Did you know: 20% of all internet users have an Instagram account?

Instagram is one of the most important social networks for small businesses as it is now a leader in the world of social networking. There are 400 million Instagram users, over 30 billion photo uploads to date and 85% of Fortune 500 businesses are focusing on Instagram as their main network.

There has been a lot of chatter about Instagram and their latest update and the feedback hasn’t been great. I think this is because people do not like change (especially with their favourite social network) but I’m here to tell you it’s not all bad, and SME’s need to understand Instagram’s new algorithm to really utilise Instagram for their business.

The new algorithm from Instagram has changed the way a newsfeed will show posts from a users community. Similar to Facebook, Instagram have adapted the non-chronological newsfeed order, meaning that you will be shown the posts first, based on what Instagram believes is most relevant to that user.

This change will be based on a linear order and will be measured by a number of social aspects and how relevant a piece of content is to a user.

SME’s need to understand Instagram’s new algorithm because the way you approach this network has to be based on ONLY what your consumers want to see. If they don’t show interest in what you are sharing on Instagram, they might not see your posts.

This is where hashtags play a huge part in your Instagram marketing. You need to be using tools like Tagboard and Iconosquare to really analyse which hashtags are working for your business, improving engagement and generating leads or sales. You also need to stay up to date with trending hashtags in your industry so you are always a part of the conversation.

Instagram now values two things; comments and likes. What are you doing, as a business to make sure you are utilising this, and doing everything you can to get to the top of your communities timeline.

Gone are the days of the “bad images” which are at the top of your newsfeed because it was a recent post. This doesn’t cut it anymore. You need to be using tools like Canva and Adobe Post to create Instagram visuals that are enticing and what your audience wants from you.

Something you also need to be aware of is Hashtag spamming. Whilst using hundreds of hashtags that aren’t relevant may increase your views, it will most definitely decrease your likes and comments, meaning your overall engagement score will fall dramatically.

How do you feel about Instagram’s new algorithm change, and what are you doing different to make sure your business is benefiting?