Oh, the dreaded Instagram. The petty girl inside me is annoyed that I’m even dedicating an entire post to Instagram, but at the end of the day, it’s a huge part of my business.
I definitely miss the days when Instagram did NOT have an algorithm, but I think everyone can agree with me on that. Even non-bloggers. Yes, it’s so freakin’ annoying and it’s so frustrating to not be able to fully understand the Instagram algorithm. But when it comes down to it, bloggers are going to continue to use Instagram. It’s part of our business, a very big part of it. So it’s very important for us bloggers to learn how to adapt to it.
Instagram
Algorithm: If you want engagement, you need to engage.
It’s as simple as that. The new algorithm is driven by engagement (I think). Brands are beginning to take engagement into consideration when looking for influencers for campaigns. For me, I’ve learned that if I want engagement on my posts, I need to take the time to engage with others. I typically spend a good hour in the morning engaging with those I follow and responding to any comments or DMs from the previous night. Since I work during the day, I’m just really liking photos, not truly engaging with what’s popping up on my feed. At night, that’s when I’m really engaging. On my way home from work, I’m commenting and liking what’s on my feed, as well as looking at the Explore page to see if there’s anyone I want to follow and engage with.
Instagram
Algorithm:
If you’re an influencer using Instagram, support other influencers.
We’re in the day and age where we just need to support each other. The Internet is a GIGANTIC place. There’s space for all of us. There’s enough brands and campaigns to go around. Find your niche, and do it best. But don’t forget about the other influencers in this space. Think about how much work you put into your content…and then think about how many influencers are doing the same thing. It’s not going to kill you to engage or follow an influencer who is bigger or smaller than you. It goes back the above portion, engaging with each other is so important.
Instagram
Algorithm:
If you’re not an influencer, please support influencers.
A lot of readers and followers aren’t bloggers or influencers, which is actually really cool. But I also know a lot of people who get fed up with some influencers. I really think it’s because there’s so much behind the scenes and sometimes a lack of transparency between those who blog and those who don’t. But when I tell you that influencers really need all the help they can get on Instagram, I mean it. We really do. Like someone’s photo. Tell them you like what they’re wearing and why. Answer the question they asked you in their caption. Respond to one of their Instagram Stories. If you like their content, just engage with them. Get to know them, and they’ll get to know you.
Instagram
Algorithm:
Don’t take it so seriously.
I touched upon this in my “stop giving a sh*t” post, but I wanted to elaborate. I’m not saying you shouldn’t completely stop caring about your Instagram. It’s obviously a big part of my business, and always a selling point for when I’m putting together a collaboration with a brand. But it in no way should be your main focus. I know it’s not mine. I’m really honing in on my blog, what I can bring to the table, and how can I improve. Instagram is not a place where I’m looking for “new” readers/followers. I’m looking for ways to engage with the content I’m putting out there with those who are already following me. Of course I want to grow, but it’s not my top priority. I’m just not going to put all of my effort and energy into something that is clearly going against the Instagram algorithm. Instead, I’m finding ways to work with the Instagram algorithm. Sure, it’s annoying as hell sometimes, but I know it’s an important thing to do in order to be successful on Instagram.
What happened when I started adapting to the Instagram algorithm.
I noticed a difference in how I thought. Since I was no longer solely focusing on numbers, I was noticing some other things were happening. I was engaging with people who’s content I wanted to see on my feed. I was building relationships with these followers, and I honestly love connecting with them through Instagram. It’s really cool not
actually
knowing someone, yet feeling like you do. All because of something you posted. Really cool.
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