In this post, I talking about the 6 tips that 100% helped me beat the Instagram algorithm and grow my engagement
Are you feeling uninspired by frequent Instagram algorithm changes? I know it’s painful to see your hard work not reach the number of people it’s supposed to reach. Don’t beat yourself up for low engagement and instead, take it as an opportunity to uplevel your work.
I don’t often share Instagram/blogging tips because I don’t like to share something that didn’t work for me. Recently, I completely changed my Instagram game. It’s all about pushing your limits and embracing who you are.
6 Tips to Beat the Instagram Algorithm and Grow your Engagement
1. Use Relevant Hashtags:
Do you know you can use 30 HASHTAGS per post? This means you have 30 ways to make your Instagram content discoverable. Take sometime before you publish your post, research on the hashtags relevant to your content. Check this post on how I choose hashtags.
Hashtags are more powerful than ever before because now you can follow hashtags just like you follow someone. If you are following a hashtag, for example, #dlbloggingtips then accounts using that hashtags even the ones you don’t follow will show up on your feed.
This is a screenshot of one of my posts from my workwear Instagram account @dlworkwear, I have 1500 followers on that account. The post reached more audience because of the hashtags.
Note- Do not copy paste hashtags from others. Use hashtags that are relevant to YOUR post.
2. Focus on Other Platforms:
This is not an Instagram tip but a reminder to not put all your eggs in one basket.
I highly recommend having a blog. They are permanent (as long as you host it) and you reach more people compared to Instagram. Create YouTube videos, use Facebook and Pinterest to drive more traffic to your website. Honestly, I get more pageviews from FB and Pinterest compared to Instagram.
This is the number of sessions on my website for the last 20 days by social media channels. You can clearly see, most traffic comes from Facebook and Pinterest. The Twitter shows 1 because I don’t have a Twitter account yet.
3. Change your Strategy:
It’s time to revisit your purpose. What made you create an Instagram account in the first place? When you have an answer, write down all the ways you can showcase those differently. Ex- you can create more how to style one piece in multiple ways type posts, or go live and do a q&a, or make an IGTV video on your holy grail everyday skincare routine or do a giveaway. These are not new ideas but they might be new for your account and your audience most likely are waiting for you to do those.
This is the first-ever makeup video I created. I was surprised by the response I received. I knew my readers will like video content especially when it comes to makeup & beauty, people like to refer to the final look. I did a makeup blog post last year but this less than 2 mins video was a huge hit compared to the blog post.
I shot the video in the bathroom with my iPhone, by placing it over 2 cardboard boxes on top of the sink. Clearly, I need to up my video skills but you have to start somewhere. And with every post, you must grow.
4. Create Posts that are Save Worthy
Do you know likes, comments, saves and views all count as Instagram engagement? Some actions carry more weight than others. Here is a breakdown of Instagram Engagement actions-
- On single photographs: saves are the strongest, followed by comments and lastly likes.
- When uploading multiple photos: saves are strongest, followed by comments, swipes, and lastly likes.
- For video content: saves are strongest, then comments, and finally views.
If you haven’t heard already, Instagram is getting rid of likes, it’s already been implemented in a few countries like Canada. So what do you think the next big thing will be? it’s SAVES.
What kind of posts do you save on Instagram? Informative, home decor, travel, tips, and tricks, hacks, videos, etc. In short, Instagram is expecting you treat the platform as a one stop destination for your reader where they can learn, get entertained and also shop. Get on the bandwagon on creating content that is informational and SAVE worthy.
5. It’s all about the Stories
Instagram stories are the most powerful feature on Instagram because real life is always more attractive than edited videos or pictures. Stories have the ability to solve one of the main algorithm related issues i.e low engagement. Users aren’t engaging with your posts its because they haven’t seen them. However, they are still very likely to see your ‘stories’. It’s also the best way to give your followers the chance to feel more connected.
If you are comfortable getting personal on stories or sharing every bit of your day, then DO IT. But If you are someone who is not, like me then spend some time every day to create story content. Share your favorites like your current reads or podcasts or your favorite quick recipes or health hacks or how your to stay motivated and productive, etc. It’s also a way to share about yourself without getting too personal.
Plus, with the Story’s “Swipe Up” feature, you can link your post right inside of Instagram and people can read your post right from the app.
6. Post Consistently:
Consistency is key to achieving anything. Try to post regularly, that way your readers will visit your profile when they don’t see your post on their feed because they know that you post everyday.
Last but not least HAVE FUN, you share content because it gives you joy. If you are not feeling that, then it’s time you find out what makes you happy. Take a break if needed, revisit your priorities. Do it out of passion, but not for popularity or money. Because you can’t be consistent if you don’t like what you are doing.
Feeling effortlessly elegant in this pleated dress from Ivy City Co. It’s perfect for any classy summer events or as a bridesmaid dress. It runs small, I sized up one size to medium. I added a pearl headband to double the chic factor and finished off with accessories matching the band.
Use code “dreamingloud” for 10% off of your Ivy City Co. purchase.
Shop my Summer Look:
Dress c/o Ivy City Co. (wearing size medium, sized up one size; use code “dreamingloud” for 10% off) | Earrings (last seen here; under $15)| Heels (similar polka heel here) | Headband (also like this and this)| Handbag
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