#1 You don’t understand the algorithm

Often spoken about as THE Algorithm, but the truth is there are multiple Instagram Algorithms throughout the App. Each Algorithm is slightly different but work on the same principle: to deliver the content to users who are most likely to engage and find value from your content. For example, the Feed Algorithm is different to the Reel Algorithm, and the IGTV Algorithm is different to the Explore Page Algorithm.

#2 You post too often

Yes, I know we always tell you to post more often, but don’t be spammy. We recommend posting 4 feed posts a week, 4 stories a day and 2 reels a week for the best engagement and results. Your audience wants to hear from you, but flooding them with information and content can have a negative impact and result in people hitting the unfollow button.

#3 You engage, like and follow too much

Just like the previous post, sometimes doing too much is, well, too much. You are restricted to 500 actions per day, which includes likes, follows, and comments. Breaching this will get your account restricted or blocked. We recommend having an engagement strategy and limiting your actions to 100 a day.

#4 You need to incorporate videos into your social media strategy

Videos can help you connect with your audience in a way an image never could. Not only that, but videos also have a longer shelf life than images, that is why you are still seeing videos on your feed from 2017. A study done by Adeile Studio shows that videos are shared 1200% more than text and images combined.

Tips on creating more videos on social media:

1. Reels – Reels are such a quick and easy way to incorporate more videos to your social media. It allows you present your products and services to a wider audience, increase following and sales.
2. Explainer videos – According to the University of California, the average person consumes about 34 gigabytes of data and information each day. Creating short 1 – 2-minute videos are great to help people better understand your business. Instead of having them read a long post about why your business is so great, show it in a short clip.
3. Going live – Facebook and Instagram Lives are a great way to build relationships and connect with your followers.
4. YouTube – Why read a manual when you can watch someone do it. YouTube is great for creating ‘How To’ videos.

#5 You need to schedule your posts for the right time

After analysing over 3.5 million posts, Later has discovered that the best time to post on Instagram in 2021 is in fact, at 06h00.

#6 Not creating the right content

Over the years, we have used different strategies and tactics to create the right content for our clients and have found the most successful strategy is creating user-generated content. This means, creating content your audience likes and wants to engage with. We recommend creating a detailed Buyers’ Persona to help you understand exactly what content your target audience is interested in.

#7 Not boosting the right posts or using ads

As organic reach declines, boosting posts and creating targeted ads can help you get more messages, views, followers, engagement, and sales. That is if you create the right ad and target the right audience. We recommend reading our article on How to Master Social Media Ads.

#8 Not having a plan

To do anything successfully, you need to have a thought-out strategic plan. A social media strategy is not one-size-fits-all. As mentioned in point #6, understanding your target audience is key to creating successful content and overall social media strategy. Should you need help creating a detailed social media strategy that will help you reach your business goals, get in touch today.