Social Media Algorithms: How to Make Them Work for Your Agency

Understanding and leveraging algorithms is crucial for marketing agencies aiming to maximize client engagement and reach. Social media algorithms determine the visibility of content, influencing who sees your posts and how widely they are shared. By aligning your strategies with these algorithms, you can enhance your agency’s effectiveness and deliver superior results for your clients.

Understanding Social Media Algorithms

Social media algorithms are complex sets of rules and calculations that platforms use to decide which content appears in users’ feeds. These algorithms prioritize content based on various factors, including user engagement, relevance, and timeliness. For marketing agencies, mastering these elements is key to amplifying your clients’ social media presence.

1. Prioritize Engagement

Engagement is a critical metric that algorithms consider when determining content visibility. Posts that receive higher interactions—such as likes, comments, shares, and saves—are more likely to be promoted by the platform.

A real estate agency managed by one of our partners shifted from merely posting property listings to creating interactive content. They began asking their audience questions like, “Which home design do you prefer—Modern or Traditional?” This simple change led to a 150% increase in engagement within a month, as followers were encouraged to participate in discussions.

Encourage your clients to create content that prompts audience interaction. This could include polls, open-ended questions, or interactive stories. The more engagement a post receives, the more likely it is to be favored by the algorithm.

2. Optimize Posting Times

Timing plays a significant role in content visibility. Algorithms often prioritize newer content, so posting when your target audience is most active can lead to immediate engagement, signaling the algorithm to boost your content further.

A fitness brand under our management analyzed their audience’s activity and discovered peak times before work hours and late evenings. By scheduling posts during these periods, they experienced a 70% increase in engagement.

Utilize analytics tools to identify when your client’s audience is most active. Schedule posts during these peak times to maximize initial engagement and improve content visibility.

3. Maintain Consistent Posting Schedules

Consistency signals to algorithms that your client’s account is active and reliable, which can lead to improved content placement in users’ feeds.

A software-as-a-service (SaaS) company we consulted with transitioned from irregular posting to a consistent schedule of three posts per week. Over two months, they observed a 40% increase in overall engagement.

Develop a content calendar for your clients to ensure regular posting. Consistency not only aids in algorithmic favor but also keeps the audience engaged and informed.

4. Utilize Platform-Preferred Content Formats

Each social media platform has content formats that its algorithm favors. Aligning your content strategy with these preferences can significantly enhance reach and engagement.

A boutique clothing brand we assisted initially focused solely on static images. Upon integrating Instagram Reels and TikTok videos showcasing behind-the-scenes content and fashion tips, their reach doubled within weeks.

Stay updated on each platform’s favored content types. For instance, Instagram currently prioritizes Reels, while LinkedIn boosts long-form articles. Tailor your clients’ content to align with these preferences.

5. Leverage Hashtags and Keywords

Proper use of hashtags and keywords can enhance discoverability, as algorithms use these to categorize content and suggest it to interested users.

A culinary brand we worked with started incorporating trending and relevant hashtags into their posts. This strategy led to a 60% increase in new follower acquisition over three months.

Research and incorporate relevant hashtags and keywords into your clients’ posts. This practice can improve content discoverability and attract a broader audience.

6. Encourage User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) not only builds community but also signals to algorithms that your client’s brand is engaging and popular.

A travel agency we partnered with launched a campaign encouraging customers to share their vacation photos using a branded hashtag. This initiative resulted in a 50% increase in engagement and expanded their reach organically.

Create campaigns that encourage followers to generate content related to your client’s brand. Sharing UGC can enhance credibility and foster a sense of community.

7. Monitor and Adapt to System Changes

Social media platforms frequently update their algorithms. Staying informed about these changes allows your agency to adapt strategies promptly, ensuring continued success.

After a major algorithm update, a client noticed a drop in engagement. By quickly adjusting their content strategy to align with the new algorithm preferences, they regained and even surpassed their previous engagement levels.

Regularly monitor platform announcements and industry news to stay ahead of algorithm changes. Flexibility and adaptability are key to maintaining and improving content performance.

Maximize Your Digital Formula with Umbrella

Understanding and leveraging social media algorithms is essential for marketing agencies striving to enhance their clients’ online presence. Your agency can significantly improve content visibility and engagement by focusing on engagement, optimizing posting times, maintaining consistency, utilizing preferred content formats, leveraging hashtags, encouraging user-generated content, and staying adaptable to algorithm changes.

At Umbrella, we help marketing agencies and businesses maximize their digital presence with proven strategies, tools, and services designed to drive real results. Whether you’re looking to improve social media performance, enhance SEO, or generate high-quality leads, we provide the expertise and support to help your business grow.

Call us at (866) 760-2638 to get started on your brand’s future!