The Instagram algorithm is constantly changing and updating itself, and it’s not always easy to stay on top of it. And the key reason for this is that the Instagram algorithm is not a single specific algorithm; it’s a series of algorithms, so beating it can be tricky but not impossible. The best way to do it would be to optimise your content and strategy so that it checks all the boxes of the algorithm, making your content that much easier to notice.
In this article, we aim to talk about a couple of ways you can optimise your content to beat Instagram at its own game.
1.Posting at the right time
Timing, as they say, is everything, and it is relevant when it comes to posting on Instagram too. The million-dollar question is, when is the perfect time to post on Instagram to get your content to reach a wider audience?
According to research, it was found that most people catch up on Instagram content during midday work hours when they need a tiny break from starting their day; what’s better than scrolling through Instagram for a break? Our suggestion for the best time would be during mid days of the week, during 11- 12. This pattern tends to show change on weekends which needs to be included when you are scheduling posts.
2. Hashtags
Okay, people might make a Despite numerous jokes criticising the over usage of hashtags, we have all seen the memes; they are an essential component of digital marketing and, when done right, can do wonders for your content. You may search for a hashtag to clear through the digital noise and find what you’re searching for, follow and interact with specific hashtags to keep updated on a current topic or trend; when you create your hashtags, it makes it easier for your audience to find you with ease.
Similar to keywords, hashtags aid in the discovery of your content on Instagram by search engines. When users search Instagram for different topics and hashtags, their rating will increase in proportion to how relevant you make them. Additionally, hashtags serve as a point of reference for algorithms that allow Instagram to categorise content and recommend comparable posts for upcoming uploads; the basic idea is relevant to the topics searched for in the sea of content.
3. Engagement
You probably already know this, but interaction or engagement with your content is super important. But getting organic engagement is not very easy. Since user engagement is one of the most critical metrics to the Instagram algorithm, it is essential to know how to optimise it. Engagement could mean many things, be it likes, comments, shares, followers etc. Here are some ways to increase engagement
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- Video Content: Instagram has already made it clear that it is moving away from being just a photo-sharing platform and promoting video content which means Instagram reels and videos are at the forefront. Therefore making video content gives you that push you need for engagement.
- Carousel Posts: Research has shown that multiple picture posts or carousel posts perform better than single posts. It could possibly be because the chances of liking a post increase when the client or the followers swipes to see the continuation post. If you are new to carousal, we suggest posting once a week and building up.
- UGC: Constantly creating original content is a hassle and, quite honestly, a challenging process. That’s where user-generated content comes to the rescue; it could be reposting, putting up the content as stories etc. Not only does it help you with the Instagram algorithm, but it also helps you form a connection with your followers.
4. Reels
Instagram reels are here to stay. They have proved and evolved and have built quite a big following. Even though in the earlier day, it faced a lot of backlash from being termed a copycat of TikTok, it has made a place for itself. And with Instagram being more of a video-oriented platform, it has gained more importance. Our recommendation would be to jump on Instagram reel trends as fast as possible; this would help you get more visibility and result in higher engagement.
5. Instagram Insights
Instagram insights are an absolute game changer regarding Instagram business accounts. They help you find out more about your account’s performance and follower count, the accounts reached, etc. You may also see information about how your audience interacted with particular posts, Stories, reels, and Live videos. If applicable, insights and stats about your account also include paid activities like how well your sponsored content is doing.
A thorough understanding of Instagram insights may boost discoverability. For instance, it is simpler to publish pertinent content once you are aware of the types of content that work well and the preferences of your target audience.
Additionally, insights assist you in monitoring your Instagram advertising and aid in conversions.
