It is a common misconception that content is key in generating social engagement. While having a strong image certainly helps, it can actually be the caption that results in more engagement. This article will break down Instagram captions as well as share some tips and tricks for writing engaging captions.
The importance of quality Instagram captions
A post without a caption will never have the same potential as a post with a caption, especially a strong one. Captions are important because they serve as a narration for the image posted. For example, if you post a photo of a child getting on a school bus with no caption, then viewers will not look any further into it. However, a caption would explain and highlight the awesome new backpack from your brand that the child is so excited to be wearing for their first day of school.
A caption sparks conversation, and when a conversation is sparked comments go up. We all know that the Instagram algorithm favorites posts that spark engagement compared to posts that do not. As people comment on your post, that gives you the chance to respond to them, boosting engagement even more.
How do you park engagement through captions?
Yes, having a caption alone generally results in more engagement, but there are other ways to ensure you get the most engagement possible on your posts. One of the best ways to generate a response from your audience is by using a call to action. A call to action essentially gives the customer something specific to respond to. An example of a call to action is asking your followers a question within the caption. For example, if your baking brand is posting a Christmas post around the holidays, you can ask “What’s your favorite holiday cookie?” and then answer the question yourself while transitioning into your product pitch or whatever sales method you want to use. People are more likely to comment and engage on a photo when asked because it gives them a reason to interact with your content. For each comment and like received, Instagram is far more likely to boost your post which results in increased exposure.
Tips on writing Instagram captions
Writing may not be everyone’s thing, and while it may seem daunting, there are quite a few things you can do to create engaging captions without much experience. Just like everything else in life, it may take time to get it down completely. Don’t be hard on yourself and remember to learn from any mistakes along the way!
1) Sweet and simple
No one wants to read a whole long paragraph, especially on social media. Keeping your message short and sweet increases the chance of your followers actually reading the caption all the way through drastically. If you do find yourself having a slightly longer caption, be sure to break it up into multiple short sections using emojis. This allows readers to skim and still absorb what you are saying.
2) Draw readers in early
In school students are taught to begin their essays with an attention-getter or a hook. An attention-getter essentially is what draws readers in and makes them want to read the rest of the message.
It is important to have a strong attention-getter in social media too. Instagram is a platform that allows users to aimlessly scroll for hours on end. If the user is not drawn into a post within the first 1-2 seconds, then they will scroll and likely never see it again. Attention getters are basically first impressions. Earlier we talked about asking a question as a call to action. Sometimes that question/call to action can also be your attention-getter. A good attention getter in social media is something that either wow’s/entices the reader at first glance or something that encourages the reader to directly engage with the post.
3) Emojis
Emojis are something that is often overlooked in captions. Emojis are great for many reasons. They can break up texts into smaller sections and also helps keep users more engaged in general. Reading a text with relevant emojis in it is far more fun than reading a text with no emojis at all.
Conclusion
Having strong graphics is great, but an engaging caption is often the difference between a post excelling in engagement or not. Writing strong Instagram captions is a lot easier than it may seem and with these tips and tricks, you can expect to see an increase in your Instagram’s engagement.