What comes to mind when you think of Social Media algorithms? "Gosh, those terms are confusing", "Who even has the time to post!?", "How am I supposed to get my posts seen by potential Customers?". Yep, we can read your mind.
And we're sure you know, Social Media is no small fry for Small Business Owners like you—it's a digital goldmine that connects you with billions (yes, with a B!) of potential Customers across the globe. But as Social Media has evolved, so too have the algorithms that determine what content users see. These algorithms can be confusing even to brilliant experts like us, so for many Small Business Owners juggling a million other things, it can seem impossible. That’s why we’re here to unlock all of their juicy secrets…
The Algorithm Explained
Navigating through Social Media algorithms can be tough, we get it. But we're about to make it your new best friend. Forget the headache of trying to decode complex mathematical formulas—because, honestly, who wants to crunch numbers when you could be growing your business?
The are several elements that influence how content is ranked:
- Engagement: Keep dishing out those quality posts, because when your content gets plenty of likes, comments, and shares, the algorithm will reward you by showing your posts to more people. Nobody ever said that Social Media wasn’t a popularity contest.
- Relevance: Make every post count. Algorithms are pretty smart; they analyse a user's past behaviour, such as the content they've engaged with and the accounts they follow, to determine what's most relevant to them. Stay observant and deliver content that ticks with your audience's interests.
- Content Type: Different types of content are weighted differently by Social Media algorithms. For example, video content tends to perform well because it keeps users on the platform longer (resulting in more advertising money for the platforms).
- Timing: Are your target audience early birds or night owls? Algorithms also consider when content is posted, so you need to post your content when your target audience is most active to increase its visibility. Find out when your audience is scrolling away and hit 'post' then. And if you value your beauty sleep, just hit schedule.
How to Make the Algorithm Work for You
Understanding Social Media algorithms is one thing, leveraging them to your advantage is another. Luckily, you’ve got your trusty experts here with some amazing strategies for Small Businesses like yours.
Here's how you can use your newfound knowledge of algorithms to your advantage:
- Craft Killer Content: Content is king (or queen). Period. Invest time in creating content that's not just good but 'can't-scroll-past-this' kind of great. Craft posts, images, and videos that are high quality and resonate with your audience.
- Be as Regular as Clockwork: Regular posting is essential in keeping your audience engaged and maintaining algorithmic favour. Keep a content calendar handy. It helps you stay on track and ensure those posts roll on and on.
- Engage Like There's No Tomorrow: Chat, like, reply, and just generally be there. Encourage discussions and interactions on your posts, not just to show off your amazing personality, but to boost your content to the top.
- Use Analytics: Most Social Media platforms provide analytics tools that can help you track your content and account performance. Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and use these insights to refine your content strategy to make it absolutely irresistible.
- Stay on the Pulse: Like everything in life, Social Media algorithms are not static, they evolve over time (like we all do in life). Make sure to stay informed about any changes so you can adapt your strategy accordingly.
Leveraging Social Media algorithms isn't rocket science (even though it might seem like it is)—it's just about being socially smart. Create valuable, engaging content, stay informed about algorithm changes, and then watch as the algorithms work in your favour. It's enough to skyrocket your business into a viral success!