PODCAST EP:22 “Oops! My IG Algorithm Mistake!”

Mastering the Instagram algorithm has always been a challenge, one that I thought I had a handle on. But even the best of us can find ourselves facing unexpected hurdles. We've all experienced it: diligently posting content, waiting for the engagement, and then... silence. It's a tough pill to swallow, especially when you're pouring your heart into your content. This journey inspired me to launch a course titled "Manhandling Your Marketing."

I want to share the genuine insights and experiences that led me to understand the algorithm better. Because, believe it or not, the algorithm isn't our enemy.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the algorithm should adapt to our behaviors. But that's not how it operates. Instead, we need to adapt our behaviors to work in harmony with the algorithm.

Here is where I royally fucked up my algorithm. 

I've been a hairstylist for 14 years, specializing in hand-tied hair extensions. My primary audience? Other hairstylists. I help them with marketing, branding, and even creating on-demand education. But I made a significant misstep a couple of months ago. On my professional Instagram account, I began following numerous course creators, marketing specialists, and social media experts. This seemingly innocent action shifted my algorithmic "bucket." Instead of being categorized with hairstylists, I was now lumped in with course creators and social media gurus. The result? My content wasn't reaching my target audience.

It was a wake-up call. My engagement plummeted, and I couldn’t figure out what the hell happened. Then it hit me. In my enthusiasm to learn and grow, I began following numerous course creators, marketing specialists, and Instagram experts. That's where I made my blunder. By doing so, I inadvertently placed myself in a different algorithmic bucket on Instagram. After some thorough investigation, I realized this shift in my content strategy had led to neglecting my core audience. 

So, what did I do? I unfollowed the course creators and social media experts from my professional account and followed them on my personal one instead. This separation allowed me to engage intentionally with my core audience on my professional account. And guess what? It worked! In just a month, I gained over 2,200 new followers, and my engagement soared.

The lesson here is clear: the algorithm is a tool, not an enemy. It's essential to understand how it works and adapt accordingly. Engage with intention, know your audience, and be consistent. And if you ever feel lost or overwhelmed, remember that you're not alone. Reach out, ask questions, and keep learning.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you ever want to chat or have questions, Dm me. I'm always here to help!

xo Ani