Algorithms are also what decides who sees and who doesn’t see the content you post, from SEO to social media.
As these algorithms evolve, today’s marketing strategies will become obsolete tomorrow. As a result, the approach on each platform must also grow.
Simply posting daily with the appropriate hashtags on Instagram will not always ensure that the latest content reaches its intended audience.
Instead, think about how you can use the latest Instagram algorithm changes to spice up your Instagram marketing plan.
How the Instagram algorithm works for the feed
When users scroll through their Instagram feed, the latest Instagram algorithm determines the order in which posts appear.
It prioritizes the best posts based on particular signals, moving the most important ones to the top and giving them the most exposure while other content is pushed down.
Although the latest algorithm is subject to change, the following three critical ranking criteria will still help you prepare your Instagram strategy:
- The user’s relationship. If a user has engaged with a lot of your previous Instagram content, they’ll be more likely to engage with your future content. Consequently, it’s crucial to consistently repeat interaction on your posts if you want to create a loyal following.
- The consumer has expressed interest. When a user explores Instagram, this signal is dependent on whether they connect with related posts and accounts. Users that associate with similar content have a higher chance of seeing their entries.
- The Post’s usefulness. When you post something on Instagram, the algorithm assigns it a relevance ranking, which influences who appears in your feed.
Other, more general considerations posted by Instagram that you should take note of include:
- You’ll face more competition for the top spot in a user’s feed if they follow many accounts.
- If your content isn’t in one of the top slots, people who don’t spend much time on Instagram or don’t open the app very often have a lower chance of seeing it.
- In terms of organic scope, business accounts on Instagram are not instantly at a disadvantage to personal accounts.
How the Instagram algorithm works for Instagram Story
Instagram Stories from accounts that a user interacts with the most appear first in their feed. Comments, likes, and direct messages all contribute to your place in a user’s feed. Users are often shown Stories based on their location, so location hashtags are becoming more common in Stories.
The more people who interact with your brand via Stories, the more likely they are to see your updates every time you post. Knowing this, you’ll want to post Stories regularly to hit users as soon as they log into their Instagram account.
Read: How to Delete Your Instagram Account Permanently – 2021 Update
How the Instagram algorithm works for Instagram Reels and IGTV
The algorithm for video content on Reels and IGTV is close to the Instagram feed algorithm. People who connect with your account the most see your material.
To increase your Reels’ exposure, post them to your feed first and add hashtags. Since Instagram aims to improve the discoverability of new functionality, you’ll want to start using Reels as soon as possible.
A preview of an IGTV video can be shared on your Instagram feed to maximize visibility.
You may now be wondering how all of these aspects of Instagram’s algorithm can affect your Instagram marketing strategy. So, let’s take a look at some of the various approaches you might use to reach out to more customers.
On Instagram, Gretta van Riel shares her tried-and-true system for growing profitable product-based businesses. Find out the photos that fit best with your brand and how to work with the right influencers.
Tips for working with the Instagram algorithm in 2021
Focus on relationships, not just reach
Audience loyalty and ongoing interaction with your followers are more important than ever, mainly since they can win you one of their top feed spots.
Creating these relationships with your content can be done in a variety of ways, including:
You are using your Stories to share user-generated content. User-generated content is content about your brand that your fans have shared. Posting it not only encourages more UGC, but it also allows users who share your content to tag you in their Stories, expanding your digital footprint on Instagram.
Reels can be exchanged: Instagram is a social media platform that allows Short, fun videos that your company can share on Instagram are known as reels. To entertain viewers and build your Instagram following, you can record 15-second clips with audio, effects, and various creative tools. Reels are posted on your feed and can also be found on the Explore list, enabling you to reach a wider audience.
Produce IGTV content: IGTV is a platform that allows users to watch long-form, immersive videos that take up the entire screen. IGTV content appears on the Explore tab, making it simple for users to find and watch videos from creators (hint: that’s you!) who can then follow on Instagram.
Instagram’s algorithm is prone to widely sharing content from its more recent features, such as Reels today. If you want to find your customers on Instagram, you should think outside of your content. After all, this is a social networking site.
Comment on posts from relevant users and brands
You may also leave interesting and involved feedback on content from potential clients, relevant influencers, and related businesses to connect with users on their posts and create connections outside of your content.
Posting first on larger accounts with a huge following will help you gain more Instagram followers by increasing your tweet’s exposure. Consider will accounts the target audience is likely to follow, and then follow them and participate in the discussion.
Be sincere and add meaning when doing so. Don’t just look for ways to make a public sales pitch or respond with generic responses. For instance, if they tell you to check out the link in their Instagram bio about their new product, go ahead and click the link, check out the product, and leave a thoughtful comment. Demonstrate the brand’s personality and engage in constructive dialogue.
Fashion Nova, for example, can often be found in the comments section of Instagram posts by rapper Cardi B and other influencers, where it receives a lot of attention and the opportunity to form relationships with its target audience.
Since the Instagram feed focuses on recent posts, you can choose to be informed of new posts for specific accounts so you can comment first. This increases the probability that your comment will be noticed.
To do so, you must first be a follower of the account. Then, in the top right-hand corner of the screen, tap the three dots and select “Switch on post notifications” to begin getting push notifications whenever they publish a new post.
Try following those hashtags relevant to your brand, interacting with posts that use those tags, and communicating with like-minded creators. This is just another excellent way to boost interaction rates.
Post when your followers are most active
Using timeliness to your advantage but also affects where your content appears in your followers’ feeds. Getting a spike in interest when the Post first goes live also helps, as it shows Instagram that it’s a post that more of your followers want to see.
