Instagram’s massive user base of 1.47 billion monthly active users is a great potential for companies to reach a large audience. The image-based nature of the app makes it easy to design effective marketing campaigns that will grab the attention of users, prompt them to engage with the material by like and commenting, and ultimately convert them into paying customers.
When Instagram released its new algorithm in 2016, the game shifted drastically. That marked the end of the chronological feed; from then on, posts would be prioritised according to how actively their readers interacted with them. Because of the modification, less well-known companies have a lot more difficult time promoting their goods than before, unless they form partnerships with well-known influencers (learn more about affiliate marketing on fintelconnect.com).
However, as is often the case, necessity spawned innovation, and enterprising people came up with a solution to the problem in the form of Instagram pods. The pods have been met with mixed reactions, with some people thinking they’re brilliant and others dismissing them as nothing more than a passing fad. But what are the facts, and how can you put them to use to expand your company? That is a question we intend to address.
Instagram Pods: What Are They?
The concept of the pods is straightforward: a group of Instagrammers, bloggers, or companies join a private messaging service to discuss the content of their latest post. Pod members are expected to respond to the post in some way, whether it is by like, commenting, following, or sharing. Instagram’s algorithm receives a signal that the post is of ‘value’ when they like, comment, or share it, which increases the post’s visibility in the user’s feed and the likelihood that it will be found in a search or recommendation.
Instagram Groups: How to Get Started
OK, so you understand how Instagram pods function; now what? That might prove to be a bit complicated. Instagram’s smaller pods tend to be discreet and don’t promote membership signups publicly. You may either ask around and indicate that you’re interested in joining, or you can start your own group and invite others who share your interest.
Whether you use social media or messaging apps, pods are widely available on modern networking sites. Facebook, Telegram, and Reddit are the top three most visited websites. Since they are hosted by an external service, joining is typically simpler, and the group size may expand accordingly.
The Potential Benefits of Instagram Pods
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the pods are here to assist you outsmart the algorithm that could be limiting your brand’s exposure. More exposure means more potential customers who could be persuaded to make a purchase from your company.
Mass-pods will get you more eyes on your content quickly, but niche-pods might lead to more meaningful conversations. You should keep in mind that Instagram groups can only have 32 people. It’s possible that the algorithm won’t see your post if there are only so many interactions.
Furthermore, the possibility to network with other professionals is greatly enhanced by Instagram pods. Since it facilitates communication, connection building, and trust, networking has always played a significant role in the corporate world. Some smaller pods may facilitate the exchange of useful knowledge even if the rules emphasise the commercial component of pod collaboration.
You Must Engage With Nonsense Material
Being part of a mass-pod means you’ll have to deal with stuff that’s meant for a much wider audience and isn’t necessarily of the highest quality. Some of your followers may lose interest in your brand if they notice your conversations and random postings. It’s possible, though unlikely, that you’ll be required to engage with material that conflicts with the standards of your employer.
To What Extent Do Instagram Pods Actually Work?
Now that you know how Instagram pods function, we can start thinking about how to put that knowledge to work to expand your business. The fate of your journey rides on the pod you pick. Knowing this, you may choose between a smaller one that generates more meaningful interaction but has a lesser total number, or a larger one that gives you a boost but raises suspicions about your motives.
It might be difficult to choose a pod out of the many available if you have never taken part in a pod activity before. Here are some suggestions that may help you make a decision that will be beneficial to your business:
If you want to steer clear of irrelevant information, it’s a good idea to find your niche, or at least a group whose profiles can be of interest to your company.
It’s possible that medium-sized pods, or perhaps just a few smaller ones, may be ideal for deep interaction.
Join up with just the most professional-sounding profiles to keep things on the level.
It might be challenging for a new business with a small fan base to get acceptance into the most popular pods. As a result, you should keep looking for methods to naturally expand your fan base.
Instagram engagement pods are a useful supplement, but they shouldn’t be the main focus of your expansion efforts. Putting your best foot forward in terms of product quality and constant, engaging content for your target demographic will be your top priorities. All the best!