Don’t panic. What I said above is NOT true. I don’t actually want to quit Instagram (I LOVE Instagram) but you clicked on it, didn’t you? You started to think, yeah, maybe I want to quit Instagram too. Or maybe….what? She’s gonna quit Instagram? This ought to be good.
I’m not gonna lie, I definitely have moments where I feel like just deleting my account. Because what’s the point? I invest WAY too much time and energy into it and often feel like I don’t get much back in return.
But instead of throwing in the towel and calling it quits, let’s break down some of the issues.
Why isn’t anyone seeing my posts anymore?
I’m feeling stuck with my content.
If you’re feeling stuck with your content (or perhaps even bored by it…because seriously, how many handstand photos can one person post???), try something new to re-engage your existing audience and perhaps even engage new followers.
Here are some of my favorite ways:
- HOST A GIVEAWAY. Have a product you love? Working with a brand? Or have products of your own that you’re trying to promote? Post an image promoting that specific brand, product, and then ask people to like it in order to enter. Want to drive even more eyeballs? Invite people to tag friends for an extra entry. This will no doubt drive engagement to your post but also to your account as a whole.
- DIVERSIFY. Don’t post the same thing every single day. Yeah, we get it, you’re really good at handstands. We like that about you. But show us something else? Maybe switch from a handstand photo to a handstand video? Or perhaps show us a different side of yourself entirely. People want to connect with you in authentic ways so don’t be afraid to show that you’re more than one-dimensional.
- GET INSPIRED. Feeling like you don’t know what to post? Stuck in a content rut? Search popular hashtags that are relevant to your own posts and get inspired by the community (and while you’re there, go ahead and engage with content you love!).
Nobody knows I exist!
Well, then, it’s time to get found!
- PROMOTE YOURSELF! Social media is no different than networking (and yes, I mean IRL networking). You can’t just build it and hope they will come, you have to let people know you’re there, you’re interesting, and have value to add. So get out there and promote yourself – it can be as easy as promoting your Instagram account on your other social media accounts and profiles, or working with a brand, or a friend to promote your account. Once you have people’s attention, tell them what they can expect once they’re following you (e.g., behind-the-scenes photos, sneak peeks, coupons, etc.).
- USE HASHTAGS. Be smart about hashtag use – make sure you’re including hashtags that are relevant to your content and audience so that your content shows up in search. Choose a small variety of hashtags to include with your image – from more popular ones, to less popular ones – to encourage those searching those particular hashtags to actually find you!
- SEARCH HASHTAGS. Once you’ve established your top 5-10 hashtags for a particular post, spend about twenty minutes to half an hour engaging with other posts using those same hashtags to allow for more people to find and engage with you!
So there you have it, some quick easy fixes to up your Instagram engagement, content and overall experience.
If you’re experiencing other frustrating issues or have other Instagram ailments you’d like me to touch on, please comment below and I’ll keep trying to help you crack the code!
As always, stay sweaty (and vigilant!).
XO,
Jamie
UGH! I want to quit IG almost every day! It is so frustrating but thanks for your perspective!
HAHA, I feel you girl!
Bahaha I definitely clicked. 🙂 These are great tips. I need to get on stories – I have a few fits and starts there, but often it feels like just one more thing, and it’s the one more thing I’m most likely to drop off my list.
Thanks for the inspo!
Sneaky sneaky….I know. GET ON STORIES!!! You can do it!
Love the tips! And very glad you’re not quitting 😉
I QUIT! HAHA. Just kidding.
Such great advice Jamie!! Working diligently! And we can all continue to help each other.
Yes – all ships rise with the tides! 🙂
I know I need to do all this in order for my posts to be “seen” and to grow my audience but sometimes it seems like it’s just not worth it. Instagram, like most all social media, should be fun and not a chore. Right? < – – see I'm trying to engage you with this comment 🙂
I feel you – it should be fun – so try and engage with posts you really enjoy. And I am glad you’re engaging with me too! XOXO <3
Great post! The constant changing of algorithms on instagram annoys me, but I’m at the point where I’ve ceased to care, haha. I just share things that make me happy and hopefully my followers enjoy it too! 😛
I totally get that Farrah, it’s so hard to keep up and do it “right” – I also just try and share the content that I love. 🙂
great post. I total relate. I have a love hate relationship with IG. I get totally addicted but then go thru phases where I want to delete my acct.
Yes – I think we all feel that way from time to time!