Gaining new Instagram followers is only the first step. The real challenge is keeping those followers actively engaged over the long term. Stagnant followers provide little value. Sustaining interest and participation requires strategic content, interaction, promotions, and more. This is especially important after buying automatic Instagram likes. Followers will tune out if you stop posting or have long gaps between content. Stick to a consistent publishing schedule to continually show up in their feed. For individuals or smaller brands, aim for 1-2 posts per day. Larger brands go up to 2-3 posts. Scheduling content through a social media management platform helps maintain regular posts.

Vary content types

Posting the same types of photos, videos or links gets repetitive. Diversify your content across different formats to provide variety. For example, alternate educational articles, behind-the-scenes photos, polls, infographics, Q&As, contests, live videos, memes, and more. Creativity and fresh concepts retain interest. User-generated content showcasing real followers provides built-in engagement. Repost photos or videos followers tag you in using your offerings. Ask followers questions and share responses. Spotlight loyal fans through takeovers or shoutouts. Featuring followers makes them feel valued while showing off authentic engagement.

Encourage sharing and tagging

Make it easy for followers to tag you, share your posts, or generate their own branded content. Craft catchy captions and add branded hashtags. Run contests for sharing posts or stories. Enable seamless content sharing through profile connections. Simple calls to action drive viral distribution and ownership of content. Nothing turns off followers faster than ignoring direct comments and questions. Always reply, even if just with a quick thanks or emoji. This shows followers you value them. Social listening tools help efficiently monitor and respond at scale.

Offer exclusive perks

Providing special incentives solely for current followers increases loyalty. These might include discounts, early access to launches, contests, giveaways, “insiders only” content, digital assets, live chats, or other freebies. Promote the perks widely across your profile. Exclusive value reinforces the benefits of following you. Email subscribers convert better than website visitors alone. Start an email newsletter providing updates, content, and promotions for followers. Send direct messages highlighting new content. Newsletters nurture relationships outside of the main Instagram feed to provide ongoing value. Just avoid being overly promotional. Learn More about the author by visiting the author’s website.

Run polls and emoji sliders

Interactive polls and emoji sliders prompt followers to actively engage simply with a tap rather than just passive watching. You gain quick feedback on content while having a little fun. The barrier to participation is very low. Just keep them short at 1-3 questions. Follow up on poll results in your stories or posts. Work directly with engaged followers on collaborative content like guest posts, product reviews, and takeovers. Collaborative creative endeavors not only provide dedicated fans with a sense of exclusivity but also introduce them to new audiences. They infuse your content with innovative viewpoints.