How to Work with the Instagram Algorithm
Trying to grow on Instagram? Struggling with the algorithm? Here is how to not “beat” the Instagram algorithm, but to work with it in 2021!
Since the algorithm is constantly changing, you don’t want to work against it; you want to understand its full depth in order to make the best out of it. Let’s start with the secrets, shall we?
For anyone who is just getting into expanding their Instagram account or who does not actually know what the Instagram algorithm does, it basically adjusts the app based on user actions including likes, comments, views, saves, sends, interactions, etc. Instagram wants to figure out what users like and what they spend time viewing. What are they searching? Who do they interact with the most? Instagram uses this information to build a unique set of content specifically tailored for each user. The goal? To keep you engaged on the platform for the longest time possible.
Being an avid Instagram user for almost a decade, I remember every old trick in the book; first, they introduced filters with posts, then Instagram stories, followed by IGTV, and then they removed the chronological order… This is what the app does just to keep things spicy. One thing to always remember, is that engagement is key. It’s 2021, people, and nothing is more crucial than engagement. If you want to grow your account and encourage people to hit that follow button, you need to spend time engaging with others. Engage with the people who follow you. Ask questions in your captions to initiate a conversation, try to respond to all comments and continue the conversation. How does the algorithm arrive at its peak? This occurs through monitoring the comments which are more important than the likes. The more comments you get under a picture, the more you’re exposed to users who don’t follow you. It is also essential to build a community of similar accounts, where you can tag each other and constantly support one another; by doing this, if you attract followers, you will be attracting followers to the entire online community you are a part of!
As previously mentioned, the next step would be to write engaging captions; captions are very important on Instagram. In order to get to the level of maximum growth, you need to write captions that will engage your followers. It can be a simple question such as “How was your day?” or some personal questions such as “What’s your favorite series?”, “What’s your favorite quote of all time?” and so on. You can also get a little personal and share facts about yourself as well as offer them advice and valuable information. There is SO much you can do with your captions! Take full advantage of captions and get creative because there is no rule-book when it comes to Instagram; it’s simply a chance to explore your imagination and creativity.
Another key point is to use all the features Instagram offers; let’s start with Instagram stories, which is without a doubt, my favorite feature of all time! Instagram stories is the most used tool on the app. Nowadays, the stories get more interaction and views than any regular post. Stories are seen as the more personal and less-serious aspect of Instagram since they allow you to interact with your audience on a more personal level through polls, Q&A, quizzes etc. which leads followers to participate and get the “insider” view of your life! With all the constant changes in the algorithm and posts not showing up on your followers’ feeds, Instagram Story is the only place your followers get to see you! So take advantage of that and be active on stories! Stay active though as you need to post every day. Offer value, so that your story pops up first, and most importantly, continues to pop up! Typically, Instagram Stories that appear at the start of your feed are from accounts that you engage with the most, whether that’s through likes, comments, story views, reactions, or DMs.
And lastly, take advantage of the analytics that come with Instagram (if you don’t have the analytics, go to settings>switch to business account and follow the instructions). Research your analytics to figure out what type of content is getting the most engagement, most likes, most comments and what your followers are enjoying the most. Are your followers mostly male or female? What type of content has the least engagement? Use all of this information to plan out your content and make the best out of it! Having a better understanding of what’s working (and what isn’t) will help you come up with a finely tuned marketing plan, saving you time and effort in the long run.
Whatever tactic you choose to focus on to improve your algorithm ranking in 2021, it is important to remember that engaging with your audience should be at the heart of your strategy. Building a genuine relationship with your followers is the most powerful way to “hack” the algorithm.
We’ve finally come to the end of this super long post. I tried to be as short as possible, but I get too excited when it comes to anything remotely related to marketing.
Now that you got your instagram strategy ready, it’s time to list your brand on Watani and go international. Become a vendor now.
I hope you enjoyed reading my babbling and learnt some new Instagram tricks that will, hopefully, help you grow your account and work the algorithm to your advantage.
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