HOW DO I BEAT THE ALGORITHM?
(from @theguywiththebook)
My answer to this is connected to the aforementioned. The way the algorithm is designed, and the simplest explanation, is it pushes the most popular content to the very top and smaller accounts are basically shadowed. It is no longer in chronological order, and the sad truth is that it probably will never be again. Chronological order is an afterthought in comparison to advertising dollars and popularity. The hard truth, you can’t beat it. There are far too many unique users on Instagram to do so. However, dry those tears because there are things you can do within the bookstagram community to make sure your friends see your beautiful pictures.
1}Posting daily, even twice a day. Some people post three to four times a day, but I DO NOT recommend that. It has to be the right balance.
2} Previously you needed an app to find out your best posting time which is determined by your time zone and the time zone of your followers. You don’t need to download any additional apps in your phone because you can check that within your Instagram insights now. My peak posting time is between 11am and 3pm. I know if I post between those times my engagement will be better.
3} Have giveaways (firstly because you want to give) and challenges. Challenges are not only fun, but using whatever the accompanying hashtag is will bring people to your page.
4} Speaking of hashtags, use them whether it’s one or the full thirty. Believe it or not, people actually do search hashtags pertaining to their interests. No doubt, they are unsightly but the work. Make sure you don’t use hashtags like #book or #read which will shadow ban your photos. These hashtags were used inappropriately by a naughty few, so they’re ruined them for everyone.