Why the Algorithm Isn’t Your Real Problem
And what to focus on instead if you actually want to grow on Instagram
Hello my lovely fashpreneurs! Happy Thursday.
Today we’re going there...
The algorithm.
Oh no 😱
Yep I get it - I usually avoid talking about this topic, so it’s kind of ironic that I’m writing a blog post on it.
But I’m not here to give you some mythical breakdown of how the Instagram algorithm works. (Spoiler: no one really knows, not even the people who work at Instagram. 😂)
Instead, I’m taking you down a different path - one that’s probably not as popular, but way more powerful. You ready?
If you’re obsessing over the algorithm, you’re looking in the wrong direction.
I seriously want to cry when I see business owners spending more time worrying about what the algorithm is doing…
...than focusing on what their audience is doing. 😩
You might follow IG experts who swear by the latest tips:
➡️ “Post 5 reels a week!”
➡️ “Carousels are back!”
➡️ “Stories are dead!”
➡️ “Use this audio before it’s gone!”
And to be fair, some of that advice is totally valid.
But most of it skips over the real secret to Instagram success:
👉 Focus on your people.
Wait... isn’t understanding the algorithm important?
Sure, a little. But here's the deal:
📌 The algorithm likes what your people like.
That’s it. That’s the rule.
If your content makes your people happy, the algorithm’s happy.
So instead of trying to game the system, put your energy into understanding your community:
What do they enjoy?
What gets them excited to comment or DM you?
What kind of content makes them pause, save, or share?
Because when your people engage → Instagram takes note → Your content gets shown to more people. Magic, right?
Let’s bust a few myths while we’re here:
❌ “I need to post more Reels because that’s what Instagram wants right now.”
✅ Actually: You need to post more of what works for your audience. If that’s Reels, awesome. If it’s carousels or Stories, that’s fine too.
❌ “I should switch up my strategy based on what the gurus are saying.”
✅ Nope. Sudden shifts often confuse your audience (and you). Refine what’s already working, don’t constantly reinvent it.
So… what should you actually do?
Here’s what I want you to take away from this:
💥 Don’t get caught up in the algorithm.
It changes all the time. Let it go.
💥 Focus on your people.
Create content they care about — content that helps, entertains, inspires, or connects.
💥 Check your Insights regularly.
Let the data guide your decisions. What performed well? Do more of that.
💥 Double down on your Signature Reels.
Use your repeatable formats. Make them better each week. Show your products in creative, consistent ways.
💥 Inject your personality.
Your secret sauce is YOU. Stories are the perfect place to get personal, that’s where real connection happens.
💥 Stay consistent.
Growth comes from showing up, learning, and adjusting. Not panicking over what you “should” be doing.
To sum it all up:
The algorithm isn’t the enemy.
But it’s not your friend either.
Your real focus should be:
Your people
Your content
Your brand’s voice
Your consistency
Everything else? Noise. Ignore it. You’ve got better things to do.
Let me know what resonated with you — DM me or reply to my next newsletter. I love hearing what clicks!
You’re doing great.
You don’t need hacks — you need heart. 💖
Love,
Sarah x
@sarahjsocials
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