The digital landscape in India is exploding with opportunity. The millions of users logging onto social media daily are a testament to this growth. And for businesses, especially in bustling cities like Kolkata, it’s a gold mine. But, how do you capture this audience’s attention amidst the information overload? The answer: understanding social media algorithms.

Decoding the Algorithm Mystery

You must’ve asked yourself: why does my Facebook feed show posts from some friends more than others? Or why does Instagram suggest posts based on topics I recently searched for? Welcome to the realm of social media algorithms.

The mere mention of “algorithm” might sound intimidating, but let’s simplify it. Think of it as a formula, designed to fetch you content you’d probably love to see. Handy, isn’t it? But why do platforms use these formulas?

Balancing User Interests and Content Overload

Imagine if your social media feed was like Kolkata’s famous College Street – flooded with a plethora of book stalls, each calling out to you. You’d be overwhelmed! Similarly, in the world of likes, shares, and tweets, it’s crucial to filter content. Algorithms curate our feeds based on relevance and not just timelines.

Reading the Algorithm’s Mind

Algorithms are no fortune tellers, but they’re smart. They take cues from:

  1. Your Behaviour: What do you like? Whom do you stalk often? 😉
  2. Relevance of Content: Does the content resonate with your interests?
  3. Popularity: Is it a trending topic in Kolkata or perhaps all over India?
  4. Freshness: Is it the latest buzz?

Now, you might wonder: with constantly changing algorithms, how does one stay on top? I’ve been through this journey, navigating the maze of ever-evolving algorithms.

Mastering the Algorithm Game in 2023

Being part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata, I’ve witnessed and experienced the roller-coaster ride of social media trends. Here are some golden rules to stay ahead:

  1. Quality Over Quantity: Crafting Relevant, Meaningful Content

    Instead of posting daily generic photos of your products, share weekly behind-the-scenes videos or user testimonials. For example, if you’re selling artisanal coffee, don’t just show the packet—share the story of a farmer, the roasting process, or a customer’s morning ritual with your brew.

  2. Hashtags are Your Best Friends: Harnessing the Power of TagsFor a bakery, instead of merely using #cake, dive deeper with specific tags like #ChocolateTruffleCake or #KolkataBakeryTreats. This makes your post discoverable to those specifically looking for chocolate truffle cakes or treats in Kolkata.
  3. Timing is Crucial: Hitting the Right Chords at the Right TimeIf your audience comprises working professionals, posting content during lunch breaks around 1 PM or post-work hours around 7 PM might garner better engagement. Tools like ‘Insights’ on Instagram show you when your followers are most active. Adjust your posting schedule based on this data.
  4. Engagement is the Key: Fostering Relationships through InteractionImagine a post where a user asks, “Can this be delivered by tomorrow?” If you promptly reply with, “Yes, for orders before 10 PM, next-day delivery is guaranteed!”, not only have you assisted one user, but you’ve also informed others reading the comments. When users see active responses, they’re more likely to engage, trusting that they’ll receive a response.
  5. Diversify Content Types: Just as Kolkata boasts of a diversified culture from literature to festivals, your content should reflect diverse formats. While photos might work on Instagram, carousel posts or infographics might be more engaging. Similarly, short videos might trend on one platform, while longer, informative videos might be preferred on another. Keeping a mix ensures you tap into various audience segments.
  6. Regularly Analyse & Adapt: Just as markets in New Market, Kolkata change stock based on seasons and demand, regularly review your social media analytics. Which posts did well? At what times? On which days? This data isn’t just numbers; it’s a goldmine of insights. Adapt and adjust your strategy based on real feedback from your audience.
  7. Cultivate Community: Algorithms favor engagement. Instead of just broadcasting content, strive to cultivate a community. Ask questions, conduct polls or surveys, or even host live sessions. Just as the famous addas of Kolkata bring people together for passionate discussions, your digital platforms should foster community discussions.
  8. Collaborate for Greater Reach: Consider collaborations or takeovers with other complementary brands or influencers. It’s like the famous “Durga Puja” collaborations in Kolkata where neighborhoods come together to create memorable experiences. This not only broadens your reach but also introduces your brand to a new, yet relevant, audience.
  9. Optimize for Mobile: With a significant chunk of Indian users accessing social media via mobile, ensure your content is mobile-optimized. Whether it’s the size of text in graphics or the loading speed of videos, the mobile experience should be seamless.