The Instagram Algorithm 2019 and how to OWN it!
Hi guys.
The Instagram Algorithm (hereby referred to as IA) is a complex thing. It changes so often and we don’t have access to why or when. We just know that we have built up a steadily increasing amount of likes, and then your next post bombs. And the next one. And the next one.
This blog is going to delve a bit into what you can do to build your likes up, and also dispel some myths.
The top 3 Ranking Signals on Instagram are:
Relationship.
Instagram will prioritise friends and family first. This is part of the movement of the major social media platforms to be more about friends and family than business. So when you open your feed, you should see your nearest and dearest amongst the first few posts. Not much you can do about this one.
2. Interest.
This one you can do something about. If you build up your client relationships right in that they are liking, sharing, saving, and generally interacting with your posts, you will come up next. I am obsessed with Rate Cute on Instagram and they come up as soon as I’ve opened my app if they have posted something new. You want to not only post things that people react to, but that they will continually come back to see what you have posted - this will push you up the ranks. Cultivate that client relationship and you will increase your chances of being the first post they see when they open their app.
3. Timeliness.
This one goes hand in hand with number 2. You need to be posting at the right time, in that you know when your ideal customers are online and posting so you show up early. Some people only scroll ten posts and then close the app. Some are on a scrolling mission and might do 20 or more. Some do scroll 5 posts but 10 times a day - going deeper into their feed. There are many different ways your clients will use the app and different times, but your insights will give you good days and times to base your posts on - then you can monitor and change if necessary. Aim to be the first thing that they see when they open the app.
Myths about the Instagram Algorithm.
There is no shadowban. Due to the way the algorithm works now, it just means that your content isn’t working, and you need to find another way to be more in your clients feed.
Verified users don’t get special treatment and neither do businesses. As mentioned earlier, it’s all about friends and family first, then everything else comes after that. So if someone follows 20 family members, and 5 businesses, that means you need to fight to get to the top as they will get prioritsed first. Luckily you have an edge in that you can make your photos compelling in a different way.
Before I go, there are a few tips I’d like to impart to help you on your way.
Post more often
Post video
Be personable and relatable
Think about your hashtags
Get your followers to turn on post notifications so they never miss your posts, and show them how (a video will be good!)
Do you agree? DM me or comment on my Facebook!