The lifecycle of a new Instagram follower

Each different post type on Instagram has different benefits and advantages in the algorithms that help you generate engagement, deepen your relationship with your audience, or expand your reach. And yes - I did say algorithms, plural. During Instagram's Creators Week, we got a bit of an insight into how all of these different formats play together and how the app determines what our followers see and don't see. According to Instagram themselves, there are multiple different algorithms for the different formats of content - feed, IGTV, Reels, etc - and so understanding that these different pieces are treated and distributed differently, and therefore play different roles is essential to building a cohesive strategy.

These different post types also play different roles in the lifecycle of a new follower - or the funnel, you could say, of how new people find you and get to know you on Instagram. And I want to share that framework with you as well in this episode because I think it will be helpful for you to understand how all of these different types of content play a role in someone new getting to know you, and your follower's journey overall. It's really similar to making a new friend because ultimately I believe that growing your presence on Instagram, at least in the beginning, should be about building relationships and growing friendships.