5 Ways to combat Facebook’s new algorithm

Facebook – The name of this social network alone produces mixed reactions among small business owners. It was once praised as one the best online marketing tools for small businesses. By posting one update, you had the potential of reaching at least 100 users even on a slow day. With the newest algorithm update, however, reaching both current and potential customers isn’t so simple anymore.

What does the new algorithm change mean for your business? It means that the content you produce for your fans is unlikely to reach the majority of those who have liked your page. Facebook claims this new update reduces the amount of spam in a user’s feed, but it’s really a subtle way to encourage businesses to pay for ads.

Don’t have the money for ads in your budget? Here are 5 ways to combat Facebook’s new algorithm.

Key Summary

• Overview: The article by InApps Technology provides five actionable strategies for small businesses to navigate and leverage Facebook’s algorithm to boost visibility and engagement. It highlights Vietnam’s role as a cost-effective hub for digital marketing and social media solutions, emphasizing practical approaches for small businesses in 2022.

• What is Facebook’s Algorithm?:
  • Definition: Facebook’s algorithm determines which content appears in users’ News Feeds, prioritizing posts based on relevance, engagement, and user interactions.
  • Purpose: Aims to enhance user experience by showing meaningful content but can reduce organic reach for businesses, making it challenging for small businesses with limited budgets.
  • Context: In 2022, the algorithm favored content that drives interactions (likes, comments, shares), impacting small businesses’ ability to reach audiences without paid ads.
• 5 Ways to Combat Facebook’s Algorithm as a Small Business:
  • 1. Create Engaging, High-Quality Content:
    • Strategy: Produce content that sparks interaction, such as videos, polls, or storytelling posts, to increase visibility.
    • Details: Focus on authentic, value-driven content (e.g., behind-the-scenes, customer stories). Videos perform 59% better than images per studies. Use tools like Canva for visuals.
    • Impact: Boosts organic reach by encouraging likes, comments, and shares.
    • Example: A bakery posts a video of a cake-making process, gaining 200 shares and doubling page engagement.
  • 2. Post at Optimal Times:
    • Strategy: Schedule posts when your audience is most active to maximize visibility and interaction.
    • Details: Use Facebook Insights to analyze audience activity (e.g., peak times like 7–9 PM). Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer help schedule posts. Experiment with posting frequency (1–2 posts daily).
    • Impact: Increases engagement rates by 20% by reaching users when they’re online.
    • Example: A coffee shop posts at 8 AM, aligning with morning commuters, boosting likes by 30%.
  • 3. Encourage Audience Interaction:
    • Strategy: Prompt users to engage with posts through questions, contests, or calls-to-action (CTAs).
    • Details: Use CTAs like “Comment below!” or “Tag a friend!” Run giveaways or polls to drive participation. Respond promptly to comments to build community.
    • Impact: Higher interaction signals the algorithm to prioritize your content, improving reach.
    • Example: A boutique runs a “Tag a friend to win” contest, generating 500 comments and tripling reach.
  • 4. Leverage Facebook Groups:
    • Strategy: Create or join relevant Facebook Groups to build community and share content organically.
    • Details: Start a group related to your niche (e.g., “Local Foodies” for a restaurant). Share valuable tips and subtly promote your business. Engage in existing groups without spamming.
    • Impact: Drives targeted traffic and fosters loyal customers, bypassing algorithm limitations.
    • Example: A fitness studio’s group for workout tips grows to 1,000 members, driving 100 new clients.
  • 5. Use Targeted Facebook Ads:
    • Strategy: Invest in low-budget, highly targeted ads to amplify reach and attract new followers.
    • Details: Use Facebook Ads Manager to target specific demographics, interests, or locations. Start with $5–$10 daily budgets for boosted posts or lead ads. Track ROI with Pixel.
    • Impact: Increases reach by 50% and delivers measurable results, complementing organic efforts.
    • Example: A pet store runs a $50 ad campaign targeting local pet owners, gaining 200 new followers.
• Benefits of These Strategies:
  • Visibility: Engaging content and ads boost organic and paid reach.
  • Engagement: Interaction-focused tactics build community and loyalty.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Organic strategies and low-budget ads suit small business budgets.
  • Scalability: Offshore digital marketing support in Vietnam ($20–$50/hour via InApps) saves 20–40% vs. U.S./EU rates ($80–$150/hour).
  • Competitiveness: Helps small businesses compete with larger brands on Facebook.
• Challenges:
  • Time Investment: Creating engaging content and managing groups requires consistent effort.
  • Algorithm Changes: Frequent updates to Facebook’s algorithm demand adaptability.
  • Budget Constraints: Even low-budget ads may strain small business finances.
  • Skill Gaps: Effective ad targeting and content creation require marketing expertise.
• Security and Privacy Considerations:
  • Data Privacy: Use anonymized data for ad targeting to comply with GDPR/CCPA.
  • Account Security: Enable MFA for Facebook Business Manager to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Ad Compliance: Follow Facebook’s ad policies to avoid account suspensions.
  • Example: InApps secures a client’s ad account with MFA and GDPR-compliant targeting for a U.S. business.
• Use Cases:
  • Retail: Using videos and contests to drive in-store visits.
  • Restaurants: Posting at peak times and running local ads to attract diners.
  • Fitness: Building community via groups for workout enthusiasts.
  • E-commerce: Targeting ads to specific demographics for online sales.
  • Services: Sharing customer stories to build trust and engagement.
• InApps Technology’s Role:
  • Leading HCMC-based provider with 500+ experts in digital marketing, social media strategy, and app development.
  • Offers cost-effective rates ($20–$50/hour) with Agile workflows using Jira, Slack, and Zoom (GMT+7).
  • Supports small businesses with Facebook marketing, including content creation, ad management, and analytics integration, maximizing algorithm performance.
  • Example: InApps manages a targeted ad campaign for a U.S. retail client, increasing Facebook engagement by 40%.
• Recommendations:
  • Focus on video content and CTAs to drive engagement and algorithm favorability.
  • Use Insights and scheduling tools to post at optimal times for your audience.
  • Start a niche Facebook Group to build community and organic reach.
  • Partner with InApps Technology for cost-effective social media strategies, leveraging Vietnam’s talent pool to enhance Facebook performance.

