Writing engaging Instagram captions can be difficult. You know that a great Instagram caption can halt a scroller in their tracks. Along with that, the longer someone spends reading your caption and engaging with your post, the better your post will rank with the Instagram algorithm!

I've been caught SO many times, posting out of obligation because LIFE (hello #momlife), and staring at a blinking cursor wondering what to write. Should I be witty? Informative? Inspirational? And what's my call-to-action with this post?

I don't have to tell you that engagement is THE number one way to “beating the algorithm.” But, did you know that most people won't *double tap* or comment unless they're prompted to? 

But, writing engaging captions that feel like YOU is easier said than done, right? Well to help you out, I've put together some steps:

Provide Context

The algorithm bots want to know that your photo and caption correlate. Whatever you're writing about, make sure your photo relates! Along with this, pulling the reader into the photo and setting up the scene for them will hook them into a story that's more exciting to read than just:

“Hey! Look at this new thing I painted!” or “Just posted some new (insert product here) in the shop! Click the link in profile to check it out!”

Instead, provide context by showing a behind the scenes photo and explaining your process a bit. What supplies did you use? Is each item in your shop hand painted by you? If so, what inspired you? Tell a story that engages the reader because it's insightful, informative or inspiring!

Add Personality

The difference between content that pushes you away and content that pulls you in is personality. It's relatable, it's interesting and it builds that know, like and trust factor. 

So many brands on Instagram hide their personality with formal language and 3rd person speak, but most people following you are looking for a reason to choose YOUR products/services/offers over your competitors. What makes YOU different? More likable? More engaging?

Inspire Action

The final element to an engaging Instagram caption is a CTA (call to action). As stated above, most people won't even double tap unless they're literally asked to in the caption! Before posting, always ask yourself these questions:

1. Who does this post serve?
2. What is the outcome I'm looking for with this post? Site visits? Engagement? To find something out about my audience?

Use each post as a sounding board for future posts, launches and offerings. It's so important to not stick to ONE routine with Instagram either! The algorithm is always changing, so make sure you're constantly tweaking and monitoring your insights and metrics to see what is really moving the needle!