4 Ways to Get More Engagement on Your Static Posts on Instagram

As seasoned social media experts, we've seen countless trends come and go. But one thing remains constant: the struggle to maintain high engagement rates on static Instagram posts.

With the platform's algorithm favoring video content lately, particularly Reels, it's easy to feel like your carefully curated photos are getting lost in the shuffle. There are four powerful techniques that will breathe new life into your static posts and have your followers double-tapping like never before.

Increasing Engagement on Photo Posts in Video-Driven World

Before we dive into the strategies, let's address the elephant in the room. Why should we care about static post engagement when Reels seem to be stealing the show?

The answer is simple: diversity in content types keeps your feed interesting and caters to different audience preferences.

Not everyone has the time or interest to watch videos, and a well-crafted static post can be just as impactful as a short-form video. Plus, mastering static post engagement will make sure you have a more well-rounded content and social media marketing strategy for your business.

Embrace the Photo Dump: More Than Just a Trend

Remember when we used to agonize over choosing that one perfect photo to post? Those days are long gone. Enter the era of the photo dump – a carousel of multiple images that's taking Instagram by storm. But this isn't just about following a trend; it's a strategic move to boost your engagement. Here's why:

1. Increased Visibility: Instagram Carousels are the ONLY type of content right now that has multiple chances of showing up as someone is scrolling. Your audience will be delivered the first slide, and then there is a chance your post reappears in their feed on the second slide. This means more chances for your content to catch their eye and prompt engagement.

2. Storytelling Opportunities: A series of photos allows you to tell a more comprehensive story, keeping your audience engaged for longer as they swipe through all of the images

3. Catering to Different Tastes: With multiple images, you're more likely to include something that resonates with each viewer, increasing the likelihood of likes, comments, and saves.

To make the most of photo dumps, consider these tips:

1. Vary your content within the carousel (e.g., mix close-ups with wide shots, or combine product images with lifestyle photos).

2. Use the first image as a hook to encourage viewers to swipe through.

3. Don't be afraid to include 'imperfect' shots – they add authenticity and relatability to your content.

Size Matters: The Power of the 4:5 Ratio

In the battle for attention on Instagram, every pixel counts. That's why switching from the traditional square format to the taller 4:5 ratio can make a world of difference. Here's why this simple change can lead to a significant boost in engagement:

1. Maximized Screen Real Estate: The 4:5 ratio takes up more vertical space in the feed, making your post harder to ignore as users scroll.

2. Competitive Edge: This larger format helps your static posts compete with the full-screen appeal of Reels.

3. Improved Visibility on Mobile: With most Instagram users browsing on mobile devices, the taller format is more visually appealing and easier to view.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words... But Add a Few More

We've all heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." But in the fast-paced world of Instagram, sometimes your audience needs a little more context to understand the value of your post. That's where adding text to your images comes in. This strategy can significantly increase engagement by:

1. Providing Instant Context: A well-crafted title or text overlay immediately communicates what your post is about, enticing viewers to stop and engage.

2. Increasing Accessibility: Text on images can help visually impaired users understand your content, making your posts more inclusive.

3. Boosting Curiosity: Teaser text can prompt users to read your full caption, increasing the time spent on your post.

Here are some best practices for adding text to your photos:

1. Keep it concise – use just enough words to pique interest without cluttering the image.

2. Choose fonts and colors that complement your photo and brand aesthetic.

3. Position text strategically to enhance rather than obscure the key elements of your image.

And if you struggle with the design aspect of adding text onto your images, check out some of these templates we have available inside of our Canva template membership, Your Template Club!

Learn from Your Wins: Reuse and Recycle Top Performers

In the quest for fresh content, we often overlook a goldmine of engagement sitting right in our Instagram Insights. Your top-performing posts are not just past successes; they're blueprints for future engagement. Here's why revisiting your most liked and saved photos is a smart strategy:

1. Proven Appeal: These posts have already demonstrated their ability to resonate with your audience.

2. Time-Efficient: Repurposing successful content saves time and energy that you can invest in other aspects of your strategy.

3. Opportunity for Deeper Exploration: Reusing a popular post allows you to dive deeper into a topic that your audience has shown interest in.

To effectively reuse your top-performing content:

1. Analyze why these posts were successful – was it the subject matter, the composition, or the timing?

2. Find new angles or updates to the original content to keep it fresh.

3. Space out reposts to avoid redundancy, and consider using different formats (e.g., turning a single image into a carousel).

Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan for Instagram Success

Remember, boosting engagement on static posts isn't about abandoning other content types – it's about creating a well-rounded Instagram presence that keeps your followers coming back for more. By implementing these four strategies, you'll not only see an uptick in likes, comments, and saves, but you'll also foster a more engaged and loyal community around your brand.

So, are you ready to transform your Instagram game? Start implementing these tactics today, and watch as your static posts come alive with newfound engagement. Your followers – and your analytics – will thank you.

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Want to grow your Instagram account?

If you're trying to grow your Instagram account with a content strategy, you're most likely not seeing many results. You need a content strategy and a growth strategy that are both possible for you to execute with your bandwidth.

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Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, an Instagram strategy and templates business that helps ethical brands with a sense of humor grow their organic engagement and sales using Instagram.

Your Social Team also offers Your Template Club, a Canva template subscription to help social media managers and busy business owners get more results and save time.

Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000, right out of college, to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award-winning career in creative for 15 years.

Manu started Your Social Team in 2017 and has worked with brands like Teachable, Brit+Co, James Beard Foundation, Open Table before shifting focus to women founded small businesses and social media professionals.

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