Lots of marketers try to work around the Instagram algorithm…then get mad when they don’t see the results that they want. Listen fam, they built that algorithm to make you successful! It’s there FOR you, so you can build your audience, your brand, and your profits. Instead of trying to cheat the system, here are 5 ways you can take advantage of the system that’s already there to get more likes, shares, and buys.
1. Get Into Reels!
Instagram loves high-quality Reels. The platform prioritizes users who create high-quality short-form videos in their algorithm. Your best bet is to consistently post Reels on the platform, which will increase your visibility and engagement.
For the sake of Instagram's Reels, some content creators have started posting static images as short video clips. The user experience is exactly the same as viewing a still image, but Instagram considers the post a video. Try adding video effects to static images or text posts to make your Reels more visually interesting.
Engage your audience by inviting them to take part in the content. When it comes to creating Q&A content, reels are a great option. You may also want to include a call to action in your Reels so that viewers can inquire about your brand or product further.
2. Hashtags are Still King!
One of the best ways to get your Instagram posts seen by more people is to include relevant hashtags in your captions. Hashtagify, RiteTag, and Iconosquare are excellent resources for discovering which popular hashtags might be best suited to your brand's social media strategy.
The idea that using more hashtags will increase your exposure is a common misunderstanding. Instagram posts can have up to 30 hashtags, but it's not always a good idea to use all of them. Depending on the size of your following, you'll want to use fewer or more hashtags. More doesn’t always equal better. Aim for the most accurate and most visible hashtags for your brand and your products to get the highest quality engagement.
3. Get Personal
Sure, likes and shares are great, but how about a real conversation with your follower and your customers? Because meaningful connections are so vital for success, brands today should go beyond simple likes or comments on their social media posts or stories and encourage deeper dialogue from their followers. This could mean talking about what your target audience wants to see from your brand in the future, behind the scenes insights, staff highlights, or company stances on important social issues.
Taking a stand on issues that are important to your audience can also mean doing some research and finding out what those issues are. More than half of consumers between the ages of 16 and 34 believe that social media influencers should use their platforms to discuss current events and activism. If your brand and your influencers care deeply about a cause, it's likely that your audience will feel the same way.
4. Brand Team-Ups!
Two heads are better than one, and two brads teaming up can amplify each other’s successes. Partner with brands that complement your product if you're already working with creators to generate content. Gaming chair manufacturers could benefit from partnering with a computer monitor manufacturer, for example. A single post can reach both groups at the same time because their interests are likely to overlap. In addition, Instagram favors posts that make the most of the new collaboration tool because it is still so new.
5. The Power of Stories
Nothing hits as hard as an emotional story, and the stories of your brand are how customers will feel connected to you and loyal to your products. This is especially true for younger buyers: they want to know the story of how your brand was created, how your products were inspired, how other people have been impacted, and every story in between. Use Reels or Lives and show (don’t just tell) how you source your ingredients or craft different products. Answer questions in real time, or post stories that reveal facts and tidbits about your brand. Now that Instagram allows product tagging in all formats, it's easier than ever for you to promote your products.
Conclusion
There are so many powerful tools at your disposal to rank higher in the Instagram algorithm that there’s no reason to try to work around the system that’s already there. Use these 5 steps to skyrocket your brand, and remember to have fun!
