Anyone familiar with the marketing world has heard of “social media algorithms.” They’re also consistently trying to beat it.
Do you struggle to keep up with the ever-changing social media algorithms? Do they get in the way of your advertising and social media marketing endeavors? If so, this guide is for you.
Below, you’ll learn more about social media algorithms — and how you can make them work for your business.
What Are Social Media Algorithms?
Social media algorithms are rules that automatically rank content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Because of algorithms, everyone has a different social media experience. Content is curated for them based on their past behavior and how likely they are to engage with certain types of content.
How Do Algorithms Work?
Social media algorithms are based on machine learning and factors known as ranking signals. These signals assign value to individual pieces of content based on the particular user and their behaviors and preferences.
How to Make Social Media Algorithms Work for Your Business
It’s easy to get frustrated with social media algorithms and blame them for people not interacting with your content. In reality, though, you can use them to your advantage to improve your digital media advertising strategy.
Here are seven specific techniques you can incorporate into your social media management to improve your results:
1. Consistently Create Quality Content
Social media algorithms rank content based on content quality and the consistency with which you post. If you sporadically post low-quality content on your social media profiles, people aren’t going to “like” it, comment on it, or share it with their followers.
How does “quality” content look? It depends on the platform.
If you’re posting on Instagram or TikTok, for example, high-resolution videos and images are essential. If you’re writing a Facebook post, you’ll need to draft a message that catches people’s attention and encourages them to stop and read.
2. Avoid Clickbait
Years ago, in the early days of social media, businesses could get away with posting “clickbait” content and tricking people into engaging with their posts.
Social media users are savvier than they used to be, and they don’t appreciate clickbait. Social media algorithms don’t enjoy it, either.
You might notice an initial bump in social media engagement if you’re using irrelevant hashtags or inaccurate headlines. In the long term, though, these tactics can actually hurt your ranking and lead to fewer people seeing your content.
3. Keep Up with the Latest Trends
When it comes to social media, it pays to be a follower. Pay attention to the latest trends and look for ways to incorporate them into your content.
Do many people use a specific meme format or include a particular song in their reels? If so, you might want to join them to get your content in front of more people.
4. Encourage Engagement
The more engagement your social media posts receive, the better your ranking will be.
If you aren’t getting a lot of likes and comments on your posts, you may need to be a bit more direct about asking for engagement.
For example, add a call-to-action at the end of your caption, asking people to answer a question or tell you something specific in the comments section.
5. Encourage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is content about your brand created and shared by your customers or followers.
Let’s say someone buys your product, takes a picture of themselves with it, and then tags your company in it. That’s an example of user-generated content.
People who create user-generated content spread the word about your business and get more people interested. If you share that content on your own platforms, that’s an excellent way to thank people for their UGC and encourage more people to follow suit.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Experimentation is essential in social media marketing.
Play around with different types of content, from static photos to interview-style videos to silly TikTok dances. The more you experiment, the easier it is to find your footing and get to know what your audience likes.
7. Monitor Post Metrics
Finally, pay attention to your social media post metrics. Take note of how different types of posts perform.
For example, do many people engage with videos compared to infographics? Does your audience like behind-the-scenes videos more than formal, staged ones?
It’s great to experiment. However, if you don’t also watch the metrics after experimenting with unique content, you’ll struggle to know what kind of posts to share more often.
Bonus Tip: Work with a Social Media Agency
You can do a lot on your own to start working with the algorithm. If you’re having a hard time seeing results, though, you may want to consider partnering with a SMM agency.
These companies offer SMM services like organic social media and paid advertising to help you reach your target audience and gain more visibility online.
What to Look for in a Social Media Agency
You might not know what to look for if you’ve never worked with a social media agency. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when investing in advertising company ads:
- Services: Do they offer services that match your needs?
- Experience: How long have they been in business? Have they worked with companies like yours before?
- Rates: What do they charge for their services?
- Reviews: What do past clients have to say about their work? Would they hire them again?
Look at the agency’s portfolio, too, so you can get a sense of their work quality and decide if their style aligns with yours.
Master Social Media Advertising Today
Social media networking marketing doesn’t have to be stressful and frustrating just because of the platform’s algorithms.
If you follow the guidelines discussed above, you can make the algorithms work for your company and enhance your business’s internet advertising and marketing plan.
Do you need additional help with organic or paid social media ads? If so, our team at Socialistics can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a call.
