Don’t Get Lost in the Instagram Panic: 3 Tips for a Killer Feed

Instagram recently announced some big algorithm changes that are causing a great deal of panic. According totheir blog, rather than displaying in the familiar reverse-chronological order, Instagram will now be organizing users' feeds "to show the moments [they] believe [users] will care about the most."

The new algorithm update was expected to be released to all users on March 29th, causing Instagram users to flood their feeds with "Turn on Notifications" posts. In response, Instagram has reassured the public that they're still in the testing process and this new algorithm update will only be released to a small audience for now.

So, the question is, when Instagram does release this update to the general public, what will it do to your feed? Here are three tips to make sure your followers will keep seeing your content.

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1. Post Engaging Pictures

Images are the foundation of your Instagram content strategy. Think about your audience — who you want to reach. Do you work mostly with millennials or first-time homebuyers? How about retired military personnel? Different groups will be drawn to different images.

Remember to have fun with your pictures! What's your favorite coffee shop? Did you see a great play in your local theater? Does you dog have a favorite park? Snap some photos and start sharing! When it comes to this new algorithm update, the more your audience engages with your pictures, the more likely they'll display at the top of your followers' feeds.

2. Use #Hashtags

Using hashtags is one of the best ways to make sure your content reaches a wider audience. Hashtags make your posts searchable both in the app and online, bringing more eyes to your top-notch pictures. Without hashtags, only your followers will see your content.

If you want to maximize the reach of your posts, research the industry-related terms that users are searching for the most. For example instead of saying:

Just listed: beautiful home for sale in Miami, FL. New hardwood floors, open kitchen, and smart home technology! Listed at $449,995.

You could say:

#JustListed: beautiful home #forsale in #Miami, FL. New hardwood floors, open kitchen, and #smarthome technology! Listed at $449,995! #realestate #renovation #southfloridalife

Again, the goal is to maximize the number of people who will see your pictures so you can turn those looks into likes, and likes into followers.

The same goes for your Instagram followers. If someone leaves a comment on one of your posts, respond to their comment, tagging them with an @mention. If they ask a question, try to answer it within the hour. When you reach 100, 500, 1000 followers (or more!), create special posts thanking them for following you.

Remember, more engagement means a higher status in your followers' feeds. Make them feel appreciated so they'll want to stay in touch and keep seeing your pictures.

Instagram can be a powerful tool for your marketing strategy and a great way to connect with potential buyers. If you ever need help, check out Homes.com Social to help you engage with homebuyers and sellers and drive more leads.

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.