popular?
- Questions that are being asked in their comments section
- Who they are following
You’re mining their content for clues.
How to get more Instagram likes isn’t rocket science!
It’s about seeing what’s already working on the platform and interpreting that for your brand.
Think about it?
These big brands often have big money marketing consultants creating their campaigns based on their expert understanding of the market.
So if you pay CLOSE attention to what they’re doing -then reverse engineer it – well, you can benefit from their insights too (for free!)
3. Create a list of the types of content performing well (that you can recreate)
Thinking about your ideal customer, then shift through your research and create a list of content creation ideas based on the top performing content from your competitors.
At this point you’re experimenting to see what sticks, so feel free to mix it up.
Here’s an example for a fashion brand:
- Yay or nay post – show a new item coming up
- Shout-out a blogger – get on the radar of influencer
- Customer shout out – user generated content
- Inspirational quote – easy to share
- Styling tip –
- Giveaway…
You see how these are all different types of posts are designed to engage and educate your audience?
Okay, next, create a content calendar for the next 30 days.
PSA: Want to skip the busy work and get straight to the strategy? Check out this.
4. Decide what time of day you will post, put it into your diary – STICK TO IT
This one is important because in order to get more engagement with your content, you need to train the algorithm to know your Instagram patterns.
And one thing you need to think about when considering how to get more likes on Instagram is, how many likes (and other interactions) you yourself are having on the platform?
In other words, don’t think you can just rock up to Instagram, drop your content, bounce, then expect to see a tonne of engagement.
If you want more engagement on Instagram then not only do you need to be more engaging, you also need to engage more, there’s no way around it.
5. Post at the same time each day and engage those whom engage with you
This goes back to training Instagram to know your Instagram pattern, but it’s also for your followers as they come to expect you to show up and post at certain set intervals.
6. Tighten up your hashtags
Yep! Even in 2021 you still need to get your hashtag game right! In fact, even more so because with Instagram weird algorithm your followers hardly see your content.
Getting seen in the right hashtags not only gets you more likes, but also more followers.
That said, there’s a right and a wrong way to do things when it comes to using hashtags for your business.
I created a detailed step-by-step workbook and also created a list of 140 (and growing) list of hashtags that are perfect for new boutique owners.
7. After 30 days review your results. Scale back on your content ideas, focus on those which got the most traction
IE. Yay or nay posts get a lot of interaction – can I do more of them. Can I do them live… what about a story?
This is time to double-down on the content which gets the most traction, while refining your strategy and tactics to line up with the outcome you want.
Example: Launching a new summer collection: Do a daily yay or nay Instagram live showing the new pieces.
Schedule this in your calendar to start 7-10 days before the new collection is live to build buzz.
8. After 30 days – repeat steps 3-6
Now, I understand the idea of focusing on one social media platform (if you’re on all of ’em) can seem like a ridiculous idea.
But the reason most new stores never get any real traction anywhere is:
- They are trying to be everywhere at once (without the knowledge, time or resources to do it well)
- They are not paying attention to what works (because they don’t know what to look for or where)
- They are inconsistent (because they don’t have a strategy or accountability)
This 90-day focus strategy removes all of those easy to make Instagram marketing mistakes, and helps you focus on mastery and results.
Think about it?
Wouldn’t you rather crazy results on one social platform, than lukewarm results on 3….
Okay, so if you’ve been wondering how to get more likes on Instagram you have your answer.
To summarise
- Research what’s working
- Reinterpret it for your brand
- Engage and be social
Click the link to explore your reach and engagement on Instagram with this list of 100 hashtags specifically for boutique owners
Schedule a discovery call if you feel I can help you grow your business.
