In today's episode, I want to delve into the world of engagement pods on Instagram. We've briefly discussed them before, but now it's time to dedicate an entire episode to this topic. So, what exactly are engagement pods? They are groups of individuals, either on or off Instagram, who collaborate to boost each other's engagement by liking, commenting, saving, and sharing each other's content. These groups typically consist of people with similar interests and niches, but some larger pods accept participants from various fields. Engagement pods come with certain rules and guidelines. Admins or moderators oversee these groups, and they often require members to follow specific protocols to maintain participation. For instance, you may need to engage with a certain number of posts before sharing your own content. However, it's important to understand that engagement pods have their limitations and drawbacks. Firstly, the engagement you receive from these pods is not organic. While your metrics may temporarily increase, once you stop using them, your engagement will likely plummet. Additionally, using engagement pods can risk your account being flagged by Instagram's algorithm, as sudden spikes in engagement can appear suspicious. Additionally, these pods rarely result in gaining new followers, which can raise skepticism among your existing audience. Joining engagement pods can be a significant time investment, with hours spent engaging with people who aren't genuinely interested in your content. The comments you receive through these pods are often generic and lack value, which discerning Instagram users can easily identify. So, instead of relying on engagement pods, I recommend focusing on building connections through genuine engagement. Network with individuals in your industry, both followers and leaders, and engage with them in a meaningful way. If your engagement is low, consider joining my engagement challenge, where you'll receive valuable tips and tricks to boost your engagement rate. Engaging organically is the key to long-term success on Instagram. Lastly, I want to share some exciting news about my revamped services. I now offer InstaRevamp, where I conduct a comprehensive audit of your profile and provide actionable tips. If you're struggling with hashtags, the Hashtag Whisperer service helps you find the perfect set for your profile. For personalized coaching, the Insta Fixer offers a one-on-one session to address any concerns or confusion you may have. Finally, the Insta Game-Plan provides a tailored strategy based on your goals and aspirations. If you have any questions, or you want to chat, DM me on my Instagram. I would love to hear from you. You can also email me at info@proleda-media.com. Join my membership, Content Blueprint Bank, where I give you content ideas for the entire month, as well as a bunch of cool resources that will help you... well, plan, create and post on Instagram! You can get your first month for $5.99! If you want to test out Canva Pro, you can use my link* and test it for 30 days for free. Thank you for joining me on this journey and I will see you in my next podcast! *affiliate link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.