It’s the question every business owner and creator asks: “How do I get more engagement?” You can have a huge follower count, but if no one is liking, commenting, or sharing your content, those numbers are just a vanity metric.
You’re talking to an empty room, and your growth will eventually stall. The truth is, a highly engaged audience of 1,000 people is far more valuable than a passive audience of 10,000.
So, what’s the secret? It’s not about posting at the “perfect” time or using a secret algorithm hack. It’s about building genuine relationships. The most engaging Instagram accounts aren’t just broadcasters; they are community builders. They have a set of habits that consistently foster a two-way conversation with their audience, turning passive viewers into active, loyal fans.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 7 habits of highly engaging Instagram accounts. These aren’t one-time tricks; they are simple, repeatable actions you can start doing today to transform your account from a static feed into a thriving, conversational community.
The 7 Habits of an Engaging Account
An engaging account isn’t built by chance; it’s a result of consistent, intentional habits. These actions are simple, but when you do them every single day, they add up to a powerful, loyal community.
Habit 1: Say “Hi” to New Followers
When someone new follows you, that’s a signal of interest. Don’t just let that moment pass. Take the opportunity to make a real connection. A simple, personalized message can go a long way. This isn’t about a generic “Thanks for following!”; it’s about a genuine introduction that makes them feel welcome.
- How to do it: Click over to their account. See what they’re all about, and leave a genuine comment on one of their recent posts. Something like, “Just saw your post about [topic] and loved it! Thanks for following. Excited to connect with you here.” This small gesture shows you see them as a person, not just a number, and it sets the stage for a real relationship.
Habit 2: Like a Lot of Photos
This habit is about being an active part of the community. Don’t just post and wait for others to like your content. Be the one who’s out there liking other people’s posts. Think of it as leaving breadcrumbs. Liking a photo is a small signal that says, “I see you!” and it can often lead people back to your profile.
- How to do it: Use the search bar or hashtags to find your ideal customers. Spend 10-15 minutes a day liking a bunch of their photos. This doesn’t just help you discover new content; it also helps you show up in their notifications and get on their radar.
Habit 3: Connect People
Highly engaging accounts are like social hubs. They’re not just a place where one person talks; they are a network where people connect with each other. This habit is about stepping into the role of a connector.
- How to do it: If you see two people in your comments who might have something in common, tag them and make an introduction. For example, “Hey @user2, I think you and @user1 would love to connect! You’re both amazing at [shared interest]!” This simple action makes your account feel like a valuable community, not just a feed of your content.
Habits 4-7: Your Engagement Power-Up
Now that you’re an active participant in your community, it’s time to supercharge your engagement with the content you create.
Habit 4: Ask a Question ❓
The simplest way to get engagement is to ask for it. Every single one of your posts, from a photo to a Reel, should have a call to action, and the easiest one to use is a question. Don’t post content and just hope people will respond. Guide them to action.
- How to do it: Don’t be afraid of “no response.” The more you ask, the more likely you are to get answers. Ask a question at the end of your caption. For example, if you post a photo of your desk, ask, “What’s the #1 thing on your to-do list today?” This simple question opens the door for conversation and tells the algorithm that your content is engaging.
Habit 5: Respond to All Comments 👇
Every single comment you get is a gift. A person took time out of their day to engage with your content. The worst thing you can do is ignore it. Responding to comments not only shows that you’re grateful for their input, but it also signals to the algorithm that your account is a “hotspot” for conversation, which can boost your reach.
- How to do it: Don’t just like the comment; respond to it. Ask a follow-up question to continue the conversation. If someone says, “This is so helpful!” respond with, “Thanks! What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with this right now?”
Habit 6: Leave Meaningful Feedback ✍️
This is a step beyond just liking photos (Habit 2). A lazy comment like “Great photo!” doesn’t do much. A meaningful comment, however, can make a lasting impression. It’s about being genuine and specific.
- How to do it: When you’re engaging with other accounts, read the caption and respond directly to what they wrote. If they’re talking about a challenge, share your own similar experience. If they’re celebrating a win, offer genuine congratulations. Something like, “Love this! Your insight on [topic] is so spot-on. I’m going to apply that to my own strategy this week.” This shows you’re not just a bot and you actually care.
Habit 7: Include a Call to Action (CTA) 🎯
A strong CTA is your guide for your audience. It tells them exactly what to do next. It can be a question (Habit 4), but it can also be a command to save, share, or click a link.
- How to do it: Make sure every piece of content you create has a clear, singular call to action. If you want people to save your Reel for later, tell them to. If you want them to click the link in your bio, tell them to. A clear instruction eliminates confusion and makes it easy for your audience to do exactly what you want them to.
Conclusion: From a Broadcaster to a Connector
You now have a powerful set of habits to transform your Instagram account. Stop thinking of your page as a billboard where you broadcast your message to the masses. Instead, think of it as a community hub where you connect with people, not just with a screen.
The most successful accounts aren’t just creating great content; they are creating great relationships. By consistently practicing these 7 habits—from saying hello to new followers to leaving meaningful feedback—you’ll be able to build a thriving, loyal community that not only engages with your content but also becomes your biggest advocate.
Ready to put these habits into practice? Comment “HABITS” below and I’ll send you a free cheat sheet to help you track your progress and make these habits a part of your daily routine!