*image via Create & Cultivate
With all the buzz surrounding Instagram’s new algorithm-based feed, what does this mean for you? You might have read about Instagram’s decision to begin testing an algorithm-based, personalized feed for users a few days ago. We chatted with ShopStyle’s in-house experts and our community of influencers to see what they think. We also want to get your take on it, too!
What will be changing: An algorithm will be implemented in the move to a non-chronological feed. Per IG’s CEO Kevin Systrom, “Your feed will soon be ordered to show the moments we believe you will care about the most.”
What this means for you: “On average, people miss about 70 percent of the posts in their Instagram feed…What this is about is making sure that the 30 percent you see is the best 30 percent possible.”
The way we look at it, the new Instagram algorithm is actually good for you! Surfacing your best content means your readers see your best posts. Follow these strategic tips to make sure your followers see your best posts.
- Reply to every comment. Our US community manager, Carlina Harris, says, “If you are not already doing this, now is a good time to start — replying to comments also builds camaraderie so you as a blogger should be doing that already!”
- Pose a thoughtful question. Our German community manager, Anna Winkler says, “Sometimes asking a simple question that relates to a post is good way to engage with your followers on Instagram without taking away the blog’s value.”
- Use hashtags. Instagram influencer Matt Krump says “An Instagram post without any hashtags is a missed opportunity.” He recommends using a max of 35 or less.
- Stay tuned in. “It’s important to stay relevant and in tune with what your fans already enjoy seeing from you. Stay tuned in to what they already love about your feed and continue to see engagement and stay at the top of their feed”, says our ShopStyle social media manager, Courtney Gilford.
- Stay positive. Want to beat that algorithm? Per ShopStyle Collective blogger Corrine Stokoe from Mint Arrow “ You’re not going to do it by complaining, wailing, weeping, or ranting. You’re going to do it by having a positive outlook and saying it so much out loud that you start to believe yourself.”
Big changes like these sometimes make us nervous, but when you continue to foster the relationships you’ve built with your real fans, these changes could be for the better. Do you have any tips you want to share on how you stay engaged with your audience? We are all ears!
xo,
Carlina
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