Facebook Algorithms. What factors should you know?

Brief history of Facebook

Facebook was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes, and Eduardo Saverin as a social networking platform. Initially limited to Harvard University students, it quickly grew to become one of the largest websites in the world, boasting almost 3 billion active users by the end of 2022. As it has grown, Facebook has continually adapted its algorithms and formulas to keep up with the changing landscape of online marketing. While the exact workings of these algorithms remain somewhat of a mystery, there are some key factors that we can use to better understand how Facebook works.

What is an algorithm?

Facebook Algorithms. How do them work?

An algorithm is a set of instructions that an automated system follows in order to achieve a desired outcome. Facebook algorithms are an essential part of how the platform works, helping to determine which posts are seen by users and which posts are not. This can make or break an individual’s reach and impact with their content on Facebook. It’s important to understand how the algorithms work in order to maximize your success when posting on the platform.

Here are ten key factors that will help you understand the Facebook algorithms.

Timing is everything

When it comes to your Facebook algorithm, timing is key. Posting at the right time can make or break your reach. According to studies done by various sources, the best time to post on Facebook is between 1 and 3 pm. This peak time of day will give you the best chance to reach a larger number of people. Keep in mind that these times may vary slightly depending on your geographic location and target audience. Additionally, posting multiple times in one day has become increasingly popular. While this can be a great way to maximize reach and visibility, it should also be done with caution. If you post too frequently, you could risk annoying your followers and having your posts filtered out of their feeds.

Post frequency

The frequency at which you post plays a role in the Facebook algorithm. Posting too often can be annoying to followers, while posting too infrequently may cause followers to miss important content. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but it’s important to pay attention to how often your posts appear in the news feed of your target audience. The best way to find this balance is to experiment with the frequency of your posts and monitor their performance.

Type of content

Different types of content have different impacts on algorithms, and it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your content strategy. Video content is becoming increasingly important for reaching potential customers, as the algorithms favor video over other forms of content. Additionally, interactive content like polls or quizzes can be highly engaging and encourage further engagement from users. Photos and images are also a great way to grab attention and prompt people to interact with your posts.

Length of post

When it comes to creating content for Facebook, length is an important factor in how the algorithms process your post. Posts that are too long can make it difficult for users to engage and can be ignored by the algorithms. Generally, posts between 100 and 250 words are more likely to be seen, but you should always keep in mind the goal of the post. If you want to convey a longer story, you might need to break it up into several shorter posts. Similarly, shorter posts are often better for sharing quick updates and links. It’s important to keep the content concise and relevant to your audience.

Variety in content

When it comes to Facebook algorithms, variety in content is key. It is important to mix up your posts to keep your followers engaged. This can mean alternating between different types of content such as images, videos, polls, articles, etc. Try experimenting with different styles of posts to see what works best for your page. Additionally, try to cover a range of topics so that your followers are always kept interested. The more variety you offer, the better chance you have at getting those coveted engagements.

Engagement

Engagement is a key factor when it comes to the Facebook algorithms. This term describes how much interaction there is with your content, like likes, shares, comments, and reactions. The higher the engagement rate, the more likely your post will be seen by your followers and even their friends. It can be increased by crafting an attention-grabbing title and by asking questions in your post. Additionally, it is important to respond quickly to any comments or messages that you receive.

Use of hashtags

Hashtags allow you to categorize your posts, making it easier for users to find related content. When using hashtags on Facebook, you want to make sure that they are relevant to your post and your target audience. Don’t make them too complicated – simplicity is the key. By using hashtags that are easy to understand, you can increase the likelihood that more people will see your post.

It is also a good idea to limit the number of hashtags used in each post. Generally speaking, 3-4 hashtags is the recommended maximum. This helps ensure that your post does not appear spammy and cluttered with too many hashtags. Additionally, make sure that the hashtags used in each post are different from those used in previous posts. This way, you won’t end up spamming other users with the same content.

Geotagging

Geotagging is a great way to maximize your reach on Facebook, as it allows users to search for content that’s related to their location. When you geotag a post, it will show up in the news feeds of people who live in or near the location you tagged. This makes it more likely that those users will engage with your post, as they’re more likely to find it relevant.

When using geotagging on Facebook, make sure that you tag a specific place rather than just a city or region. This will help you target an even more specific audience and get the most out of your posts. Facebook’s algorithms take geotags into account when deciding which posts to show in a user’s news feed, so if your tags are outdated or incorrect, your post may not show up for the intended audience.

Mentions

Mentions can be an important factor in improving your reach with the Facebook algorithms. Any time you mention another page or person in a post, it has the potential to increase your visibility. Make sure to tag relevant accounts when appropriate and use @mentions to link to other profiles or pages. Not only do mentions allow for potential collaborations, but they also show that your post is relevant to other people and pages, which could result in more people seeing your post.

Check-ins

When you check-in at a certain location, it allows your followers to see where you are and what you’re doing. This can help you build relationships with local businesses, as well as other people in the area who might be interested in what you’re offering. This can help you create more targeted campaigns that can drive more engagement and help you reach more people in the areas where you have the most potential for success.

Wrapping up

Facebook algorithms can seem overwhelming and complex, but by understanding the factors that influence them you can better optimize your content. Timing, type of content, post frequency, engagement, length of post, use of hashtags, variety in content, geotagging, mentions and check-ins are all important elements that play into how successful your content will be in reaching its intended audience.

With a little knowledge and strategic planning, you can maximize the impact of your posts on the platform. It’s important to remain up-to-date on Facebook algorithm changes and trends so you can continue to refine your strategy and ensure your posts are reaching their full potential.