How To Beat The 2019 Instagram Algorithm And Use It To Grow Your Business
If you’re a business owner and you use Instagram to promote your brand, you may have heard about the new Instagram algorithm. Don’t be overwhelmed! Here are some quick tips on how to beat the 2019 Instagram algorithm and use it to grow your business.
If you’re a business owner who wants to use social media to grow your brand, you need to be using Instagram. With over 1 billion monthly active users, it has a business-to-consumer engagement rate 10x higher than Facebook, and 84x higher than Twitter, according to Forbes. But it can also be hard to know how to use Instagram the right way. Here are five simple steps on how to beat the 2019 Instagram algorithm and use it to grow your business.
1. Use SEO On Instagram
If you have a website for your business, you’ve probably heard the term “SEO”, or Search Engine Optimization. SEO is a tool that will help grow your business’s visibility in search engine results using keywords or phrases.
It’s important to understand that the key areas that affect your SEO on Instagram are your account handle and account name.
Your account handle is the “@” name you register with. When considering your handle, make sure it clearly reflects your brand and the product or service you offer.
Your account name appears on your profile, and it should match your business name as it appears elsewhere on the web. This is the account name that Instagram will check searches against, so the more specific your account name, the easier it will be for your potential customers to find you.
Side note: Instagram monitors your post content, and matches it against your handle and account name, and when these factors align it makes it more likely that Instagram will feature your account in the “Explore” section, significantly boosting your potential audience.
If you’re a small business owner who wants to use social media to grow your brand, you need to be using Instagram.
2. Know When To Post
A good practice to follow when posting content for your Instagram page is consistency. Posting once a day can increase your following by showing your audience that your business is active and current.
There are certain hours of the day that can be more effective for reaching a great audience but the best way to discover your followers’ Instagram habits is to make use of the Insights feature on your Instagram Business account. This will allow you to see when your followers are most active, and when you will get the most interaction on the material you post.
3. Focus on Strong Branding and Images
We’ve all stumbled onto an Instagram page that looks chaotic and overwhelming. Presenting your followers with images that are cohesive and attractive will not only increase your interaction, but when new users come across your page it will give them an incentive to stay. A great example of this principle in action is East Fork Pottery. By using quality photos with a similar color scheme and layout, they create a pleasing experience for a viewer. Even if you didn’t think you needed new clay bowls, you’re thinking about it now, aren’t you?
Many Instagram users have found using a design platform, such as Unum to be helpful in visual planning, and creating a page that looks clean and consistent. Creating a look that represents what your business can offer will help bring your target audience to you!
4. Make Use Of Stories And Live Video
Next time you have a big reveal for a new product or service, consider using Instagram Stories’ live video option. This will not only send all your followers a notification that you’re currently online and active, but will place you at the top of your followers Instagram feed. Try also using the features within Instagram stories, such as polls and “questions” stickers to keep your audience engaged.
5. Make Email Subscribers Out Of Your Followers
One of the best ways to grab a potential customer’s attention is a well-designed social media platform page. However, on these platforms you can only share a small amount of information at a time. In order to fully educate your potential customers on the benefits and uses of your product and service, it’s beneficial for them to be subscribed to your promotional emails. Make sure your business link is in your profile, easily accessible to potential subscribers. You can maximize the potential of your link by showing special offers and promotions that encourage followers to click through.
By following these five simple tips in 2019, you are well on your way to knowing how to beat the 2019 Instagram algorithm and use it to grow your business!