Originally written in 2018 for Bigar Creative
Everyone’s thinking it, we're just putting pen to paper; Instagram’s algorithm switch is frustrating. If you're not familiar, Instagram moved from a chronological lay out to a new algorithm that's left many scratching their heads. One main reason, it's estimated that after the switch, users miss about 70 percent of the content in their feeds.
However, it’s not all Instagram’s fault. By the beginning of 2018, there were nearly 700 million active users, which means there’s more content available than anyone could manage to scroll past. In an effort to keep your timeline clean, Instagram implemented their algorithm to ensure you only see posts you "care" about.
But how do they know what you care about? You have more control over your timeline than you think. In an interview with Business Insider, an Instagram spokesperson revealed the algorithm considers several different factors to figure out what you'd care to see. And hey, the first is timeliness. No, your order isn’t exactly chronological but Instagram still considers how many times you hit refresh or log in and puts the newer stuff at the top.
Engagement is the next biggest factor. The algorithm boosts posts that are gaining more likes and comments. (Sound like a catch-22 to anyone else?) Comments are weighted more heavily than likes, as they do take more effort. It considers relationships. The depth of your relationship with another account is determined through likes, comments, and tags. Lastly, profile searches and direct shares. The more times you search an account, the higher they’ll sit on your timeline. Sharing the account’s posts with friends is also taken into consideration.
So, let's address the big question for small business owners: how do you apply this information to your brand? While it’s true, many of your followers may not see your post right when you share it, it’s still important to post at the right time to maximize engagement -- Sundays around 4 p.m. are a great time, for example. Engagement on a photo you post is what will best boost your post to the top of people’s timelines. Respond to each and every comment, engage with your followers. But what if you’re not getting engagement? Start building those relationships. Begin the engagement. Look at related posts to see what your client base likes, and tell those pages you like it!
Gaining a loyal and active following won't be built in a day, but taking the time to build your followers, the same way you'd build your customer base, is 100% worth it. Put out great content (relevancy and quality over quantity), be genuine, and the likes will follow. Instagram's algorithm benefits those who put in the time, and with the above key tips and tricks, you're well on your way to happy posting.
Коментари