Defining social media algorithms for small business owners.
Ever wonder why or how you see certain posts but not others when scrolling your feed on social media? Well, that is the magic (and often, the frustration) of a social media algorithm. At risk of oversimplifying; the algorithm is a system work behind-the-scenes that constantly makes thousands of tiny micro-decisions based on the way you use social media in order to decide what content shows up in your feed. Like the curator of your own personal gallery; the algorithm tailors what it shows you to what it thinks you might like best.
For a small business, understanding these algorithms is oftentimes a headache but absolutely crucial to seeing online success. The algorithm is never random because it is designed specifically to keep users engaged and scrolling. The posts you like, comment on and share are all tracked and this information is then used to prioritise what content the algorithm feeds you next.
Why does this matter? If you’re a small business trying to reach your audience through social media content, you need to play by the algorithm’s rules. This means creating content that is of high-quality, encourages interaction and is optimised for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). It’s about convincing the algorithm that your content is relevant to your target audience and is actually worth showing them.
Beating the algorithm ultimately comes down to working out what resonates with your particular audience and then adjusting your strategy accordingly. This can mean; experimenting with different styles and formats, tracking analytics, and learning from your success as well as your failures. If you can understand how the algorithm works then this will massively help you to reach more people, build your customer base, and drive more sales. It’s all about making your content visible in the crowded digital space.
Need help with your social media accounts? My name is Matt and I’m a virtual assistant, specialising in all things social media. My mission is to help small business owners grow their online presence through the use of social media and digital marketing strategies. Feel free to contact me for social media support or investigate my website to learn more about my social media services.