How to Befriend the Instagram Algorithm (No, Really)
Since the end of chronological order and the beginning of the Discover Page, Instagram’s algorithm has been a constant topic of conversation for marketers and regular users alike. Many try to find different ways to navigate the algorithm and its “needs” while others say there really is no strategy due to it constantly changing. The argument includes the use of hashtags (how many is too many?), different Instagram features (like Reels and Stories), caption development, and more.
At ALLIANA, we’ve found that one thing has remained steady in the never-ending algorithm debate: consistency is key to your success on Instagram.
“Instagram is like a friendship. The more you nurture that friendship, the more that friendship is going to show you love in return,” says Alex Denaro, Co-Founder of the ALLIANA Agency. “You need to engage with your community within your niche. You need to use every feature available to you on the platform frequently. You need to post often. This shows Instagram that you are a valuable member of your community, which in turn will get your more engagement, views, likes, and shares on your own content.”
Some ways to consistently engage with the platform include:
Liking competitor, partner, and customer posts.
Commenting on user posts (and replying to comments on your own).
Sharing relevant posts to your industry on your story.
Sharing customer-curated posts to your story and feed.
Following relevant profiles, including partners and customers.
Creating content that utilizes Instagram’s most popular features, such as Instagram Stories that use stickers or Reels that use trending audio.
Creating content… period!
“It’s also critical to understand that not all of your posts or Reels are going to make it big,” says Denaro. “Just because you hop on a trend, doesn’t mean your post is going to be successful and go viral. However, with consistent posting and the creation of relevant, engaging content, your posts will reach the right people.”
Additionally, “going viral” shouldn’t be the goal. Your Reel that reaches 100,000 people may only bring in 3 new customers, but your Reel that reaches 2,000 people can bring in 200. It all depends on whether or not your content is:
Educational.
Engaging.
Serving a purpose.
Solving a problem.
With these goals in mind, as well as maintaining a consistent posting and engagement schedule, your profile will appear as an active participant in the Instagram algorithm and thus, be shown to more people.
Have a question about social media and Instagram? Contact our team to learn more.
