No matter what platform you’re on, only numbers can reveal the growth you’ve attained so far. Those numbers are known by measuring the metrics set for every individual platform. When it comes to Instagram, there is a lot of data available in the analytics section. So, how do you know which metric is worth your attention?
Measuring the right metrics on Instagram is a must for every creator to grow their account. This is because it shows what is working and what is not. If you receive less engagement, you can get free Instagram likes or implement similar strategies to improve. Here’s a list of the most important Instagram metrics you should keep an eye on.
1. Follower Growth Rate
Though the number of followers is important, the rate at which you are gaining or losing followers is even more important. A gradual growth rate indicates that your content resonates with your target audience, whereas the fall or loss of followers means it is time to rethink your plan. To track follower growth, go to your Instagram Insights and check the growth over specific timeframes. If growth is slow, share engaging content like Reels or Stories to attract new followers.
2. Engagement Rate
Engagement is one of the most crucial metrics that show how actively your audience interacts with your content. A higher engagement rate means your followers find your posts relatable, valuable, and interesting. Some of the metrics you need to measure are likes, comments, shares, and saves on each post. Also, track interaction on Stories, such as replies, polls, and sticker taps. Though you have fewer followers, a high engagement rate can make you attractive to brands for partnerships.
3. Click-Through Rate (CTR) on Links
If you use Instagram to drive traffic to your website, blog, or shop, tracking the CTR of your bio link, Story links, and in-app shopping features is crucial. A high CTR indicates that your call-to-action (CTA) is compelling enough for your audience to take the next step. To improve your CTR rate, you can use actionable CTAs like Shop Now, Read More, or Discover More.
4. DM Engagement Metrics
Direct Message (DM) metrics are often overlooked, but they are super beneficial for building relationships with your audience. Wondering what to measure with it? Response time, which means how quickly you reply to messages, and interaction volume, which shows the number of meaningful conversations. Based on the numbers, craft a strong DM strategy for collaborations, sales, and a loyal community.
5. Shopping Insights
If you sell products on Instagram, shopping insights are essential for tracking performance. You can monitor metrics such as how many people are looking at your items, how many potential buyers are adding them to their carts, and who made the purchase. It is highly recommended that Instagram’s native shopping features, such as tags and product stickers, be used to make the buying process seamless.
6. Ad Performance Metrics
If you are running paid ads on Instagram, track metrics like cost-per-click (CPC), cost-per-impression (CPM), and conversion rate, which is super important for making your campaigns cost-effective. Some of the terms you should focus on are engagement from ads, such as people liking, sharing, or commenting on your promoted posts, and how many purchases or sign-ups are directly achieved from the ad. To make the most of your ads, test different creatives, audiences, and CTAs to find what works best for you.
7. Reels Performance
Reels are currently Instagram’s most favored content type for reach and discoverability. If you rely on this specific feature, you should monitor its performance, too. What to track are the total number of times your Reel has been watched, how many times people have shared your Reel with others, and how many audiences have saved it for future use. Even if a single Reel becomes viral, it can boost your account’s visibility significantly. So, keep trying until you attain virality. To save your viral Reel, make use of an Instagram Reels video downloader and save it for future reference.
Final Thoughts
Instagram metrics are a window to look into your account’s performance and provide the data needed to tweak your strategy. Whether you are a brand aiming for conversions or a creator focusing on engagement, tracking these metrics will keep you ahead in the competitive space. Most importantly, remember that data can be only as valuable as the actions you take from it. Otherwise, the numbers can go in vain. So, without wasting your time, use these insights to experiment, improve, and grow your presence on Instagram.
