I think it’s safe to say that the word “algorithm” had never been uttered more times by more people outside of the math world than when Instagram decided to change theirs. In case you missed it, the really smart people behind the popular platform thought they knew what users wanted to see. And, so, they altered the way in which you and I saw photos. Gone were the days of chronological feeds, and it did NOT go over well.
As the New York Times put it, “Instagram is one of several social media companies that are striving to find the right balance between arranging content chronologically and ranking it according to machine-learned impressions of relevance.”
Why does this matter to us? To you? Besides less meddling in our feeds, this adjustment will affect your social media strategy. While they are not returning to a true chronological process, here are a few tips to keep up with Instagram’s updates!
POST FREQUENTLY
Now that Instagram is returning, slightly, to a chronological feed, there is a renewed need for regular posting. A few weeks ago, users could see posts from 7 days earlier if Instagram deemed it so. Be sure you are posting throughout the week (FYI depending on your industry that could be 4 times, 6 times, even 8 times a week).
*And, don’t neglect the time of day which you share content!
USE HASHTAGS…STRATEGICALLY
We all know that Instagram limits users to 30 hashtags. Whether you choose to use 5, 10 or all 30 hashtags, be sure you’re getting specific. Choose hashtags that truly speak to your business and your content. For example, at Coast Creative we would be smart to choose industry-specific and local hashtags like #sdcreatives #sandiegomarketing #digitalmarketingagency #supportsdlocal and so on.
*And, don’t forget your branded hashtag like #coastcreative! (#shamelessplug)
SHARE YOUR STORIES
As Instagram changes, change with it! And by “change with it,” we don’t mean take a boomerang here and there. Businesses should embrace Instagram Stories because the rest of the world certainly is. With over 200 million daily users, Stories offers a chance to grow your community in a new way, add outbound links (hello!), and include a more personal approach to Instagram.
*And, don’t forget have fun with Stories!