Stop Chasing The Algorithm

Make The Algorithm Chase You

I remember when social media was fair; everyone had their posts shown to their audience… that didn’t last long!

Years ago, you’d build a Facebook page or a group, knowing everyone would see your posts.

Various iterations of the Facebook algorithm changed that. Other social media followed suit, and now people who want to see your posts often don’t

Here Is The Problem

Algorithms are stupid, and they generally apply the same rules to everyone.

Here is a very simplified version of what happens.

Johnny Bigceleb had 100,000 followers. He posted about a restaurant he visited last night, and his fans all liked the post because Johnny had spoken.

The Algorithm thinks “ohh, that’s a good post, I’ll push it out to similar demographics”.

You, my beloved reader, with your 1000 followers, make a post at the same time. It’s a valuable post with lots of valuable information… tumbleweeds.

Maybe a few of your followers will see it and comment. The rest see Johnny Bigceleb’s post because, “obviously”, his post is far more interesting because of all the likes and shares.

Add to this the fact that social media companies can only put a limited number of posts in front of you each day, and a lot of them have to be ads! And you see why your valuable posts that the audience wants to see get pushed out by people with more influence and followers.

The bottom line is you can’t make the algorithm love your posts as a small account.

Luckily, there is a way.

Here is the Solution

To beat the algorithm, trick it into showing your posts to your ideal audience.

First, we need to get a few processes in place.

Post your best content daily. You want to build up and keep building a series of valuable posts.

Next, ensure your profile points to somewhere where you can build a list (hello, Substack!)

The aim here is to create a place where you can communicate directly with your audience.

Finally, it’s time to use the algorithm to show our content to our ideal audience.

• Find and follow 5-10 influencers in your niche

• Look for a pattern when they usually post

• Comment on relevant posts with VALUABLE comments that add VALUE.

The aim here is twofold,

1. Build a relationship with that influencer and help boost their posts by adding value to relevant posts. (this may bring its own rewards later; I built a 4000-person list overnight by helping “influencers” I engaged with, but that’s a post for another day)

2. In return, you’ll get seen by their audience, who will then check out your account and see the great content you have there. Hopefully, they will then check out your profile to learn more about you and join your newsletter.

By doing this, the algorithm will put your comments to reach hundreds or even thousands more potential followers than if you had just posted to your account.

Some Do’s and Don’ts

Do be respectful

Don’t be a stalker

Don’t spam links

Do write valuable comments

Don’t just say, “Good Post”

If you disagree with a post, ignore it, move on, and consider creating a post that gives your point of view.

Wrap Up

If you don’t want to spend money on ads, engaging with bigger accounts is the best way to get eyes on your content.

I recently spent a month commenting on posts for 30 minutes daily on Medium. It wasn’t easy, but by the end of the month, I had 50% more reads and 50% more income than the previous month.

This works!

Have a great week.

Mark