What Content Creators Should Focus on Instead of Algorithms

If you hadn’t noticed, Instagram updated its algorithm again earlier this month, and it’s worse than ever.

If you’re looking for a post with details on how to hack the newest update and make it work in your favor, skip this one, because it isn’t that. I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m done chasing Instagram waterfalls for the foreseeable future.

Today, I want to chat about on what content creators should be focused on instead. Because algorithm and platform policies are going to continue to change daily. There really isn’t anything you can do about it but accept it and roll on.

What you do have control over, however, is your ability to create great content and connect with your audience in creative and innovative ways. For every plea you post urging someone to turn on notifications for your new posts or leaving disingenuous comments in hopes that the algorithm gods smile upon your forced engagement, you’re wasting valuable time and energy.

Take that time and those efforts and funnel them into servicing your audience, doing more of what you love (creating) and investing in your brand.

Here are some things you should be focused on instead of ever changing algorithms.

Taking Online or In-Person Courses

I’ve been spending so much time self-teaching on YouTube and taking classes on SkillShare this month. It’s great to see the fruits of your labor after investing time in a course. Producing great content is the best way to ensure you keep growing and expanding your brand. Staying on top of your skills and making sure you can do what you do well is key.

Upgrading Your Tech

Buying my camera was the best investment I made in the blog last year. But it took a lot of research and time before I was ready to make a purchase. Now that it’s a new year, I’m ready to make more upgrades and you probably are too. Spend some time researching what other people in your niche are using to create killer content and start making a plan!

Talking to your Audience 

I do a reader survey every year and it becomes more and more valuable. I love hearing directly from you guys what you liked, disliked and what I should try moving forward. Having two way communication with your audience is essential to create content that serves them. If you know what they want, you can create what they need.

Upgrading Older Content

If you’ve been blogging for a while, you probably have some content that’s years old and could use some sprucing up. That could mean resizing new images, updating links or adding new information so you can keep it relevant (to Google and your readers) and re-promote it on your social channels to drive traffic. Keep a running list of posts that need to be updated and knock out a few every month.

Trying New Mediums 

Launching a YouTube channel wasn’t just a great move for me as a blogger, it was a great creative next step. I’ve been working with words and images only for the entire time I’ve been creating content online (since I was 15). Trying a new medium helped me expand my reach and flex my creative muscle a bit, which I love. Learning all about filming and editing is a beast, but I’m loving every second.

Living an Inspired Life

Once you stop living and taking in new experiences, creating becomes more of a chore than a choice. Travel more. Go to happy hours and conferences. Have conversations that keep the creative and critical thinking side of your brain stimulate. Read more books. Take more photos, just because. Spend time making memories that will inspire your work. It counts for so much more than Instagram could ever offer.

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If you want to hear my thoughts on how algorithm changes impact smaller creators and what we should do about it, watch my latest YouTube video. It’s all laid out there.

What are you going to be putting more focus into this year? Let me know in the comments!