Instagram isn't the same platform it used to be. Over the years, Instagram has seen several changes that have affected how content is viewed and engaged with.

At the time of writing (Sep 2023), these strategies listed in this course are the most updated and relevant for Etsy sellers.

How Instagram Works Now

The first thing to know is that Instagram doesn't operate on just one singular algorithm. There are multiple algorithms on Instagram, depending on different features:

• Your Personal Feed Algorithm: This dictates the posts you see from people you follow, or Instagram’s suggested content
• Explore Feed Algorithm: This showcases trending and popular content that Instagram thinks you might be interested in
• Instagram Stories Algorithm: This affects the order in which stories appear on your feed
• Reels Algorithm: Determines the reels you see and the order they appear

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Here's a deeper look:

Initial Engagement Matters

‍When you post something new, it's shown to about 10% of your followers – particularly those who consistently engage with your content (e.g. those who previously liked or saved your posts). If these followers engage positively, Instagram sees your content as engaging, and it’s more likely to show it to a larger percentage of your followers. And the cycle continues.

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Potential To Go Viral

‍Exceptionally engaging content (the content that gets exceptional engagement from your followers) might land on the Explore page and the Reels tabs, giving it the potential to go viral. This can significantly boost your reach.

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Focus on Quality Over Quantity

‍Based on how the Instagram algorithm works currently, here are the two main strategies can accelerate your growth:

1. Focusing on building an engaged community of followers
2. Creating share-able and save-able content. While likes and comments are good, shares and saves have a bigger positive impact on the algorithm

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Engagement Fluctuations

‍Instagram can be unpredictable. There might be days when your posts get hundreds or thousands or likes. But on other days, they may not even break 100. It's important not to get discouraged. Celebrate your wins big or small. If you find yourself getting frustrated, put down instagram and focus on other aspects of your Etsy business.

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Throughout this course, I'll share the exact strategies I've used to grow my Instagram accounts so you can copy and implement them for your Etsy business.

Engagement On Instagram

Likes and comments used to be the most important engagement on Instagram. But in recent years, their impacts are overshadowed by these other 3 main types of engagement:

• Share (sharing your content via DM or sharing in their stories)
• Save
• Watch time/time spent on post (not just for reels, but also important for photo post)

Secondary engagements that can also help boost your content and account, but aren't primary growth drivers:

• Direct messages (DMs)
• Follows
• Account clicks
• Profile link clicks

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Content Types Of Instagram

Here are the main content types on Instagram and the respective sizes:

• Single photo: 1:1 or 4:5 (e.g. 1600px wide x 2000px tall)
• Carousel/multiple photos: 1:1 or 4:5
• Reels: 9:16 ratio (i.e. Vertical video format from most phones. 1080px wide x 1920px tall)
• Stories: 9:16 ratio
• Live: 9:16 ratio

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