There, I said it. Someone had to.
As a digital marketer (and self-certified coffee addict), I’ve heard the line “Instagram hates me” more than I’ve heard my name. But here’s a secret: the algorithm doesn’t hate you—it just doesn’t understand you. Because you’re sending mixed signals. Like a situationship with zero clarity and too many hashtags.
Let’s fix that.
1. You’re Posting for You, Not for Your Audience.
You love that blurry sunset shot and the 4-paragraph caption about healing? Cool. But does your audience?
Create for them, not just for your camera roll. Use insights. Stalk yourself like a strategist. What do people save, share, or comment on? That’s your content goldmine.
2. Inconsistency is Your Worst Enemy (After Your Ex).
The algorithm thrives on patterns. You can’t disappear for 2 weeks and then drop a reel at 2AM hoping for a viral miracle. Pick a rhythm—3 times a week? Stories daily? Stick to it. Train the beast. Be the algorithm whisperer.
3. Hashtags Aren’t a Dumping Ground.
Stop using #love #instadaily #mood unless you want to be buried in a digital graveyard.
Use niche-specific, targeted, relevant hashtags. Think: #indianmakeupartist or #delhifashionblogger.
Bonus? Create a few custom ones. I use #SoftHustlerDiaries and yes, it makes me feel cooler than I am.
4. Carousels & Reels > Plain Images
Instagram’s basically TikTok’s younger cousin now. Reels are gold. But carousels? Chef’s kiss. They keep people swiping, which boosts engagement.
Teach something, show BTS, or just meme your way to their hearts.
5. Story Polls, Quizzes, and Stickers Are Your Free PR Team
Use them. Even if only 3 people respond, the algorithm notices engagement. And your audience gets used to talking to you. One day it’s a poll about pizza toppings, next day it’s a product launch.
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to go viral. You just have to be visible to the right people.
So the next time your content tanks, don’t cry into your iced coffee. Just come back to this blog. Adjust. Post again.
Because marketing isn’t magic. It’s messy. And the algorithm? It’s not your enemy. It’s your slightly confused friend—just waiting for you to make sense.
—
Signed,
The Soft Hustler (who once scheduled a reel for 4:03am and wondered why it flopped)