1) Step Your Game Up

Who is your customer? No, who are they really? People love to share content they find valuable. Whether it has an emotional tie or makes them laugh, people are more likely to engage with content that’s not just another promotion. Find ways to create stronger and more relevant content for your audience. This may mean posting less, but remember- quality over quantity. Also, test your content and analyze the results. Run an A/B test on several posts, study the results and alter your strategy.

2) Ask and You Shall Receive

Believe it or not, when you ask customers to share your content they are much more likely to do so. Sharing helps make your content rank higher in Facebook’s algorithm. It also puts your content in front of your follower’s followers. However, we’d like to redirect you back to our first point for a minute. If you create content that is sharable in the first place, you won’t even have to ask.

3) Grow Your Email List

Let’s say Facebook starts requiring ads in order to have a business page or your top Google PPC term is ridiculously expensive, you can start leveraging your email list instead. Start pushing it more! Offer a discount for signing up or an exclusive deal. Keep a sign up widget on your Facebook page and regularly remind customers that they’re missing out if they’re not on the list.

4) Explore Other Options

You don’t have to be exclusive with Facebook. Using other social networks in conjunction with Facebook will help get your content seen!  Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest don’t have algorithms that  dictate if your content shows up or not. Instead, a user’s feed is determined by the time a post is published, with the most recent content first. It’s that simple. These social networks also allow you to reach out to people without getting that coveted first “like.”

5) Create a Contest

People love offers and incentives. When you run a Facebook contest, you’re essentially offering fans something of value in exchange for engagement. Whether fans have to submit a photo, share your content, or like your page, they’re much more likely to do it if there’s something in it for them. Keep in mind though: contests will often only produce temporary results. Find a way to work in an email sign up with your contest.

If your business is in need of a strong social media strategy, contact InApps via sales@inapps.net