As Instagram grows, it’s become harder to keep up with all the photos and videos people share. The platform is so popular that it’s estimated that people miss 70 percent of their feeds.
So, to help users see more, an algorithm was implemented to display posts “based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post.” Now, like Facebook, Instagram is seeing a dip in organic reach since the introduction of the algorithm. Here are 5 ways to improve your organic reach on Instagram:
1. Post high-quality content
Quality interactions begin with quality content. Instagram’s ability to capture people, places and products has changed the way we look and interact with these visual experiences. Think about your subject and ask yourself “what makes this photo interesting to me,” these questions can help you improve your photography in general and help convey the emotions you want to show through it.
2. Post videos
It doesn’t look like video content is slowing down anytime soon. It’s estimated that more than 60% of marketers and small business owners said they planned to increase investment in video marketing in 2017. Video on Instagram is no different, as video watch time continues to increase. The platform also offers the number of views to better capture video engagement.
3. Use hashtags
Hashtags help Instagram users discover content and accounts to follow. With the right hashtags, you have a better chance of attracting new followers, getting more likes and increase engagement. According to Simply Measured, posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6 percent more engagement.
4. Cross-promote
This may be something you are doing already, but it’s important factor to help drive traffic to your Instagram page. Instagram is the perfect place to “share the love.” By tagging others and promoting other companies and products, you raise the recognition for everyone involved.
5. Invest in social ads
With advertising now available for Instagram, this presents a lucrative opportunity to reach a broad, targeted audience who are interested in your content as well as your products and services. Instagram advertising can be set up just like you would a Facebook ad and can be displayed on both platforms.
