Keeping up with social media algorithms is key for businesses that want to embrace the power of social selling and networking online. Luckily for users, the biggest social platforms often share exactly how they’re changing their algorithms, which is a golden opportunity to streamline your content strategy.
That’s why in this article we wanted to highlight some of the most recent social media algorithm updates, and how your business can evolve to meet the ever-changing world of social media.
With over 2.38 billion people logging into Facebook every month, it’s a safe bet that your customers are ready and waiting for your content.
But it’s important you understand how the most recent Facebook algorithm updates will impact your content strategy.
In the past, companies may have focused on click-bait content (catchy headlines to make people click their links), Facebook is now prioritising engagement and organic conversation over reach, views and impressions.
This year, the overall trend that we’re seeing is that Facebook places content that creates interactions between friends and family above news or click-bait advertising.
However, if the update asks readers for a Like, Comment or Share, then it’s going to get downgraded when compared to other content.
Key statistics you might find interesting:
- 47 billion people log in each day
- 66% of monthly Facebook users use the platform daily
- Facebook is the top platform for both B2B and B2C businesses
- 2% of Facebook Pages are using paid media
- Mobile-optimised Facebook video lifts brand awareness to 67%
- 1 billion Facebook users speak English, followed by Spanish (310 million), Indonesian (170 million), and Arabic and Portuguese (150 million each)
For the 330 million monthly Twitter users, the recent changes may have come as a bit of surprise. Users can now choose to see their feed as either Latest Tweets, or Top Tweets. However, the Twitter algorithm updates didn’t stop there.
The updates are quite similar to those of Facebook, which means that engagement is key.
Likes, replies and retweets weigh heavily in the new algorithm update, but native content (such as asking a question, without linking to another source) is essential.
It’s also important that your Twitter account is consistently posting. When establishing a social media strategy, be realistic about how often you can post.
We’ve said it before, but sporadic posting isn’t great. Even if it’s just once a day, a consistent, useful stream of content that gets engagement means your content will be seen by more users.
Key statistics that you might find interesting:
- 500 million Tweets are sent each day
- 330 million people use Twitter every month
- 80% of Twitter users are affluent millennials
- People are 31% more likely to recall what they saw on Twitter
- Twitter ads are 11% more effective than TV ads during live events
With the Instagram algorithm update, the content category that a user interacts with most will be shown above all other content.
For example, if you interact with memes or inspirational quotes, then these will appear above other updates.
Since Facebook owns Instagram, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this algorithm update is similar. For example, if a link or piece of content is shared directly between user inboxes, then it’s more likely to be seen by other users in their feeds.
This is because it’s sparked conversation, it’s instantly shareable and it’s something that the users are going to be interested in interacting with.
Key statistics you might find interesting:
- 1 billion people use Instagram every month
- 71% of Instagram users across the world are aged under 35
- Users “like” 4.2 billion posts per day
- There has been an 80% increase, year by year, of Instagram videos
- 60% of users seek out and discover new products on Instagram
- 75% of users take action (such as visiting a website) after seeing a brand’s post
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the LinkedIn algorithm update also features…that’s right; you guessed it, native content and active engagement. However, the LinkedIn algorithm is unique in that it’s the only one that actually has a person involved.
If part of a story or another post that you’ve updated is doing really well within your own network, then the LinkedIn employee will look at it, and if it’s quality content, they’ll open it up to even more users.
So what this means is if you can create native content (such as a video, series of images or a LinkedIn Pulse article) that answers a common question, or sparks conversation, it’s more likely to reach a wider audience.
Key statistics you might find interesting:
- 45% of LinkedIn users are upper management (Directors, Managing Directors etc)
- 57% of LinkedIn use is on mobile
- 2 million posts, articles and videos are published on LinkedIn every day
- Posts with images get twice as many comments
- Video posts are 5 times more likely to get comments
- 80% of B2B social media leads are generated from LinkedIn
Further reading
For more information on social platforms, how to nail your content strategy and how to make the most of your time online, take a look at the articles we’ve written below.
- 2019 social media platform updates
- Apps we use to increase productivity and save time
- LinkedIn company pages are finally more interactive
From what you’ve read, what do you think the common factor is? That’s right, it’s social engagement and native content.
If you can make sure your social media posts are encouraging interactions, provide value and aren’t focusing on just selling your own products, then you’re in for a win.
Remember, if you’d like to find out more about social media algorithms, then come and speak to us. Our Managing Director, David Harris, regularly hosts social media training workshops throughout the year that are filled with insights, practical advice and ideas for your social media efforts.
Alternatively, get in touch with us at the studio on 01489 232 312 to find out what platform is right for your business, and why investing time in social media is the right move for your company.
