It’s been a few months now with Instagram’s new algorithm change. A change that was not welcome by most of the community. Now, change is inevitable and we must learn to cope, adapt and move on from it but to be honest I’m having a hard time and I thought it was time to express why.
When I first signed up to Instagram some five or six years ago, the platform was run on a simple concept. A stream of images posted consecutively by accounts users followed because 1. They knew the person…personally or 2. They were inspired by the account, the posts made them laugh, the dog’s account was cute etc. (you get the picture). As the platform grew monetization and advertising came into play and the need to grow an audience was a top priority for bloggers and influencers like myself.
Some accounts boomed within a few short months and others (like myself) saw steady, gradual growth throughout the years. There was nothing out of the ordinary. It was (for the most part) an honest space filled with lovely photos and posts from all over the world. Then, Instagram changed its algorithm and that honest space disappeared within weeks.
So I decided it was time someone shared some Instagram Etiquette Tips…because almost everyone has forgotten the sole purpose of Instagram: A stream of images from accounts you follow because 1. you know the person or 2. You are inspired by the account in some shape, way or form. Here it goes..
1. The Follow Game – Don’t follow accounts simply for a follow back, this isn’t a game and I have personally experienced numerous accounts who follow and unfollow me every week. Follow users because you WANT to follow them, not because you want them to follow you. Additionally don’t follow accounts you aren’t truly inspired by…meaning don’t follow 3,000 International Princes or teenage girls. As a fashion blogger or brand do you REALLY like these accounts? I highly doubt it.
2. The Like Game – Kylie Jenner and her teen followers have started an interesting concept the LB, First or CB phenomenon. What users do is comment LB, First or CB on Kylie Jenner’s post. This is code for like back, like back my first photo or comment back. Users than go onto each others accounts and like or comment for a like or comment back. You can receive tons of likes within seconds but it’s from users liking your photo so you like their photos, it’s self-beneficial. It’s also from users who don’t really care about the post.
It’s cheating. In the end you should like photos because you really, truly like them.
3. Automated Systems (Instagress + Archie) – Automated systems are tricky territory and I will be the first one to admit that I use them. I use them as an honest way to like photos from accounts I am following and to keep up with my feed. That is it. I don’t use them to follow or unfollow hundreds of accounts each day. I don’t use them to like random hashtags or comment on random photos. There is nothing worse than commenting “SO Cute” on a photo of a toilet. Learn to use this system as a way to support your account, not over take it.
In the end be real and honest with yourself and with your audience. The more tricks people use to get ahead the more corrupt the space will be. Just my two cents and would love to hear yours! Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.
xo
ejc
Wearing: Skirt – NY & Company, Top – MissGuided similar here, Boots – c/o Jenni Kayne, Sunglasses – Eye Buy Direct, Bag – Zara
*note that I have tried all of the above in the past. which is why I am bringing it to light
Beautiful boho and romantic outfit! I like your skirt very much! This is also a great post on raising bit of "unspoken" things about Instagram which are really weird… Instead of it being an inspiring and genuine place, it turned out to be only business and popularity game place.
https://lartoffashion.com/visit-helsinki-little-paris/
Love the outfit Emily and yes I love this post. The sad thing is what was once a fun digital outlet has now become a competition.
Xo, Patty
http://www.pattyskloset.com
I totally agree with your post Emily. It has really been frustrating as a new blogger gaining followers on Ig only to lose them the next day. I've always followed accounts that I have a personal tie to or inspire me. What's the point otherwise?
Loving the bell sleeves btw! Werk!!
Elise
http://www.blissfullyblossomingbeauty.com
Incredibly true! I couldn't agree more. Keep being real girl!
So, so true, and I thank you for writing this post because this is exactly how I feel!. As a started fashion bloggers I have tons and tons of people follow my account , even big fashion bloggers and I get super excited and return the follow and show my love and support by commenting and liking' to than realizing that they have un-followed within hours. It is not the same anymore, it is all a numbers game and the worse part is that many companies only care about the numbers and not the concept and connection you have with the followers.
I love your outfit and I completely agree with you! It can be frustrating sometimes with what goes on. Great post!!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Xo, Alex G.
That is such a cute skirt! 🙂
Great points about instagram too. It's annoying the "follow for follow" anywhere, not just instagram, but all the following and unfollowing is just frustrating on instagram. So many spam comments too! It'shard o enjoy it as much as I used to.
Hope you're having a great weekend 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
I like these tips. I'm not on IG that much but I can tell when a person or a brand is liking or following just for a follow back.
I love your honesty in these tips! Lovely outfit btw.
xo Yana
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