Social media can feel like a bit of a mystery for many business owners. You put your heart into a great post, and then—poof—it seems to vanish into thin air.
Meanwhile, other businesses are everywhere, getting tons of engagement without spending a cent on ads. What’s their secret?
It all comes down to understanding how social media algorithms work. Here’s the good news: It’s easier than you think. The first step is understanding what a social media algorithm is.
Social Media Algorithm & Organic Reach
Algorithms are like the brains behind social media platforms. Every time someone opens Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter), or Pinterest, these algorithms decide what posts to show them.
They do this by looking at things like:
- Engagement: Do people like, comment, or share your post quickly after it’s published? The more interaction, the better.
- Relevancy: Does your content fit what people are interested in? If yes, it’s more likely to show up in their feeds.
- Recency: How fresh is your content? Newer posts usually get priority.
On the other hand, organic reach is how many people see your social posts without you paying to promote it. Think of it like the old-fashioned word-of-mouth, but on a much bigger scale.
The more you understand and take advantage of social media algorithms, the better your chances at increasing your organic reach.
Now that you know the basics, here are some ways to harness them for some of the top platforms:
Facebook: Go for Conversation Starters
Facebook is all about getting people to interact in a meaningful way. The more comments, shares, and discussions your post sparks, the more Facebook shows it to others.
Therefore, go beyond just pushing your products—think of ways to get your audience chatting. For instance, a bookstore could post, “What’s the one book you’d recommend to everyone and why?”
This gets people talking, sharing their thoughts, and helps your post reach a wider audience.
Instagram: Mix Up Your Content
Instagram likes it when you mix things up! Think reels, stories, and carousels—throw it all into the mix to keep your content fresh.
Show a behind-the-scenes peek at your process, share a quick how-to video, or post a customer testimonial.
The more variety you have, the more your audience stays interested, and Instagram will keep pushing your posts to the top of their feeds.
TikTok: Keep it Short and Catchy
TikTok loves videos that are quick and keep people glued to the screen. The longer people watch—and rewatch—your video, the more TikTok’s algorithm will share it around.
Grab attention right from the start with a catchy hook, like a surprising tip or an eye-catching visual.
Jump on trending sounds or popular challenges to boost your chances of landing on the “For You” page, where millions of potential customers can discover you.
LinkedIn: Share What’s Useful
LinkedIn is all about starting conversations that matter. It’s less about racking up likes and more about getting people to dive in, comment, and share their thoughts.
Try posting things like industry insights, practical tips, or even personal stories from your business journey to make real connections. For example, if you run a small consulting firm, you might ask, “What’s been your biggest challenge managing a remote team, and how did you solve it?”
That kind of question gets people talking and builds a sense of community around shared experiences.
Pinterest: Think Visual and Use Keywords
Pinterest is like a visual playground where people come to find ideas and inspiration. Make sure your images stand out with vibrant colors, clear visuals, and catchy titles like “10 Cozy Living Room Ideas for Small Spaces” or “Quick and Delicious 30-Minute Dinners.”
Don’t forget to sprinkle in some keywords that your audience might be typing in—this way, your content has a better shot at being found and shared. Call 619-337-8088 or send us a message to get the ball rolling – a member of the CMC Advertising team will be with you ASAP!
