As social media platforms continue to change their algorithms, it can be tough to keep up with what works and what doesn’t. Instagram and it’s algorithm is no different and has made several changes in the past year that have impacted how businesses and users operate on the platform. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how the Instagram algorithm works, and provide some tips on how you can use it to your advantage. So if you’re looking to up your Instagram game, here’s how.
Understanding how the Instagram algorithm works
One common misconception about the “algorithm” is that it is one giant formula that controls all of Instagram. The reality is there are several different algorithms for the different functions and uses of Instagram. Meaning your discover page, feed, marketplace, and reels each have their own special formula!
As a user, you’ll notice that you receive a lot of specific content that you have an interest in. That’s because these algorithms pay attention to what you engage with, who you engage with, and how long you engage with it. When you like, share or comment on a post, you’re sending signals. These signals read “I like this content, give me more.” The algorithm’s sole purpose is to help Instagram to personalize your feed to make your time spent on Instagram more enjoyable.
How you can use the algorithms to your advantage
Now that you have a better understanding of the algorithms, let’s talk about how you can use them to make your brand’s Instagram grow!
Utilize hashtags to increase your reach
You’d be surprised how what a difference using the correct hashtags can make! According to LaterBlog’s “The Number of Hashtags You Should Use on Instagram, According to 18M Posts” including 1 hashtag can help increase your reach by 11%. Something as simple as a post that says #dog can help increase your reach! Now imagine if you used 20-30 relevant hashtags per post! You and the algorithm just gave your post the extra boost it needs to reach a new audience!
Post more reels
This one is important! If you or your organization isn’t utilizing reels already, it’s about time you did! Reels and other short-form videos have taken off so rapidly recently and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. The next time you are planning a post, see if it can be just as digestible as a reel over a hard post. Don’t forget to use those hashtags. Using relevant hashtags will allow the algorithm to push your content to your audience who are looking for it!
Engage with your followers
Engage. Engage. Engage. The algorithms has its eyes set on engagement and so should you! Engage with your followers and other brands! A like here, a comment there! This will help you stay top of mind with your followers while giving you a chance to show some authenticity and allowing your audience to get to know you better! Allow your posts to be more geared towards audience engagement as well! You can do this by asking your audience questions and responding to them! By doing so, the algorithm will notice who is relevant to you and your relevance to your audience! We’ve seen this be done successfully via Instagram Stories (take advantage of those engagement stickers).
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to achieving success on Instagram, understanding how the algorithm works and using hashtags, posting more reels, and engaging with followers, you can increase your reach and drive sales. If you need help implementing these tactics or want to learn more about how to use Instagram for marketing purposes, our team at Wundertre can assist you. Give us a call today or schedule a meeting to find out how we can help take your social media marketing efforts to the next level!
Want to learn more about the algorithm and social media engament? Check out our Guide to Understanding Social Media Engagement!