Stop Blaming the Algorithm. It’s your Systems that Need Work.
I’ve said it before. And if you’ve been on Instagram for any amount of time, you probably have said it too! The algorithm is out to get me!
I’ve got good news and bad news for you on that front. The Good News: the algorithm is not out to get you. The Bad News: the algorithm is not out to get you.
So, if it isn’t the algorithm’s fault, who/what is to blame? Ultimately, it’s your systems and the way you are using the app! Let’s not forget the algorithm is just a computer program. That program is reading what you do on the app and acting accordingly - while doing this for millions of others too.
So, however the algorithm is working, you’ve basically trained it to perform in that way.
If you are an active engaged member your posts are seen by more people. If you post at time when your followers aren’t on Instagram, your content isn’t seen. If you post and ghost, the algorithm doesn’t show your content to as many people because you appear to be an unengaged member.
Here are five systems to put in place in order to get the algorithm working for you:
ONE: Engage before and after posting. I say this often. But I repeat it because it is true. If you engage 15 minutes before a post and 15 minutes after a post, that post will have greater reach. Don’t post and ghost. This also means to avoid auto-posting.
TWO: Post when your followers have the greatest likelihood of seeing your content. If you post at 3am when all your followers are asleep, guess what that post isn’t going to get much traction. Post instead when you know your people are around and actively engaging on the app.
THREE: Set aside time daily to engage. Similar to #1, if you are going to show Instagram that you are a valuable member of the community, providing content worth seeing, you have to actually be a valuable member of the community. Set aside time every day to just get on and engage!
FOUR: Diversify your posts. The more you diversify your content the greater your chances of being seen by your followers and new eyes too. Some people spend almost all their time on the app looking at Stories. Some are addicted to Reels. If you are only posting to your permanent feed you are missing both of those people.
FIVE: Use your insights. Instagram provides these to you for a reason. They show you what kind of content your audience likes and what is falling flat. If you already have that info at the tips of your fingers, why not use it to create future content?
Quick bonus tip: Take a look at your explore page. What kind of content is posted there for you to consume? If it isn’t a mix of others in your industry and your ideal clients… you’re spending too much time on the app engaging in the wrong way. The explore page is literally the algorithm at work in your account. Every Explore page is different and it is all based on your personal preferences.
