Facebook organizes the content displayed to its users based on certain rules . These rules are called "Facebook algorithms". They are a set of equations that Facebook uses to evaluate the information we all see. It is quite a complicated matter that can either improve the value of your content or even fully drive it into the dark.
If you would like to increase your exposure and impressions on your content, as well as improve your performance as a digital marketer, you should know how the Facebook Algorithm operates to achieve this.
Now, let’s take a look at the key elements of the Facebook algorithm and 10 great hacks to help you attract more viewers!
#1 The Frequency of Your Posts
You may ask: What is the right frequency of posting? One, two or three posts a day?
Usually, the first post is the most important post. It is expected that any subsequent post will get 60 fewer clicks than the previous one. In fact, the less you post, the more you get! Hence, you should post once or twice a day, preferably. And the second one should be posted at least six to nine hours after the first one.
What to do when you have a lot to share? Post stories! Keep the best content for your feed and add all other things to your Story. By doing this, people will get to know you, trust you and like you. Surveys have shown that 62% of people using Facebook are more likely to engage in a business or product that pops up in a Story.
#2 Offer Valuable Content
Think of ways that your posts will benefit your audience. To help keep your followers engaged, it's important to post unique content that is informational or educational. By doing this, users will continue to follow you if your posts have value.
While it’s very important to have a brand, it's more important to have valuable content. Always look for what your followers respond to and then start working on how to work your brand in.
#3 Create Genuine Conversations and Ask Questions
As Facebook is a platform that aims to bring the world closer together, the algorithm fulfills this purpose. Facebook wants its users to create conversations that are authentic. Hence, try to ask questions and encourage discussion on each of your posts to get a lot of attention from your audience.
Also, remember to ask open-ended questions starting with “Why?” or “How?” to receive a longer answer. This is because Facebook likes longer comments as it sees your post as more valuable. Hence, giving your audience options to choose from or giving out a ‘string’ to cling to for answers will give them a direction in which they can contribute their thoughts.
#4 Use Less Links in the Description
Users are recommended to not use links in the description of their posts. The reason is simple – Facebook does not like its users to leave the platform. Thus, when the Facebook algorithm even “smells” a hint of any link, it stops showing it to the users. Once you focus on the rules, you know how you can achieve your goals.
Instead, you can respond to each comment with your link. But before that, it’s ideal to create conversations and add value before you finally “reveal” the link to those who are curious.
#5 Create Evergreen Content
Sometimes, it might take a long time (usually between 48 to 72 hours) for Facebook to show your posts to others. The simplest way to plan for this, and ensuring full content value, is by creating content that is relevant even after days or weeks it was posted.
It is important to keep the post running in order for more audiences to see it. For this, you need to respond to some comments on one day, and another day to other users. For a longer period, this will help make your post look relevant.
Always note that it could impact your page if your content does not get enough engagement. So, after 72 hours, if a post does not get a good answer, you can then choose to just delete it.
#6 Don’t Post Too Long Videos
Most people often ask how long your videos should be. In reality, the length of your videos really matter, but it depends on the types of the content. Although Facebook supports videos that are almost 10 minutes long, you don’t have to post that long. if you don’t have much to say, you can keep it short, or even record a longer one if you have a lot to say.
Often, it is perfectly okay to go raw and 'unfiltered' without a lot of editing. This helps to connect to the next level with your audience, but again, you need to see when you can use it and when perfect editing is needed by your brand.
#7 Post your Video Vertically
Nowadays, most experts record their videos in vertical mode. This way it feels native to social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. But sometimes, landscape mode might also work better so it is totally up to you.
You can also suggest the viewers tap for sound. It is a neat way to work around the silent auto-played Facebook videos is to suggest viewers tap for sound with a pop-up. Pop-ups can sometimes be annoying so it has to be designed and timed appropriately to create a non-disruptive effect.
#8 Avoid Phishing
Phrases like "share this video", "comment below" or "tag your friends" are not recommended to be used. You should not only refrain from writing them, but also say them in your live videos, because any word you say is "listened" by the algorithm. And the number of people it shows your videos to would be limited by such phrases.
Try using different words, such as "sharing love" or "smashing the heart button" instead!
#9 Train the Algorithm
It could be helpful to engage with some key contacts a few minutes prior to uploading your content. Go to see who's online and say "Hello" to them on your Facebook Messenger. This allows the Facebook algorithm to warm up.
Then, post your content and start responding to the comments under it. The more you are involved, the more views you are likely to get!
#10 Choose the Best Time to Post
What is the Best Time to Post? A lot of people suggest posting your content when more people are online. Yet posting outside of business hours can give great results.
Among its users, the Facebook algorithm is constantly searching for useful social connections. This is the primary explanation why it exists and does not encourage fake engagement "tactics". On this influential social network, the best way to get your message across is to actually engage in conversation with your potential audience to make sure they see everything you share.