Episode Summary: Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades
Episode 112: How to Fix Low Instagram Engagement in 2026 (A 28-Day Reset Plan)
Air Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Katelyn Rhoades

Episode Overview

In this episode, Katelyn Rhoades delivers a comprehensive, step-by-step strategy to revive and boost low Instagram engagement. Drawing from her own experience and real-life stories of creators and entrepreneurs who have completed her signature 28-Day Instagram Engagement Reset Challenge, Katelyn outlines why engagement slumps happen, dispels algorithm myths, and provides actionable tips (including her favorite quick wins) to get your Instagram thriving again—without burning out or starting from scratch.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Understanding Why Instagram Engagement Drops

Timestamp: 04:10

• Algorithm Myths Debunked:
  • “It's not because the algorithm hates you. The algorithm is not emotional. It really, it doesn't care who you are, but it does respond to signals.” (Katelyn, 04:15)
  • Posting inconsistently or without a clear content strategy confuses the algorithm, which in turn signals to the platform that people aren’t interested in your content.
• Common Mistakes:
  • Posting random, off-niche content without a business mindset.
  • Neglecting audience interaction—ignoring DMs, not replying to comments, not engaging with others.
  • Out-of-date profiles that don’t clearly state your value or audience.

2. The 28-Day Instagram Engagement Reset Challenge

Timestamp: 08:20

• Challenge Purpose:
  • Designed to revive “dead” accounts gently through daily small, strategic actions.
• Katelyn’s Success Story:
  • Katelyn relays her own journey:
    • “The profile I have now with 190,000 followers...actually had 800 followers and then I ghosted it for four years...I basically just started showing up consistently and doing the things inside of this challenge...My profile boomed again.” (Katelyn, 09:50)
• Structure of the Challenge:
  • Each day: one simple, focused action, not overwhelming.
  • Examples:
    • Day 1: Refresh bio using a provided ChatGPT prompt for clarity on who you help and how (12:10).
    • Day 5: DM a couple of people you’ve lost touch with, offering exact scripts (13:00).
    • Day 13/14: Use an engagement sticker with a specific question in stories to boost interactions (14:00).
    • Day 20: Refresh your content pillars so you’re speaking to your audience’s actual pain points (14:40).

3. Challenge Impact and Testimonials

Timestamp: 17:15

• Case Study 1:
  • Business owner boosted post likes from about 10 to quadruple that, and booked three clients via revived DM conversations.
  • “Three clients, guys, think about whatever it is that you offer. What's that price point? Times that by three, is that worth putting in work for 28 days? I'd say yes.” (Katelyn, 18:10)
• Case Study 2:
  • Another participant, previously lurking and not posting, reintroduced herself, implemented the plan, and “got more story replies in one week than she had in the previous three to six months.” (Katelyn, 18:50)
• Katelyn’s Experience:
  • “Within a few weeks, my account felt alive again. The DMs were flowing, the engagement was up, and I actually felt excited to post again...” (Katelyn, 19:40)

4. Three Quick Wins to Revive Instagram Engagement

Timestamp: 21:10

Katelyn provides three high-impact actions listeners can do immediately:

• 1. Post a Poll in Your Stories

  • Use the poll sticker with a simple, low-effort question (e.g., “How do you like your coffee? Iced or warm?”) to create easy interaction.
  • Bonus: DM everyone who engages, continuing the conversation (as outlined at 23:20).
  • “People don't want hard on social media. They're actually escaping on social media to get away from whatever it is that they're dealing with. So you have to make it super duper easy.” (Katelyn, 22:50)

• 2. Reintroduce Yourself with a Reel

  • Share a fun reel explaining who you are, what you offer, and a fun fact to remind current and new followers of your purpose and personality.
  • Caption should restate your story and value (24:30).

• 3. 15-Minute Engagement Blitz

  • Set a timer. Reply to recent comments and DMs, and leave thoughtful comments on five different accounts.
  • “These are simple, quick wins that give you proof engagement is still possible and your account is not dead.” (Katelyn, 25:20)

5. The Big Takeaway: Engagement is Revivable

Timestamp: 26:05

• A “dead” account just needs a little structure and dedicated action.
• You don’t need to burn out, reinvent your business, or post more content—you just need an actionable, daily plan to follow.
• Quote:
  • “Engagement doesn't die forever. It just needs a little reset. And the truth is, you don't need to reinvent your business or break burnout trying to post more. You just need a simple step by step plan.” (Katelyn, 26:10)

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

• On why your engagement drops:
  • “You've gotta give to get. The last common mistake I see is that your profile just hasn't been refreshed in months...” (Katelyn, 06:00)
• On mindset:
  • “You have five minutes to doom scroll. You have five minutes to see what's on Netflix. You have five minutes to watch Love Island. You have five minutes to get your engagement back up and convert people from your Instagram into paying customers.” (Katelyn, 16:00)
• On taking the challenge:
  • “If you're listening to this and nodding along, this is your sign. Don’t just listen. Don't join us inside the challenge today.” (Katelyn, 27:10)

Notable Timestamps

• Introduction & purpose: 00:00 – 04:05
• Why engagement drops: 04:10 – 08:15
• About the 28-Day Reset: 08:20 – 16:00
• Case studies & testimonials: 17:15 – 19:50
• 3 Quick wins: 21:10 – 25:50
• Final wrap-up & call to action: 26:05 – end

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Katelyn wraps up by emphasizing that engagement is always revivable with intention and a strategic reset. The episode is an energizing, practical guide for creators feeling stuck or discouraged by Instagram’s ever-changing tides. Listeners are invited to try her 28-Day Instagram Engagement Reset (linked in show notes or DM @thekatelynrhoades) and share results for additional support.

For access to the complete challenge, more tips, and to connect with Katelyn, visit her Instagram or grab the challenge via the show notes.

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