Challenge us

Understanding how the Facebook algorithm works

Despite the birth of new social media platforms that continue to soar, Facebook remains the primary platform for marketers and consumers and their online presence today. Facebook recently changed its algorithm. As a result, we need to adapt and rethink our content strategy to increase our organic reach. Before we start, let us see how the last algorithm works.

Did you know that once your content is published on Facebook, it is only shown to 1% of your community? This number can increase if your content complies with the “rules” of a good Facebook-generated post.

How does the Facebook algorithm currently work?

Facebook’s algorithm ensures that every user is exposed to what they like the most. It will not publish the content in chronological order but rather control the order and presentation of messages to offer the content that it considers the most relevant to the user. Read here: maximize interaction with the proposed content by the brand.

With its change of algorithm in 2019, Facebook continues its fight against misleading content and false information. The platform wants to be the most transparent with users and encourages brands to do the same.

The company strives for authenticity by offering brands to conduct surveys to understand better consumers and adapt the content to their tastes and needs. The interactions caused by these surveys also allow Facebook to ensure that the content is relevant to users.

These changes were made to sort the amount of content shown on Facebook every day to offer us only the information that interests us. These efforts are always provided in a process of authenticity; to make any form of commitment more real so that they become a precious datum for brands.

What strategies should you adopt to optimize this latest update?

  • Give importance to posting times

Knowing that Facebook gives more importance to the content that receives the most engagement, you need to publish, at times, when internet users are most active. To save time and efficiency, we recommend using Sprout Social, an application that will allow you to schedule your content at times most likely to generate interest.

  • Favour video content

Do not take this information lightly, and get started! Indeed, video leads to much more engagement and interaction than static posts. This format will allow you to deepen your message and make it more human and unique. Good news! You will not need to invest a big budget to get a professional and qualitative result. Be yourself and focus on the content rather than the aesthetics. Also, consider Facebook live; it often generates a great amount of interaction.

  • Encourage your employees and customers to promote your content

Your employees are natural ambassadors of your brand, so why not encourage them to share your content? As we saw earlier, the Facebook algorithm reduces your target by specifying it. Logically, fewer people will be reached. It is then necessary to rely on a smaller and closer circle. Your employees are in a position to speak about the brand they work for to extend the content’s reach. By targeting a closer audience, you will gain a higher engagement that will count in the long run.

  • Vary the content

Offer diversified content to maintain and energize the curiosity of your community. Use different formats like video, photo, polls, gifs, etc. Do not minimize the legend. On the contrary, expand it by talking about your story and using relevant and precise hashtags.

  • Invest in advertising

Facebook ads produce a great return on investment. Therefore, it is essential to not miss out. There are several formats: carousel, slideshow, video, photo, etc. Defining a budget for Facebook advertising will allow you to reach your target more efficiently and optimize the Facebook algorithm.

The algorithms of various social media platforms will always change and evolve with our society. Marketers will need to continue adapting to these changes to optimize the algorithm to achieve the best results.

Never forget that at the end of the day, Facebook wants to see content that puts people first. Do not hesitate to put yourself forward or have a spokesperson.

Questions to ask yourself?

  • How can I support my employees to engage them in our content strategy?
  • Can I unlock a budget for Facebook advertising?
  • Is my content varied enough?

Stay on top of the latest digital marketing trends.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest news, once a month, directly in your inbox.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter




    *By entering your email address, you agree to the Billy.Social Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    Written by
    profile picture

    Caroline Godin

    President & Founder

    info@staging.billy.social

    Bibliography

    Barnhart, B. (2020, August 3). How the Facebook algorithm works and ways to outsmart it. Sprout Social. Online.

    You will also like…

    2023-11-30T12:06:27-05:00