In May 2016, Instagram changed its algorithm; meaning posts are no longer ranked in chronological order. Instead, Instagram will show you posts based on presumed interest. For this reason, engagement and consistency are more important than ever. In order to maintain visibility on your followers’ Instagram feeds, you’ll need to convince Instagram that your posts are interesting and valuable. Here are some tips that can help!

1. Post Unique, Quality Content

The best way to get people to care about your content is to make sure it’s unique and interesting. Be sure to post only high-quality photos, as successful Instagram photos are interesting and attractive. Try to find unique things to post about to avoid seeming too similar to other brands. Have an overall tone to your posts, but make sure your posts differ enough from one another to keep them interesting.

2. Encourage Engagement

Try to connect with your audience and get them to engage with your posts. Posts with high engagement are deemed more valuable to Instagram and are more likely to show up in people’s feeds. Post things that your followers care about and photos that are likely to start conversations. Use your caption to encourage people to comment on your post and share their opinions. Encouraging engagement is the best way to ensure the visibility of your brand on Instagram.

3. Be Consistent

One of the most important factors to maintain visibility with the Instagram algorithm is to post consistently. Instagram will not allow brands that do not post frequently to have good visibility. Be sure to post consistently in order to maintain your visibility. Most main brands post at least once per day to remain relevant. In order to maintain your visibility, it’s important to post frequently.

4. Use Hashtags

Using hashtags on your posts is a great way to achieve visibility and gain new followers. Hashtags will connect your post to similar ones, as well as connect your account to similar brands. Followers of similar accounts will be able to find you and follow your account as well, knowing your brad is of interest to them. When potential followers click on a hashtag that interests them, your post will show up, encouraging them to follow your account.

 5. Take Advantage of Trends

In order to encourage engagement and create interesting posts, you should take advantage of trends. Talk about current events and have a voice in the topics everyone is talking about. If there is a trending meme, consider putting your own spin on it if it’s appropriate. When you take advantage of current trends, your brand will appear relevant and interesting while encouraging engagement on your posts. These characteristics will help you gain visibility on Instagram.

6. Use Instagram’s Tools

Instagram has many different tools that can improve your visibility. Its editing tools can help you create a more interesting and attractive photo. Hashtags will help increase the exposure of your brand. Using Instagram stories will improve your visibility, as your brand will consistently show up on the top of followers’ screens. Finally, Instagram’s business tools provide useful analytics and can help you track engagement. All of these tools will help you create better posts that will help improve your brand’s visibility.

7. Use Influencers

Instagram influencers can be useful tools to help increase your brand’s visibility on Instagram A study by Nielson says that 92% of consumers trust individuals more than brands. For this reason, using individuals to promote your brand will create more trust around your brand while increasing exposure. However, you should not use too many influencers. Instead of using many different influencers, use the right ones that are relevant to your brand and that your target audience trusts.

8. Analyze Your Success

In order to create successful posts, you should learn from your successes and mistakes. Look back at your most and least successful posts. Figure out what you did that made certain posts successful in order to repeat these successes in the future. You should always try to repeat the tactics that made your posts successful in order to encourage future successful posts. When your posts receive high engagement, you’ll be more likely to achieve good visibility on Instagram.

ImageWorks, LLC | CT Social Media Marketing

Having trouble managing your social media? Wondering how to figure out proper posting techniques on your own? Don’t be afraid to call in the experts! Whether you are just getting started or have an engine in place that needs fine tuning, ImageWorks can help you join the Social Media wave to get yourself recognized and generate more business. Market yourself and your brand to the 100’s of millions of online interactive users.

We understand that social media can be overwhelming, and it's not always easy to change with each update or refresh. If you are looking to boost your social media marketing then you may want to take a step back and reevaluate the online presence you already have.