Stop Blaming the Instagram Algorithm

We need to stop using this excuse.

Seriously.

As an Instagram Marketing Specialist working with clients 1:1, hosting corporate workshops and public workshops as well as a free Facebook group dedicated to Instagram, the most common excuse I hear is…

“Ugh. The Instagram algorithm changed and XYZ on my account isn’t working. Grr”

The truth is, we all need to stop blaming airy fairy rumours backed with 0 evidence.

Because of most of the time? It’s our own fault that our Instagram results have dropped.

 

Yes, I just wrote that.

 

There’s something about human nature – we tend to overlook our shortcomings when we get busy and when we are relaxed, we start dropping the balls we are juggling in the air. That is when things start to change.

When it comes to Instagram, one thing I wish for in 2018 is for us all to stop blaming the algorithm for everything.

Instagram doesn’t hate you.

Instagram doesn’t want your business to fail.

Also, Instagram wants you to succeed, but you need to get to know the platform better.

You need to work on your relationship – get to know it, respect it, and work on your relationship with Instagram frequently to keep things fresh and fun.

According to Buffer, there are seven key factors that will affect your account and content within the algorithm.

 

1. Engagement: How popular the post is
2. Relevancy: The genres of content you are interested in and have interacted with
3. Relationships: The accounts you regularly interact with
4. Timeliness: How recent the posts are
5. Profile Searches: The accounts you check out often
6. Direct Shares: Whose posts you are sharing
7. Time Spent: The duration spent viewing a post

 

There are also certain behaviours that will cause Instagram to throw a little toddler tantrum with you – it’ll be mad at you, but it won’t tell you why.

Those behaviours are usually the reasons why people start struggling with Instagram, particularly in 2018.

At the moment I am working on formulating a complete checklist for business owners to go through when they are struggling on Instagram, but here are a few things to keep in mind.

These suggestions are based on my own findings from managing accounts, various research, working with clients, and group findings in my free Facebook group on what works and what doesn’t.

Tips

1. Change your Hashtags regularly – if it has been over three weeks, change them!
2. Be careful not to like, comment, or follow/unfollow too quickly. IG will think you’re a robot.
3. Don’t join comment pods or ‘engagement groups’ hosted within Instagram DM’s.
4. Don’t over-post (3+ daily) or under-post (less than 2 posts a week).

If you want the cheat sheet when it becomes available, make sure to be a part of my Facebook group to be notified.

I hope you found this article helpful, and the next time you think to blame the algorithm, I hope that you will check your behaviours first.