Salsa, Mambo, Waltz, Zumba, what do these all have in common? They flow to a rhythm. A beat. They have a consistency that can be seen. Different steps and different music can tie together and create something beautiful. Something that onlookers appreciate. If you can imagine Algorithms as a Waltz, then you can understand how they work on social media platforms.

First off, let’s define what an algorithm is. An algorithm is a combination of factors that helps the social media platform decide which content should be prioritized and seen, and which can be bumped to the bottom of a user’s newsfeed. It helps determine what will gain the most reaction. Does this sound familiar? Dancing is a combination of moves that helps the audience decide which moves are more appealing. Which moves will gain the most reaction out of the audience. The priority moves are placed in specific parts of the song that calls for reaction. The easier, less appealing moves are put throughout the song because they’re just there as filler.

Algorithms are extremely important if you want your company to be seen. Millions of companies and small businesses are utilizing social media now as their main form of marketing and communication. In order to set yourself apart from the rest, you have to keep up to date with the rapid changing algorithm requirements for each platform. What are these requirements? That’s something you’ll have to do your own research on. But I can tell you that each platform has a specific difference in how they put your posts and information in front of your consumers. Certain features on each platform could include, how much engagement your post has, what the consumer has in their history, similar businesses that the consumer follows, what types of posts the consumer interacts with, how the consumer interacts with your posts, etc.

Yes, it’s all very confusing. But it’s extremely vital if you want to ensure social media dominance over your competitors. Yes, it is extremely time consuming. Yes, it is ever evolving as each media platform gains and wavers in popularity. They help maintain an order in which consumers can comprehend their newsfeed. Once you understand how algorithms work and what you need to do, it becomes easier to create content for your social media page. Stay on top of trends, stay on top of “breaking social media news”, and maybe you’ll become just as popular as big box businesses. “Go with the flow” of the dance, move with the moves, flip with the flips. Get the rhythm down and you’ll be on top of your social media marketing game in no time.