How Social Media Engagement Works

I was talking with my dad recently and realized he had no idea how much the way he interacts with Instagram affects what he sees.

And I’m sure he’s not the only one.

Most people are not thinking about the algorithm when they open the app. They are just scrolling.

But interaction matters in two ways.

It helps you keep seeing the people and businesses you care about.

And if you are featured in a post, it can help that post get more attention too.

If you like something, interact with it

Like it.

If you are featured in a post, participate in it

If I post your photos and you are excited about them, do not be afraid to interact with the post.

Like it.

Share it to your Story

If you love a post, share it.

That gives your own followers another chance to see it and can introduce the original account to people who may not have found them otherwise.

If you are sharing something I created, tag me so I can see it and reshare too.

Collaboration posts

If you were part of a shoot or creative project, I may send you a collaboration invite.

There is absolutely no pressure to accept one.

If it fits your page and you want to share the post with your own audience, accepting the collaboration can help the same post reach both accounts.

And if you would like to be added as a collaborator and I have not sent an invite, just ask.

Comments do not need to be clever

You do not need to write a paragraph.

“This is beautiful.”

“I love these.”

“This was so much fun.”

That is enough.

Real comments create real interaction.

Tag the people who helped create it

If you post the photos yourself, tag the people involved.

Photographer.

Hair Stylist.

Make Up Artist.

Spray Tan Artist.

Venue.

Wardrobe.

Anyone who helped create the session.

That makes it easier for everyone involved to see the post, interact with it, and reshare it.

Why you may see an account more often

Instagram pays attention to what you interact with.

If you regularly like, comment, share, save, or watch content from an account, that tells the platform you are interested in seeing more from them.

It does not guarantee you will see every post, but regular interaction helps.

So if you suddenly realize you have not seen someone’s posts in a while, go visit their page and interact with something you actually like.

Supporting a small business can be this simple

You do not always have to spend money to support a small business.

Like their work.

How to Get More Out of Social Media