If you’ve noticed that your Instagram engagement has been in decline in 2019, but you’ve been pumping out the same great content as before, you may be experiencing negative effects from the latest Instagram algorithm update. In summary, Instagram doubled-down on it’s bid earlier in 2019 to value “close relationships” more (read: lots of consistent interaction) and brands a bit less.
As a result of the latest updates it’s estimated that only about 10% of your followers will see an organic post. So, what can you do to keep your Instagram feed accomplishing your goals?
1. Keep your eyes on the prize
If your goal is to sell t-shirts, then your business might rely on a lot of engagement on every post. Most Intesa clients, however, aren’t using Instagram as a direct or indirect sales platform. Our clients use Instagram as just one targeted touch-point in a multi-channel communications strategy.
If your posts aren’t getting as many likes as they used to but you’re still seeing likes by the accounts that are most important to you, then there’s no need to panic, some slight adjustments can boost engagement numbers.
2. Experiment with new hashtags
You’ve probably used the same hashtags for a while – spend a few minutes paying close attention to the hashtags other accounts in your industry use frequently or try some new ones out in the search bar. See what else is out there, and then add the new tags into your rotation.
3. Try new things
Are you making use of Instagram stories? Have you tried a poll, quiz, or chat? Make an effort to try one new feature every week and make note of the results. Using the features is likely to engage your audience and win you some points from the Instagram algorithm. After you’ve tried some new things, you’ll have an idea of what works best for your account, followers, and goals. Then you can update your strategy.
4. To get more engagement, you must become the engagement
The newest Instagram update places more value on accounts that users interact with frequently. So, if you want to get accounts to see your content, it helps to interact with other account’s content. If it sounds like Instagram is rigging the system to keep you active on their platform for longer each day, then you have made an astute observation. Keeping us scrolling helps them sell more ads.
Ready to try some new things? If you could use some help revamping your social media strategy, then get in touch with us!
Are you following us on Instagram? We post a lot of dogs, a lot of cake, and some relevant industry goings-on.
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