Why the Instagram Algorithm Boosts Posts With Strong Engagement

How much do you know about the Instagram algorithm and its ever-changing pace? The truth is that every beauty business needs to have an online presence. Every entrepreneur knows that social media can either make or break their brand (you constantly have to adapt and follow all the marketing trends). By understanding the algorithm and incorporating it tactically, you can spark conversations, make a profit, and generate long-term client loyalty. If you want to maximize your potential, it’s time to get strategic.

Top 5 Reasons Why Instagram Boosts Posts With Strong Engagement (And How To Be One Of Them)

1. Understanding Post Format Ranking

The Instagram algorithm has clear preferences when it comes to content types. Some posts will naturally do better than others, and some formats organically feed into the algorithm. Right now, Reels are the stars of the show. Why?

A) They are very dynamic
B) Content is fast-paced and easier to digest
C) Engagement and connection are set right off the bat

Next in line are carousels. These perform well because they encourage users to swipe on a post and spend a couple of seconds longer looking and reading the picture, combined with the caption. They work great if you want:

A) To create a step-by-step tutorial
B) Showcase different (new) hairstyling products
C) Create a gorgeous hair transformation

Lastly, static images, while still useful, generally rank lower. Only 20% of your posts should be static, and the rest should be equally divided amongst reels and carousels.

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2. Engagement Signals That Matter Most

The Instagram algorithm is essentially built to reward interaction. Remember the good old days when we would leave likes for likes and do follows for follows? Well, think of it like that, but only way more optimized and upgraded.

The truth is, engagement is not weighted equally. Likes are nice, but saves, comments, and shares carry far more weight. Why? Because they signal to Instagram that your post isn’t just interesting, but rather valuable.

For salons and beauty professionals, this means creating content that people want to come back to. A Reel demonstrating how to use specific hair dyes, a carousel showing a before-and-after nourishing treatment, is more likely to be saved than a generic image.

Another major pro tip: ask for comments, leave comments, and read the comments. Asking engaging questions in captions (“Which look do you love more?”) encourages dialogue, which boosts visibility and makes your clients feel like they’re a part of the journey.

3. SEO Indexing: A New Algorithm Priority

Instagram isn’t just a visual platform anymore.. Nowadays, it’s a very unique search engine that has its own specific set of rules. One of the algorithm’s most recent shifts is the integration of SEO indexing (very helpful and quite easy to utilize).
This means using keywords strategically in captions, on-screen text, and even alt text can help your posts show up when users search specific terms.

How to execute? Well, if someone types ‘balayage highlights’ or ‘affordable shampoos’ directly into Instagram’s search bar, your post is more likely to appear as their top content if it has some of those keywords written in the caption. Nowadays, this makes keyword planning just as important on Instagram as it is on Google.

To take advantage of this, think about the words your clients use when searching for services or inspiration. What’s your unique feature? What does your hair salon specialize in, and what are some of the most-asked questions you get from your regulars? Add these naturally into your captions. Use descriptive alt text for accessibility and visibility. And when creating Reels, include keywords on-screen as text overlays to combine the best of both worlds!

4. Creating Posts That Work With the Algorithm

When you understand how the Instagram algorithm boosts posts, you can build a content strategy that aligns with its priorities. The formula isn’t complicated, but it can vary based on the industry you’re in, your audience, and where you live.
In the end, it all comes down to choosing the right format, encouraging meaningful engagement, and optimizing for SEO.

For example, let’s say you want to promote a specific shampoo that’s on sale right now at your hair salon. You could create:

• A Reel showing the step-by-step process with phenomenal results. You can do the process on a client at the salon, or ask one of your regulars to film a quick DIY at home. According to TheShelf.com, “Videos will get 3x the engagement—so why post anything else?” Make sure it’s a show-stopping video that you can reuse whenever that product goes on sale.
• A carousel comparing before-and-after images. In this scenario, having a talk-through and narrating what it is you’re doing within 30 seconds or less will have an amazing impact. Film the video as if you’re talking to a friend, and try to teach your customers a helpful new trick.
• Aim for a caption that asks followers which version of hair color or hairstyle they prefer, encouraging comments. As the debate begins within the comment section, try to reply to everyone to get the engagement going.
• Alt text that reads “Glossy blonde hair after Blondifier treatment in salon” (or any other hair treatment that’s popular in your salon).

This combination hits all the algorithm’s sweet spots: preferred format, engagement triggers, and SEO indexing!

5. Why Consistency is Key

The algorithm favors consistent creators. Consistency will always win, just like quality always outperforms quantity.
Posting sporadically won’t help you increase reach, no matter how good the content is. Instead, commit to a regular schedule that mixes different formats, yet where effort, hard work, and creation are visible. Reels can be your weekly spotlight, carousels can support education, and static posts can reinforce branding.

When followers know they can rely on you for regular tips, tutorials, or transformations, they’re more likely to engage.

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