Algorithms are an essential part of the online experience. When major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google announce an algorithm update, it has the potential to completely disrupt the way in which social media users and website owners use the platforms. For those who want to stay ahead in the game, keeping a close eye on these algorithm updates and taking the necessary steps to adjust their strategy is crucial.
In order to prepare for these updates, it’s important to understand what they are and why they are relevant. An algorithm, in the context of social media and search engines, is a sequence of rules and conditions that are used to determine what content will be shown and in what order. For example, the Facebook algorithm arranges its news feed content based on factors such as the account holders’ engagement with the content, the account holders’ friends’ engagement with the content, and the time the content was posted. An update to this algorithm could mean changes to the way in which content is arranged and shown.
Why Algorithm Updates are Relevant
Algorithm updates are relevant because they have the potential to drastically change the way in which content is perceived on these platforms. Without sticking to the rules in place for each algorithm, it’s possible that content could become lost in algorithmic preferences, and as a consequence, engagements and growth all of a sudden drop.
Marketers who are unable to keep up with algorithm changes and adjust their strategies accordingly can find themselves in a position where their job performance is compromised as they struggle to make their content compete. This can have a knock-on effect, as managers then have to deal with performance issues which can have an impact on the overall departmental efficiency.
What to Expect When Major Platforms Announce an Update
When major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Google announce an algorithm update, it’s important to be fully informed of what will be changing. Each platform should offer its user base a detailed breakdown of the updates before they are put into place. This preparation will help those who have content on the platform to make the necessary changes to ensure that their content continues to perform as well as it did before the update.
It’s also important to remember that an algorithm update doesn’t only relate to the updating of a sequence of rules and conditions. It can also mean that additional paid features are launched, for example additional tracking features, which can help marketers to make informed decisions about the content they are posting and how it is performing.
Adapting a Strategy to Suit Algorithm Changes
After changes to an algorithm have been fully understood, it’s time to develop a strategy to mitigate the impact of the updates. It’s worth taking note of the behaviour of the accounts you follow and the content you’ve posted. Look for any patterns or trends in the performance and engagement with content. With this information to hand it’s possible to make educated decisions about how to proceed.
It could be the case that content that has been previously well-performing needs some changes to ensure that it continues to perform. Practicing good search optimization techniques that are already recommended, such as ensuring that keywords and hashtags relevant to your niche are used in content, can help to ensure that the algorithmic changes won’t have a negative impact on the content’s performance.
Staying in the Know
Staying on top of algorithm changes and other industry-leading developments is crucial for any modern marketer. Among the steps that marketers can take to ensure they are always in the know include signing up for newsletters, taking part in online forums and attending digital marketing events. These activities are a great way to stay up-to-date with updates as they occur, and learn about the tactics which will help to adapt to upcoming algorithm changes.
Overall, algorithm updates can have a massive impact on the performance of digital marketing strategies. In order to be prepared fo