How to Get Your Social Media Content Seen Despite the Ever-Changing Algorithms
Reading Time: ~3 Mins | Written By: Rachel Dill & Mackenzie Bergman
Your Guide to Thriving in the Dynamic World of Social Media
In the world of social media today, staying visible requires more than just posting content; it demands a strategic playbook tailored to the shifting algorithms of each platform. While algorithms may seem complex, they are essentially designed to enhance user experience by prioritizing content that is relevant, engaging, and tailored to individual interests. Here’s your comprehensive guide to not just surviving, but thriving in this dynamic world.
It’s All About Timing
In a world of fleeting attention spans, timing is everything. Social media algorithms often prioritize newer content, so it's crucial to post when your audience is most active. Dive into platform analytics to identify your audience's prime time. For instance, Instagram thrives in the mornings (7 am to 8 am) and evenings (5 pm to 7 pm), while LinkedIn is most active on weekdays at noon. Align your posting schedule with these peak times to ensure your content appears at the forefront of your followers' feeds.
Check out our blog post on How to Properly Use Instagram Analytics to get started, and explore our guide on 5 Social Media Metrics to Keep an Eye On to measure your social media impact effectively.
Engagements Pay Off
Engagement is king! Social media algorithms prioritize content that drives interaction, such as likes, comments, shares, and clicks. Posts with high engagement are more likely to be shown to a broader audience. Encourage engagement by including questions or CTAs in your posts. For example, ask, “What’s your favorite way to use our product?” or prompt, “Share your thoughts in the comments below.” Sparking conversations not only increases visibility but also builds a community around your brand.
Stories, Reels, and Instant Appeal
The rise of Stories and Reels signals a shift towards more engaging, short-form content. It’s not just about creating posts; it’s about crafting experiences. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, run polls, and deliver snackable videos to connect with your audience on a personal level. These formats encourage longer engagement and can be powerful tools for boosting your visibility.
Examples of engaging content ideas include:
Tailor Your Content
Algorithms analyze user behavior and content to determine relevance. They consider factors such as keywords, hashtags, user interests, and past interactions. To increase the likelihood of your content being seen, tailor your posts to resonate with your audience. For instance, LinkedIn caters to a professional crowd, while Instagram is visually oriented. Take inspiration from Spotify’s approach—using data to curate personalized playlists and recommendations tailored to individual user preferences.
Shareability is Key
Creating shareable content can significantly amplify your reach. Use infographics to simplify complex information, start viral challenges, or curate user-generated content. For example, Glossier’s strategy of encouraging customers to share their makeup routines has created a community-driven content approach, increasing brand visibility organically.
Prioritize Video Content
Videos capture attention and encourage longer engagement sessions, which many social media platforms prioritize. Invest in video content creation and promotion to take advantage of this preference. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram often provide additional reach and exposure for native video content, making it a key component of any successful social media strategy.
#HashtagMagic: Boost Your Discoverability
Hashtags act as the search engines of social media. Research and use relevant, trending hashtags to increase your content’s discoverability. For instance, if you’re sharing fitness content on Instagram, include popular fitness-related hashtags like #GymMotivation or #Workout. This not only categorizes your content but also extends its visibility to a broader audience.
Leverage Paid Advertising
While organic reach is essential, paid advertising can give your content an extra boost. Allocate a budget for targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Boost well-performing posts or run a targeted ad campaign to reach specific demographics. Check out our post on 3 Best Practices for Instagram Ad Optimization for useful insights.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Algorithms are constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial. Follow platforms’ updates and guidelines to adapt your strategy accordingly. For instance, YouTube’s Creator Insider shares valuable updates and tips to help creators navigate changes. Being proactive in understanding these shifts will keep your content relevant and visible.
Measure Your Performance
Understanding your content’s performance is essential for refining your strategy. Regularly track metrics such as reach, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions. This data-driven approach allows you to identify what resonates with your audience and allocate resources more effectively, ultimately enhancing your impact on the platform.
Conclusion: Navigating the World of Social Media Algorithms
Mastering social media algorithms requires a strategic and adaptable approach. Focus on creating engaging, relevant content, tailor your strategy to each platform, use hashtags wisely, leverage paid advertising, and stay informed about algorithm updates. Your content’s time to shine in the digital spotlight is now!
