If you’re posting consistently on Instagram but getting crickets in return, you’re not alone! Many small business owners struggle with low engagement—meaning fewer likes, comments, shares, and saves. And without engagement, Instagram’s algorithm is less likely to push your content to more people, making growth even harder *sigh

The good news? You can fix this!

Let’s break down the five most common reasons why your engagement is low—and, most importantly, how to turn it around.

1. You’re Not Creating Engaging Content

If your posts don’t spark a reaction, people won’t interact with them.

✅ Fix It:

• Use hooks in your captions and Reels to grab attention instantly (in the first 3 seconds)

• Create saveable & shareable content (tips, tutorials, relatable moments)

• Ask questions that invite people to comment

• Use carousels to keep people swiping through your content (plus Instagram will show a carousel to a viewer twice, double the chance to get seen!)

  
  

💡 Example: Instead of posting a basic “New Product Alert!” graphic, try *“This is the biggest mistake people make when choosing [your product]—are you guilty of this?”

2. You’re Not Engaging With Others First

Engagement is a two-way street! If you’re just posting and ghosting, your audience won’t feel connected to you.

✅ Fix It:

• Engage with your followers

• Reply to every comment and DM—it shows you care!

• Interact with your ideal clients’ content (they’ll notice!)

• Use Instagram Stories stickers (polls, question boxes etc) to encourage easy responses

  
  

💡 Example: Before posting, go comment on 5-10 posts from your ideal audience. They’re more likely to return the favour

3. Your Captions Are Missing a Call-to-Action (CTA)

If you’re not telling people what to do next, they won’t know what to do!

✅ Fix It:

• End every post with a clear CTA:

  • “Drop an emoji in the comments if this resonates!”

  • “Save this post for later!”

  • “DM me ‘INFO’ for details on working together”

    
    

• CTAs don’t always have to be salesy—just guide your audience to engage.

💡 Example: Instead of “Here’s my latest product!”, say “Which colour is your favourite? Comment below!”

4. You’re Posting at the Wrong Times

If you’re posting when your target audience isn’t online, fewer people will see your content.

✅ Fix It:

• Know your ideal client, when are they online?

• Experiment with posting times (try mornings, lunchtime, evenings)

• Don't post and ghost, answer any comments asap

  
  

💡 Example: If your audience is active at 7 PM but you always post at 10 AM, test switching it up for a week

5. Your Content Isn’t Aligned With Your Audience’s Interests

Are you posting what YOU want to share or what your audience actually finds valuable?

✅ Fix It:

• Use Instagram polls to ask your audience what they need help with

• Look at your past posts—what performed best? Do more of that!

• Speak directly to your ideal client’s struggles & how you solve them

  
  

💡 Example: Instead of “Here’s my story,” try “Struggling to make sales from Instagram? Here’s what worked for me”

Let’s Get Your Engagement Back Up!

The key to engagement? Consistency, connection, and conversation. Start applying these fixes today and watch how your engagement improves!

💬 Which of these tips will you try first? Let’s chat in the comments ⬇️

➡️Need help creating content that consistently gets engagement?

Join my mentor group, Get Seen Get Sales, and let’s get Instagram working for you!