5 Tips To Stay On Top Of Social Media Algorithms
- Brainz Magazine
- Dec 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Bianca is your go-to expert in Social Media and Mailchimp. Leading the team at B Thriven, she's all about creating custom solutions for SMEs worldwide. Since kicking off B Thriven in 2019, she's been on a mission to help businesses tackle those tricky marketing challenges.
Social media algorithms might feel more complex than they actually are, but they simply evolve to shape how your content is seen. By prioritising engagement, relevance, and timing, these algorithms determine which posts gain visibility. Understanding how to work with them is key to ensuring your content reaches and resonates with your audience. Here are five tips to keep your content in the spotlight and maximise its impact.
1. Create consistent, high-quality content
Algorithms favor consistent posting schedules. By publishing content regularly, you signal reliability to both your audience and the algorithm, increasing the likelihood of your posts being shown. However, consistency alone isn’t enough; quality is equally critical. Your content should be informative, relevant, and appealing to your audience. High-quality posts with clear visuals, concise messaging, and actionable insights resonate with followers, encouraging more engagement and ultimately boosting your visibility. Regularly posting high-quality content keeps your brand top-of-mind for your audience and drives organic reach.
2. Encourage engagement with calls-to-action (CTAs)
Engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares, play a major role in social media algorithms. Posts with higher engagement rates are more likely to be promoted within social media feeds. Using strong, clear CTAs can encourage your audience to interact. Instead of ending your posts with questions, consider experimenting with alternative CTAs like “Share if this resonates” or “Tag someone who needs to see this.” These small shifts can increase engagement without feeling forced, making the algorithm work in your favor by showing your content to a wider audience.
3. Utilise platform-specific features
Each social media platform regularly releases new features to enhance user experience. For example, video formats like Stories, Reels, and live streams are prioritised across platforms such as Instagram and Facebook because they encourage more real-time engagement. By incorporating these features into your strategy, you demonstrate adaptability to the platform’s priorities, which the algorithm rewards. Embracing these tools not only boosts your reach but also enhances the user experience, helping your brand stand out in a crowded space.
4. Leverage data for optimal posting times
Timing is essential in social media. Algorithms consider when a post was made, and content that garners quick engagement will typically be pushed further. Use analytics tools to identify when your audience is most active on each platform. By posting during these peak times, you maximise your chances of getting immediate engagement, which in turn increases your visibility. Many social media platforms provide insights directly, or you can use third-party tools for more detailed data. Tailoring your schedule based on this information aligns your content with audience behavior, making it more likely to appear in feeds.
5. Prioritise authentic connections
Authenticity is a powerful tool in the age of algorithms. The more genuine your interactions are, the more likely your followers are to engage and respond. This authenticity fosters loyalty and can lead to organic sharing, which helps the algorithm recognise your content as valuable. Rather than focusing solely on promotional content, consider sharing behind-the-scenes moments, client testimonials, or user-generated content. By connecting with your audience on a personal level, you enhance engagement rates, which the algorithm will interpret favorably.
Staying ahead of algorithm changes
Social media algorithms may be complex, but staying ahead of them doesn’t have to be. By combining quality content, consistent engagement, smart timing, and an authentic approach, you create a strategy that works harmoniously with algorithm updates. Implement these five tips to ensure your content remains visible and helps your business thrive in a dynamic social media environment.
Adapting to algorithm changes doesn’t require a complete overhaul but rather a thoughtful approach that aligns with both the platform’s priorities and your audience’s needs. Stay flexible, and your social media strategy will continue to deliver results.
Bianca Schwartpaul, Social Media and Mailchimp Expert
Bianca is your go-to expert in Social Media and Mailchimp. Leading the team at B Thriven, she's all about creating custom solutions for SMEs worldwide. Since kicking off B Thriven in 2019, she's been on a mission to help businesses tackle those tricky marketing challenges. She understands the hurdles companies face online and is all about offering smart, encouraging ways to get past them. Her team is super skilled at putting together personalised strategies in social media and email marketing, making sure each client doesn't just get by, but actually stands out in the crowded online world. With a big focus on putting clients first, she's always there, guiding businesses on their path to success.
