In the world of Instagram, being featured on the Explore page is one of the best ways to gain exposure and boost engagement rates. Curated by one of the app’s many algorithms, this page can get your account in front of the right audience based on the content you post.
So, how can you get on the Explore page and take advantage of its benefits? Let’s take a look.
Explaining the Instagram Explore Page
First things first — let’s define the Explore page. As its name suggests, it is a section of Instagram that enables you to explore content outside of what the people you follow post. However, that doesn’t mean that the page’s content is selected randomly.
Quite the contrary: Instagram actually uses a special algorithm that determines which posts you’ll see. This algorithm is based on the accounts you follow and the content you usually like, share, and comment on. Thus, everyone’s Explore page is entirely unique.
To access the explore page, you simply have to open the app and click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of your screen. It is located near the Home symbol.
Why Is Getting on the Explore Page Important?
According to Instagram’s Guide for Businesses, nearly 200 million users visit their Explore pages every day. That is about 15% of all users, which gives you a hefty number of potential fans to impress.
Since Instagram closely monitors user activity, it will only show your content to those most likely to be interested. Thus, the chances of getting new likes, comments, and followers will be quite high. Moreover, these users could go beyond simply interacting with your posts, eventually buying some of your products.
All in all, getting on the Explore page is an essential step toward raising brand awareness and improving your online presence. Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of 5 tips and tricks you can use to reach a broader audience.
The Best Tips for Featuring on the Explore Page
- Check Out Your Own Explore Page
If you already have a business account on Instagram, chances are that your own Explore page will help you a lot. Since everyone interested in your niche will see similar posts, it’s smart to take a look at what’s already popular.
So, take the time to delve deep into every little nook and cranny of your Explore page. Which types of posts do you see? Have Reels taken over the platform, or are Carousel ads and well-crafted pics more prevalent?
Besides determining the most popular content formats, it’s also wise to look at engagement rates. Therefore, keep track of the posts that get the most likes and inspire people to comment.
Once your analysis is done, you’ll have a clearer picture of what your own marketing strategy should be. Use the data you’ve collected, and you’ll have no trouble breaking through onto the Explore page.
- Make Reels a Part of Your Content Strategy
Ever since Instagram introduced Reels, it has begun steadily prioritizing them over picture-based posts. According to the company’s report, more than 20% of users visit Instagram (and the Explore page) solely to view Reels.
Another point in favor of Reels is the fact they autoplay on the Explore page. In other words, sometimes people see a Reel without actually clicking on it simply because it pops up and plays while they’re scrolling.
Thus, it’s smart to start making Reels, no matter what your niche is. These short videos are incredibly versatile, so you’ll be able to fit them into your content strategy without too much trouble.
For example, you can record your products, show your audience the production process, or share snippets of new ideas you’re working on. And if you’re an influencer, it’s always great to check in with your audience, give them updates about your life, or hop on any new trends you particularly like.
- Use Hashtags
When you use a particular hashtag in a post, your content will appear on the tag’s corresponding page. Consequently, if people search for that hashtag, your posts might also appear on their Explore pages. So, it’s always wise to include a few relevant hashtags in your content, no matter which post type you opt for.
For example, if you’re a makeup influencer and you’re posting a review of a particular brand, it’s essential to tag the post properly. Besides general tags such as #makeup, #makeupreview, and #nameofbrand, you can also make a hashtag from your own username, the specific products you’re using, and so on.
By developing a similar hashtag strategy, you’ll give your posts more exposure in general. But even more importantly, you’ll ensure that the Explore algorithm picks up on your content and recommends it to the right users.
- Make Use of Instagram’s Versatility
Although we’ve highlighted Reels as a must-have content type, that isn’t to say that you should neglect other formats. So, try to keep things varied by posting pics, long-form videos, Carousel infographics, and Stories alike.
Take the Instagram page of The Washi Tape Shop, a brand that sells personalized stationery, as an example. If you scroll through it, you’ll see a bunch of Reels, at least a dozen Story highlights, and many regular pics of products.
Now, it’s pivotal to note how the brand uses the advantages of each post type. So, Reels are reserved for showing the production or creative process behind the stationery. On the other hand, the company posts the finished products as feed pics.
You can do the very same for your own brand, regardless of your niche. First, take a look at the content on your page. Then, figure out which formats suit your marketing strategy and goals, and use them.
- Consider Investing in Paid Ads
Finally, you can also back up your killer content with some money. Namely, Instagram allows you to pay to be featured on Explore pages.
Now, it is important to note that paying for an ad won’t land you directly on someone’s Explore page. Instead, your picture or video will be one of the first they see after clicking on a post in the Explore feed.
Although this might seem like an easy way out, it’s pivotal to be careful. Just because someone sees your post doesn’t guarantee that they will like it or leave a comment.
To trigger engagement, the post still needs to be compelling, relevant, and visually appealing. So, paying for an ad is just a way to give your posts more reach. To make it big, you will still have to utilize all of our other tips.