Happy Wednesday, ya’ll! This is an exciting week for me because I’m finally jetting off on my vacation to Cancun tomorrow! I’m seriously so excited and cannot wait to relax, lay by the beach and soak in the sun.
However, that’s not what today’s post is about. I’m sure all of us have heard about the controversial Instagram algorithm, and how it’s been a nightmare for influencers – and regular users, as well. I’ll be the first person to admit that it’s played a huge role in hampering my growth on the platform, and I feel like I’ve been so stagnant over the past year. Yet, I’ve noticed a few positives that have come out of the situation, and that’s what I’d like to focus on today. I was reading Allie’s thoughts about it from Pret-a-Provost, and it’s such a great read! Below are my thoughts on how to deal with the Instagram algorithm.
Blogging is Making a Comeback
I’m sure some of you have heard that “blogging is dead” and that “Instagram Influencers” are taking over. However, I completely disagree. With so many people struggling with the algorithm, a lot of us have begun putting even more energy into our website and the content we’re producing. It can be said one million times, but your blog is truly the only platform you own – so it’s not wise to put all of your eggs into one basket. While I try to keep up with Instagram (and don’t always succeed ha!), I’ve been placing most of my focus lately on driving traffic to my blog, because that ultimately is what matters most. Social media channels are just an enhancement and extension.
Genuinely Engage with Users
With that said, I do still spend quite a bit of time on Instagram. Before the algorithm, you could post a photo and just leave it there without having to do anything. Now, however, you’re forced to follow, comment and like content on other profiles, which has actually been great. I can’t even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to see the same bloggers over and over… and over again. Yet now that we have to interact and engage with new accounts, it makes it much more bearable. There’s so many amazing and thoughtful content creators out there that you’ll discover if you just look!
Let Go of the Pressure
I can only speak for myself, but I assume many other influencers have felt a lot less pressure to keep up. Since everyone seems to be suffering, many of us are posting what we want, when we want – and it wasn’t like that before. Previously, you had to track the best time of day to post and whether or not it would perform well. However, I’ve noticed that people are making a cognizant effort to be more authentic and “real” in their posting, without it all seeming so staged and precise.
What are your thoughts on how to deal with the Instagram algorithm?
Shop the post below:
Sweater: LOFT (sold out, similar) // Jeans: GAP // Boots: Saks Off Fifth
Oh, gosh. I’ve been so out of the loop on instagram algorithms, but I’m excited to not see the same profile over and over again too! I hear that it’s converting back to chronological timeline? *shrugs*. In any case, I wholeheartedly agree with you that blogs are the only safe haven because we have complete control over it.
http://www.rosegoldrhyme.com
Yes, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my feed now, which is good – but it’s still such a pain! And reading blogs is one of my favorite things to do!
Such an interesting blog post, I couldn’t agree more. As for your outfit, this striped top look amazing on you!
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
Thanks so much, Nina! And so happy you enjoyed the post!
Love your thoughts on this topic – I totally agree that we are able to learn on a deeper level about the people we follow. Have fun on your trip!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
So happy you liked the post, Jenny! It’s definitely been one of the better things to come out of the situation. And my trip was wonderful!
Such a good point about genuine engagement! Love that sweater!
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
Thanks a lot, Leah! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Great tips dear. And I couldn’t agree more, especially on genuine engagement with other users. Indeed, that’s is truly the essence of social media.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
So glad you think so, Jess! And I’m with you… I think social media definitely strayed from that, but I’m happy it’s engaging with others is making a comeback!
The algorithm definitely prompted us to put more effort into our blog. After becoming so frustrated and overwhelmed with trying to keep up, we just decided to take a step back from IG and focus on the blog. That in itself wound up making a huge difference in our blog traffic. Now, we focus less on posting at certain times of day & just go with the flow. It’s still irritating to see posts from 5+ days ago but we’re rolling with the punches lol.
-xo Maya
http://www.classiccitychic.com
Yes, yes and yes!! It’s honestly felt better taking a “break” from Instagram, and putting all of that energy back into my blog! And couldn’t agree more – I’ve felt so much less pressure on the what time/hour to post, and have been just doing it when I want. I’m still holding onto a bit of hope that they’ll do something chronological-esque because I’ve seen 11-day old posts before!!
I feel you Lauren! I also think that the Instagram Algorithm has messed with my Insta growth, but I have really enjoyed engaging with other bloggers so much more now! Great post! <3
Thanks so much, Daisi! I completely agree – the good thing is that we’re meeting new bloggers and learning more about ones we’ve already followed!