Instagram has caused some of us bloggers to do some crazy things to help get our content in front of your eyes. Here are some of those crazy things.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
FLORAL WRAP DRESS c/o | WEDGE ESPADRILLES c/o | KATE SPADE BAG | MIDORI LINEA NECKLACE (use code GLASSOFGLAM for 20% off) | NAME NECKLACE
OUTFIT DETAILS:
FLORAL WRAP DRESS c/o | WEDGE ESPADRILLES c/o | KATE SPADE BAG | MIDORI LINEA NECKLACE (use code GLASSOFGLAM for 20% off) | NAME NECKLACE
I recently took a break from worrying about Instagram and all the stress it is causing the blogger scene. For those of you who aren’t bloggers, Instagram changed their algorithm so that posts are no longer seen in order of when they are posted. Now, what you see is based on what Instagram thinks you like based on your current liking and commenting habits. This is all attributed to Facebook’s purchase of Instagram. Gripe gripe gripe. So here are the crazy things bloggers do, and how I feel about Instagram nowadays.
First, we have “peak times” for posting. I did this before the algorithm changed, but some people’s Instagram followers are more active at 8 am and 4pm, for example. If I missed my “‘peak posting” window, then it would be the end of the world and I would just refuse to post.
Next, I hashtagged the bajeezus out of my posts. For the dress you see above, I’d hashtag #floraldress #wrapdress #summerdress etc etc etc until I reached the 30 allowed hashtags. Bloggers get made fun of for using so many hashtags, but the truth is they do actually work, and from a follower standpoint, I love when I can search a hashtag (#yellowbag) and find something I really enjoy. But I’m not as crazy about my hashtags now as I used to be. Instead of using the “hot” hashtags, I try to use useful ones.
Comment pods. So a comment pod is basically a direct message group where a bunch of bloggers assemble and agree to comment and like each other’s posts. As soon as you post a photo on Instagram, the increased engagement on your photo ranks you higher in Instagram’s algorithm, presumably getting your content in front of more eyes! At one point I was in about 14 of these groups and I found myself leaving comments that weren’t genuine and commenting on content that I just didn’t like. I took a long break from comment pods and left a few that I didn’t think were serving me/I was serving. Now that I’m back, I am not as obsessive about them.
Next, I was so nutso about posting professional and planned out photos that I rarely let my followers have a glimpse of my real life. I vowed to post more “in the moment” content, with my iPhone, that portrays my real life, even if I only get 5 likes on it. If you don’t like that cute photo of my adorable fluffy cat, then you can just unfollow me because I don’t want to be friends with you anyway, haha. I’m trying to be better about this.
I do use a filter to keep my feed looking cohesive, but I don’t facetune or any of that stuff. Bikini photo? Yup that’s all me. Zits and hair frizz? Also real.
In all, Instagram is a love hate relationship for me. I LOVE Instagram because I like looking at people’s photos and feeds, and I think it is so fun. I’ve made some really great friends through Instagram, both virtual and in the flesh. Since taking a step back and realizing that my main focus is getting people to come read my blog, I’ve been a lot happier and less obsessive.
On that note, please subscribe to my email list! I don’t bite, I just love you .
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I can’t forget to talk about this gorgeous outfit! My dress and espadrille wedges are both from Xehar.com. In Hebrew, xahar means “glow” which is mean to inspire women to live confidently! I love brands that are committed to inspiring confidence!
Xehar has a lovely curated shop of trendy clothing, both regular and plus size! I chose this dreamy floral dress which is a silky material, and it unties so you can wear it like a kimono, too!
My espadrilles are only $45 and go with everything! It’s especially nice that they are closed toe – great for when you really need to get that pedi but didn’t have time (hypothetically, of course).
–Roxanne
I have a love/hate thing with Instagram too. I wish it would go back to the way it was when I first joined! Love your wrap dress! Such a gorgeous look on you!
Jill
Doused In Pink
A lovely summer outfit 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/06/17/back-from-vancouver/
I understand your Instagram woes. I love the dress so much! Lovely!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Hi Rebecca,
I really enjoyed this post. It’s good to know I’m not going crazy!
You’re absolutely right, the end goal is to drive traffic to our blogs, so forget about IG 🙂
Christine
http://www.bonchicstyle.com
This is why you’re one of my favorite bloggers! Keep it real – I also have given up on these woes on Instagram and have a post about it coming soon!!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
Such a gorgeous maxi dress! I love the look!
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
I love your wrap dress. The style always compliments any body shape. You look beautiful in the floral print. I love this look and I love your insta account! Instagram definitely has its issues and there are times I’m not a fan of it at all. When I get on those kicks I usually spend more time on the blog and less there. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who has issues with it!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Not an insanely crazy fan about Instagram’s algorithm either. I suppose, as a user it’s better for us. But for those who really want their content our there, it’s like a popularity contest! Anyway, wishing you all the best of luck and all the good vibes out there.
xx,
Abby
I totally agree with your Instagram woes. It’s tough to try and get your content out there when the darn algorithm just keeps changing! It’s tough for businesses too. I was so focused on posting once a day during my the time it says my followers are on the app but I recently tried posting at different times and didn’t find any difference. I really wish it would just go back to the way it was in the beginning, don’t they know that once they ruin an app (like facebook) another one will be invented to take its place! It’s actually in IG’s best interest to stop the insanity! 😀 BTW, love the outfit and the meaning with the company’s name, it’s adorable! xx Rox-Anne
Yes, I can identify with all of these insta woes! Love this look! this dress is just so beautiful on you!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Thanks, Elise!
Such a great post! There has been a lot of crap because of the algorithm change.i hashtag the hell out of stuff. I’ll admit it, I’m not ashamed of it. I get made fun of for it by family. I try and post some more things from my life and have the same mentality, I want to show people there is a real person behind the insta. I do have a couple of comment pods I’m part of. But one thing has started too, people calling out those who buy followers, i have gotten a few direct messages from,what i am assuming are fake accounts calling out other bloggers. Sad. Sad. Sad. I do take my Instagram seriously but not as seriously as some. If I miss my peak window, I post any ways. If I am doing something fun, I flood the feed(although I try to keep the filters the same)
That dress is so pretty on you by the way!!!
I love your Instagram account! It’s great to hear that we now have a similar philosophy. Your captions always have me laughing out lout!
I love hearing how you’ve changed up your Instagram game! I also took a break from pods and am just focusing on living life instead of constantly looking down at my phone all the time. Love real life photos – especially your fluffy cat. 🙂
Thank you, Courtney! I found myself always on my phone and having anxiety about stupid things! No more of that for me!
Thank you for this post! Instagram is a crazy roller coaster that causes so much anxiety and stress. It really sucks to get heart palpitations from it.
I’m so happy you agree. It is part of my business, but I am not taking it as seriously anymore.
soo pretty, flowy and feminine!
Thank you!