Instagram algorithm changes 2018 – Instagram algorithm changes October 2018 (must watch!!)

UPDATE: Even in the post-Covid market we are in now, this information is still relevant.  This was written years ago but still holds water.

Instagram algorithm changes October 2018 may have taken us all by surprise but they were announced early on in 2018.  Essentially what this did was reduce the reach of our Instagram posts to that of Facebook’s.  Instagram has had the edge because a business page could potentially reach all of its fans (or at least most of them) if valuable content was posted.   Now Facebook and Instagram are both at an all time low.  About 10% of your followers on each platform will actually see your posts.

In post-Covid times, this is actually down to closer to 1%!

Depending on how each user’s setting are, this could mean way less.  This could mean certain people will never see your posts unless they physically go to your page and seek them out.  People never do this.  I mean, not in real life anyway.  The people who do are specifically looking for your business anyway so what’s the point?

Now more than ever, great content is king.  To expand upon the 10% exposure you’re currently getting, your posts better be top notch.  Get a professional photo shoot done.  Shoot a lot of video.  Be very engaging on Instagram.  Answer every question.  Like every response.  Go live.  Do everything Instagram offers and then, maybe then, your reach will expand.  Quit hastagging!  If you are a national brand then no problem.  If you own a restaurant or 2 then there is no point.  Hashtagging could now categorize you as spam.  Then you’re really screwed.

Read more about why hashtags don’t work here.

Read more on how ineffective social media is in a tourist market here.