Instagram has done it again, they changed the algorithm and now only 10% of your followers are going to see your posts! That means 90% of the individuals who CHOSE to follow you will no longer see your photos. I know, this makes me angry also, but there is hope! There are ways to beat the algorithm, we are all just going to have to work a bit harder!
The algorithm basically shows you only the Instagrammers content you interact with. The likes and comments you leave on the individual’s photos drives what content they bring to your newsfeed. They want to show you photos they think you will interact with. It also prioritizes accounts with high engagement.
This is depressing, I know. I personally liked it better when it was in chronological order, but it is better for the advertisers and instagram makes more money because of it, so why are we surprised?
STEP 1 – HOW OFTEN AND WHY?
If you are wanting more of your followers to see your posts, you must be posting consistently, that doesn’t mean double posting every single day but maybe try posting every day or 3-5 times per week.
Another good question to ask yourself is, why do I have an Instagram? Is it to gain more followers, sell a product or direct people to a blog? If you are on Instagram for business reasons, it is important to have a business profile. This can easily be done in your settings and doesn’t confine your content to strictly being business related. In fact, I would advise against only posting about your business because people don’t like having a product or blog constantly shoved down their throat. That leads to the next thing, what you are posting matters!
STEP 2 – POST RELATABLE CONTENT
The content you choose to post matters, greatly. I am not just talking about the quality of your photos(breathe, you don’t need to go hire a professional photographer for your Instagram photos), I mean to create content that is YOU, relatable and relevant to your life! If you are running a fashion blog get creative with your content, do a few styled shoots with some of your favorite products and tag the brands. If you are selling a product like graphics on Etsy or wedding invitations, create consistent content, find a flow in your editing and stick to what you love, there is a reason your started your business right? People love to see other passionate individuals, thriving in their work space. I know, I know, it feels like we have gotten off topic but ALL of this is related to defeating the algorithm.
STEP 3 – RELATIONSHIPS
This one goes hand in hand with STEP 2, as you are tapping into your more creative side with your content, people will become more interested in your life and if you allow yourself to show a little vulnerability with a post, you will begin to see your followers build a relationship with you. They may direct message you when you post a story photo and ask where you got your sweater from, or maybe even ask how much a beautiful piece of your art is. It is so much easier to purchase from someone, read someones blog, or follow their life when you feel like you know them! With that being said, always RESPOND to people who comment on your photos or message you.
EXTRAS
Watch your analytics – you won’t have analytics until you swap over to a business account, but this allows you to see how well your posts are doing and to learn from how your followers respond.
Use relevant Hashtags – you can use up to 30 of them! Be wise!
Tell your followers to turn on their notifications if they want to see your posts, they can also comment on 10+ of your photos, and “like” multiple photos on your feed. Many people don’t know this so don’t feel weird telling them.
Run a giveaway – Why? because people will follow you if there is a chance of them winning something.
Utilize Instagram Stories – These 24-hour images are a perfect way to let your followers in on your daily life with family, work and friends!
Instagram is constantly changing things up on us but you don’t have to sponsor a ton of posts to continue to grow your following! If you try these things out and being to see results, let me know!
