Instagram was a fundamental tool of photographers professional and amateur alike, but alas, the algorithm was changed and with it, Instagram's allure. Nevertheless, it is still valuable and with the changes coming in 2023, it might be worth your attention once again.
Not long after Instagram saw some popularity upon release, I was fully invested in the platform. I would ensure I posted daily, I would engage with all comments, and I would spend time looking through relevant hashtags and being active within them — I did anything and everything that would help with growth. Then, as was the case with Facebook pages, a major change to the algorithm was made and everything I knew was more or less redundant. My engagement fell through the floor and my motivation joined it; it was no longer worthwhile to spend time chasing growth on Instagram.
It was a shame — I used to get clients through the platform and be a part of several communities, but that's how it goes. And so, I moved on to better uses of my time when it came to photography. Now, however, we are seeing something of a resurgence for Instagram and proposed changes in 2023 might mean it's worth dusting off the app or doubling down on your efforts.
In this video, Chris Hau discusses the changes and some tried and tested methods for growth.
The eternal carrot dangling.......It serves only Instagram. I cant believe people fall for this.
I just can't seem to care enough about creating pointless reels over spending my time taking photographs.
This is about creating "growth" and popularity. That's it. What ever you sell, if anything but clicks, when your popularity dies, so do you. There is no word about retaining client from a service or creating long term business relationship. It's very ephemeral and the constant overnight radical changes from those apps should be a warning.
The bridges were burned. Simple as. I'm waiting for something better to come along.