To get the most out of each Post, schedule it to go live during your busiest posting periods.
Finding your peak posting times can take some trial and error, but your Instagram Analytics report, which is accessible to all Instagram Business profiles in the mobile app, is an excellent place to start.
You’ll see a small section showing you when your followers are online if you go to the Audience tab in your Insights and scroll down. This information can be accessed by weekdays or by hour on particular days.
You’ll want to play with various posting times to see what works best. Perhaps posting right before a significant burst of action is best for your account, or possibly posting right after a blast begins is better.
Respond to comments while they’re fresh
Have you noticed that many other company profiles on Instagram are reacting to as many comments as possible?
This adds social evidence to your content, increasing the number of comments and encouraging further responses. However, it increases your chances of receiving further engagement when your Post’s potential scope is at its highest.
Even if it’s just a thank you for answering a question, responding to a comment will inspire the original poster to leave a follow-up comment. However, this may kickstart a dialogue in some situations, resulting in substantial interaction that will increase the scope of this and future posts.
Use hashtags to reach active users.
Instagram hashtags can help you reach a wider audience by allowing you to appear in related searches.
However, for this approach to be successful, you must choose hashtags that your target audience uses to find content and other users.
Group hashtags are prevalent. Although these niche hashtags may not have as many posts as the more mainstream hashtags, they are still being shared and searched by Instagram groups seeking to link with others interested in the exact cause, trend, or culture.
This is where you’ll get total views, leading to profile clicks, interest, and probably new followers.
Although these valuable hashtags can vary by sector, you’ll be able to spot them because they accurately represent your ideal customer and are constantly filled with new posts that follow the same theme:
- A merchant selling custom luggage could use the community hashtag #welltraveled.
- Online stores selling beard oil could opt for #beardlife.
- Store owners that sell health food items might choose #livingfit.
However, don’t just use these hashtags in your posts. Click through to the posts that use them and interact with them. At the very least, a simple like on someone’s Post might result in a profile view or even a follow.
And if your posts aren’t hitting these people, you can reach them yourself.
Repost old content to Stories
Repurposing past posts is an excellent way to go if you’re having trouble deciding what to post on Instagram to gain attention or if you want to make sure your specific content gets seen as much as possible, mainly as your following grows.
This restores the best content to the top of the page, allowing more users to see it that may have missed it the first time around.
Although some people would delete a post and republish it in the same manner as before, repurposing the content is the better choice.
Repurposing material will save you a lot of time but remember to use it sparingly, mix it up, and prune your feed to get rid of duplicates. Users will always browse through your gallery, and you don’t want them to see the same picture twice.
Encourage engagement in your Stories.
Since Instagram Stories aren’t subjected to the same algorithm as posts in your feed, they get a lot of exposure. They’re also a great way to communicate with your followers and create loyalty, which leads to higher interaction on your static Instagram posts and, as a result, more scope.
You may use them in a variety of ways:
- Add hashtag stickers with your branded hashtag. Users will be taken to a feed of static posts using the hashtag when they tap on your branded hashtag sticker, whether they’re your own, customer submissions, or both. Add a location tag to your content to make it appear in local searches.
- Share Stories from other users. Not only can you be alerted when anyone mentions you in their Post, but you can also share their Story directly to your own. You may also inspire or reward your fans for sharing one of your posts on their Stories.
- Inspire engagement with interactive stickers. Poll stickers, the emoji slider, and question stickers are all included. The latter allows you to ask users questions and then post their answers to subsequent Stories. This provides you with even more material with which your followers can connect.
But did you know you can also share your own Instagram posts to your Stories?
Tap the direct message button on one of your posts to see the option to “Add Post to Story,” where you can resize it and make other changes.
This is an excellent way to ensure that your fans see the most exciting posts (such as a new product announcement).
Embrace direct messages
As the app’s use and several chat features rise, Instagram’s private messaging platform has increased in popularity. Users are increasingly sending private messages to companies to ask questions and get in touch.
Direct messages usually entail more extended conversations, and they allow you to cultivate a one-on-one relationship.
When using direct messaging for outreach, this also works. You can message qualified customers, potential partners, and influencers you’d like to work with through their profile or Story.
Since this is a tactic that doesn’t scale well, you’ll want to be picky about who you touch. Look for brand supporters, consumers who seem to need assistance based on their feedback on your posts, and potential collaborators or influencers. Concentrate on each conversation individually, and avoid canned answers in favor of genuine ones.
Pay for reach with Instagram ads and influencers.
Paying for organic reach on any site is the quickest way to overcome minimal organic space. If done correctly, this will provide a burst of energy that will help you produce better organic results in the future. Instagram ads and influencer marketing are your two key choices.
Instagram ads aren’t cheap, and if you’re not careful, they can quickly add up, but they’re a good investment if you’re having trouble getting noticed on the site.
If you’re new to Instagram, make sure to set a lifetime budget so you can keep track of your expenses.
Monitor how your efforts translate into results
Check your Instagram Insights for telling metrics to track your progress with these techniques. While most people concentrate on the number of followers, you can learn more about how effective your Instagram marketing is by looking at profile likes, scope, and website visits.
The Instagram algorithm may change, but building relationships doesn’t
If you want to get the most out of Instagram, you can’t just concentrate on sharing content daily. Instead, you can focus on overall relationship building and high-quality content while interacting with Instagram users both outside and on your posts.
Changes to the Instagram algorithm are inevitable. However, if marketers are willing to adapt, you’ll discover unexpected new ways to hit your target audience.