How To Use The Instagram Algorithm To Your Advantage
Are the changing algorithms of Instagram cumbersome? What next?
These changes can be upsetting because I’m sure, like me, you would have noticed a downward spiral in likes and comments. But rather than being upset about the changes that keep arising and wasting your precious time complaining, why not play by the rules? Give a skip to what you cannot control {what goes on behind-the-scenes} and concentrate on what you can control.
And yes, let this be proof that you need your own platform {i.e. a blog} for people to hear you, know you, and see you ~ because no matter how many times a platform changes, you will always have this personal space that is owned AND controlled exclusively by ~ you, just you! That being said, you still need Instagram and Facebook for engagement, exposure, and promotion because that’s where everyone’s at!
If you’re looking at how to use the Instagram algorithm to your advantage, here are some tips that will help you handle the changing algorithm the right way or should I say, in a better way:
Followers and Interactions ~
From going to algorithm in 2016 from chronological, Instagram has kept its originality intact and has not shied away from authentic and meaningful interactions. If you haven’t yet started interacting with your followers, especially those who take time to comment on your posts, it’s high time you initiated thoughtful conversations in a way that stimulates a response.
This could be achieved in the manner you present your posts, your caption, and your visuals, and your response to a comment should be more than a heart emoji or a one/two-word response. A good idea would be to visit the pages of those who have left a comment and return their gesture. Doing this will also allow you to get to know your followers and audience, and your response will more likely provide better exposure to your content.
On Serenading Pictures that Speak to the Viewers ~
I am not too caught up with the changes on Instagram because my work is not influenced by it or limited to it. So whenever there are changes on Instagram, I try to see how this magical new version can help me bring in changes in my postings so that they garner a better viewership. I would recommend you give all the new features a try, such as the carousel or IGTV content, and keep in mind that it is not always about posting a beautiful picture, but a striking caption is what stands out most of the time and pulls in readers to your Instagram handle.
On Using Your Analytics Properly
The ability to see insights on every post is a welcome change because it helps to gauge the ‘reaching out’ of your content. While I would encourage you not to obsess over the analytics on every post, it is good once in a while to have a check on your top-performing posts in comparison to the ones that didn’t fare as well, and see where you need to make some changes. Saves are another KPI to gauge whether the content you’ve posted is working or not.
On Stories and Storytelling~
Storytelling is an art by itself that has always captivated the listeners and audience, and I like the idea here of pulling your readers into it and making their opinion matter through polls via Instagram stories. I find polls so fun, interactive, and if used correctly, your audiences’ answers to your questions will let you decide on what the next course of action should be or on what topic your next story should be based {i.e. workout videos or healthy recipes}. Stories are also an entertaining way to keep your audience posted on your day’s activities, and that way, you will slowly get to know their pulse and have a drift of their attentiveness.
Yes, Hashtags Work, so Hashtag Away ~
I like the idea of using hashtags because it allows you to open up your imaginative minds to create new hashtags {different from the ones you usually use} that will enable you to look at your posts with a new eye each time you view them, while also allowing others to follow your journey. To reiterate, I am a proponent of research and knitting in your own hashtags, not only because of the infamous shadowban but also so that your postings and stories do not go unnoticed.
Another piece of advice: if you only have 10 thousand followers, for example, you don’t want to use hashtags with 5 million posts. Stick with those under the 1 million mark and be sure that it’s been used recently.
Has the algorithm change been frustrating for you? If you have any interesting suggestions that work, be sure to share them in the comments below!