Keeping Instagram followers engaged and constantly returning for more can be challenging. The platform has become a hub for sharing and whether you’re an aspiring influencer, entrepreneur or a radio station, the challenge of getting eyes on your Instagram content is real.
Instagram can often be about trial and error and seeing what works best for you and your audience . . . and there’s an abundance of “hacks and apps” to try along the way. Here are four basic tips every radio station Instagram’s strategy should include:
Easily Create Reels Using the Template Feature
Why should your radio station share reels? Instagram reels get a 22% higher engagement rate than other video posts on Instagram.
Instagram’s native reels template helps anyone quickly and easily make one. To create a Reel using a template, you can either:
- Find a Reel you like that someone has created, tap on the three dots on the bottom right corner of the Reel, tap “Use as template,” and follow the steps.
- Or, you can click on the Reels tab, swipe let to access the “Templates” option, and select the template you want to use. Then, follow the steps on the screen.
Add Multiple Links in the Bio (without third-party apps)
Want to direct your Instagram audience to different pages on your station’s web site? Earlier this year, Instagram launched its free feature that allows users to include up to 5 links in their bio.
To utilize the functionality, tap on “Edit profile” followed by “Links” and then select “Add external link.” (You can even rearrange the links so they appear in a specific order.)
Increase Your Station’s Discoverability on Instagram
A strong Instagram SEO (search engine optimization) strategy is one of the best ways to increase your reach on the platform – aka have potential listeners find you!
Make the most of relevant keywords about your radio station in your station’s Instagram bio. SEO keywords will help your profile rank higher in various search engine results pages, resulting in more prospective followers. You can also use services like Google Keyword Planner and other keyword research tools to help you locate the perfect keywords quickly.
Pin Posts to the Top of Your Instagram Feed
Though the pinning posts feature was added to Instagram in 2022, many of us (yours truly included), are not utilizing it as we should. The post pinning option is a great way to showcase 3 pieces of your best content at the top of your Instagram page. What this means for radio stations is you can pin content like pictures of special in-studio guests, station remotes in the community or behind-the-scenes shots of your station’s day-to-day!
How to pin posts:
- Select a post that you want to pin.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the post.
- Select “Pin to your profile.”
The thing about Instagram, or any other social media platform, is that there’s no definite manual to help you achieve your goals. Boosting your Instagram views takes time, effort and consistency.
Though it may be a while before you experience a measurable increase in your station’s Instagram reach and engagement, remember that building meaningful connections with your audience along the way is the higher goal!
