Shop My Look
Sweater | Denim | Heels | Handbag
I think I found my absolute favorite sweater of the season! This sweater has the prettiest pearl embellishments on the shoulder, a choker neckline and is a really pretty cream color. It has an oversized fit, but is true to size (for reference I’m wearing size small). I paired it with my white distressed denim, yes I know it’s not Memorial Day yet, but who follows those rules anyway! These nude heels are another one of my newest obsessions, literally the perfect dupes for Christian Louboutin pumps. They’re so chic and classic, I know I will get a ton of wear out of these and they’re under $100 (also run true to size).
Ok you guys, let’s talk about the dreaded Instagram algorithm. If you’re on Instagram, then you should know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’re not, Instagram once again changed the way everyone’s pictures are showing up in your feed. As a blogger, this can make things really challenging because a lot of times your pictures aren’t being seen. There are a lot of rumors about how it works, but in reality, unless you work for Instagram, nobody really knows. Last April was the first algorithm change (everyone’s pictures used to show up in chronological order about a year ago). Everyone lost it and was trying to find ways to “beat” the algorithm; me included.
In reality what I have to come realize is, we shouldn’t be trying to beat the algorithm, but work with it. I learned this tip from Julie Soloman, the queen of growing your blog, brand etc. She really knows her stuff if you guys have been feeling a little lost. Her Instagram handle is @julssolomon for anybody who wants to check her out. She has a program called Pitch It Perfect that helps you build your brand and pitch to companies, which I just recently enrolled in and am currently using to help myself. Anyway, I was sitting in on one of her free masterclasses and she was talking about the algorithm and how we should learn to work with it. So that’s what I started doing. These are a few tips that I’ve been trying to up my engagement through the new algorithm.
1. Be Cautious When Using Comment Pods
This one is a little controversial. I’ve heard some big bloggers say they’re great and then others will tell you to steer clear and focus on organic engagement. If you aren’t familiar with what a comment pod is, it’s a group of bloggers who are in dm or telegram groups that like and comment on each others photos for support. These can be great to form new friendships and support one another, but the idea is to reciprocate on each others posts. Sometimes you would have people not doing the same and other times I’d catch myself commenting and engaging in my groups, but completely forgetting to do it on another posts outside of the groups. If you’re only engaging on the same people’s photos over and over again, you’ve formed yourself a little circle and aren’t reaching as many people as possible. So the point is comment pods can be great, if you also engage on other people’s photos as well. I’ve found I do better when I’m just engaging naturally. Find what works best for you!
2. Engage, Engage, Engage
This one is kind of attached with the last one, but engaging on others photos is what is going to get your post noticed. Clicking through on similar hashtags you use and engaging on these photos is a good way to get people in the same niche seeing your photos. The whole point of social media is to be social! The more I’ve engaged on Instagram, the more I’ve noticed mine go up. Plus it’s a great way to connect with and find new accounts.
3. Use Instagram Stories
They say this is the year of video. I have always thought that seeing something through video rather than just a photo was a great way to show your personality. It’s just like when you watch a show, after a whole season, you feel like you really know that person! So use your Instagram stories to be open and engage with your followers so they can get a really good feel for who you are and what you can offer them.
4. Keep It Real
There’s definitely no doubt that the new algorithm took a hit on everybody’s engagement, following, etc. But it’s so important to stay true and not fall into the trap of buying followers/likes. This is one thing I will never take part in! First, it always comes back to bite you in the butt, and second you’re deceiving all of your followers and brands. If a brand sees how great your following and engagement is, emails you to work together, and then sees no return, they’re going to see something is wrong. You don’t want to lose the trust of your followers, it’s definitely not a good look. There was an article that was just put out about bots on social media and how they’re working on shutting down all of the fake accounts, hopefully it’ll happen sooner than later. It’s lying, cheating and nothing good will come of it, so do yourself a favor and don’t ever buy either! If you go on Fohr Card you can sign up and if you’re clear of any fake engagement they will send you a certificate of authentic following.
5. Use The Poll To Figure Out What To Post
Having a blog/brand is only possible if you have a following. Sure you can write blog posts and post on your social, but isn’t the whole point to be reaching a certain crowd? I’ve been loving the poll feature on Instagram, I think it’s a great way to find out what your audience wants to see. It’s also a great way of engaging with them and learning more about who it is that is following you. Use this feature to figure out what kind of content they like and interests them. Keep your followers happy and interested!
These are just a few of the things I have been using to help try and grow my brand. I still have so much to learn and a lot of growing to do myself. What are some things you have found help you throughout the new algorithm? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
XoXo,
Danielle
