Recently, posts have been circulating on Instagram about its new algorithm. The algorithm is constantly changing, so it is crucial for small business accounts to know the ins and outs of it. Different engagement actions have various levels of influence on growing exposure and following.
The most important way to engage with a small business account is to save their posts. Sending a direct message (DM) to either the account itself or sharing the post via DM with a friend comes second. Leaving a comment gives businesses motivation and boosts posts if many users are creating conversation underneath it. A like is the least influential way to support a small business since it costs nothing and requires minimal effort. Denise, a home décor blogger, displays this algorithm with a beautiful graphic from her account @farmhousebargainhunter. Click here to view the graphic.
You can create content through two other popular features, which are Instagram TV (IGTV) videos and Instagram Stories. Content creators can make longer video content through IGTV videos. Posting a preview to your feed will increase views and exposure to followers. Feature some of your products and talk about them or host a Q&A session about your small business. The possibilities are endless, and creativity should be the driving force behind these.
To take advantage of Instagram Stories, use location hashtags where your business is located. If you are located near large cities, be sure to tag them because tourists may look up these particular locations.
It is essential to provide a small description of your small business in your Instagram bio. You should also provide your contact information, including the link to your website to purchase products and a professional e-mail address. If other accounts want to collaborate with you, they will be able to easily get in contact with you this way. Try to make your feed aesthetic through the use of the same filter, a color scheme, or a pattern of what types of photos you post. First impressions of your page are everything to a new potential follower.
Another excellent way to collaborate with other small businesses and increase following is through giveaways. If you partner with another account, both of you can include a few products to give away to followers. This shows your loyalty to your supporters while spreading reach as well. Create giveaway rules that follow the Instagram algorithm, including tagging a friend in the comment section and sharing the post on Instagram stories. Both businesses will benefit from these types of collaborations since followers from one account can begin to follow the other and vice versa.
HCXO,
Rachel