“An algorithm is clearly defined and calculated repeatable process, most often used by computers to solve problems.” https://forgeandsmith.com/blog/how-do-social-media-algorithms-affect-you/ This article discussed how to optimize your popularity on social media by using the algorithm in your favor.
The good and the bad.
In today’s world, smartphones and computers sav everything we do. If we search something, click on an ad, view a product, or sometimes even talk about a product around your device (I know, creepy!) it is saved. This is all a part of the algorithm that Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other social media platforms use to display advertisements or articles that would entice you to read or click on.
An issue with this is that viewers only see what the algorithm wants them to see. If a user wanted to view something else, they would have to physically go search it instead of it naturally popping up. The article uses the example that we like or favorite things our relatives post to make them feel good, but that does not mean we want to have to scroll through a ton of family pictures to get to other content.
Another example they give is we might search a random topic that is brought up just to find out a bit of useless knowledge on it, but we do not want to constantly see posts about that one topic.
How to optimize your pages.
Six social media practices are listed to help use the algorithm and avoid it. The first, “Only share content that is helpful, relevant, and interesting.” Avoid posting just for fun.
The second, “Make sure that all of your website’s pages only use optimized images,” which is crucial to ensure that a website will load quickly when clicked on.
The third strategy was, “Encourage likes, comments, and shares within your posts!” I find this one to be particularly important. The more people engage with your content, the more frequent it will pop up for them.
The fourth, “Share your social media profiles on other profiles.” Use your more popular social media sites to help your weaker ones. Promote your own brand.
The fifth, and something we are utilizing in class, is, “Have a hashtag strategy.” This is crucial since people search hashtags and hashtags trend on Twitter and Instagram. You can even follow hashtags.
The sixth and final one is, “Remember that it’s al about the user, not you!” Social media users only look at what interests them so you have to cater to your audience.
Catherine's Take 