How To Beat Facebook Algorithm In 2024?

Social media has become an essential part of any brand’s marketing strategy, and Facebook stands out as the largest social networking site, with a staggering 3.5 million active users.

As a brand owner or marketer, it’s natural to want to leverage Facebook’s massive user base to promote your products or services. However, you must first understand how the Facebook algorithm works to achieve profitable marketing on Facebook.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the specifics of the Facebook algorithm, its history, and the most effective strategies for maximizing its potential.

From understanding the different ranking factors to creating engaging content that resonates with your target audience, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to make the most out of Facebook’s algorithm and boost your brand’s online presence. 

So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to successful marketing on the world’s largest social media platform!

What is Facebook algorithm?

Despite its reputation as a mystery or enigma, the Facebook algorithm is not as complicated as it may seem. Over the years, marketers and advertisers have witnessed changes in the algorithm that have negatively impacted their organic reach and ad performance.

The Facebook algorithm is a complex set of rules and processes that determine what content is shown to users on the platform. According to Facebook, it analyzes a wide variety of factors, including a user’s past behavior on the platform, the post’s content, the level of engagement it has received, and the time and location of the post.

The algorithm is designed to ensure that users see the most relevant and interesting content. It also promotes high-quality content that generates engagement and fosters community on the platform.

However, the algorithm is constantly evolving and changing, so it can take time for users and content creators to predict precisely how their posts will be ranked and displayed to others.

Related: Social Media Algorithms 2024: Updates & Tips by Platform

How does Facebook algorithm work?

Facebook’s algorithm determines what content users see in their News Feed. The algorithm uses a variety of factors to determine the relevance and importance of each post to each user. 

Here are some key factors that influence the Facebook algorithm:

It’s designed to deliver the most relevant and engaging content to each user based on their interests and interactions with the platform. The algorithm can be broken down into four main factors:

• Inventory

This refers to all the content available on Facebook, including posts, photos, videos, and more. The algorithm needs to determine which content to show to each user.

• Ranking Signals

Facebook uses a wide range of signals to determine how relevant and engaging each piece of content is to each user. These signals include the content’s recency, how many likes and comments it has, how long people spend looking at it, and more.

• Prediction

Based on the ranking signals, the algorithm predicts how likely a user is to engage with each piece of content. For example, if a user typically engages more with videos than with photos, the algorithm will prioritize showing them videos.

• Score

Finally, the algorithm assigns each piece of content a score based on its predicted engagement level. The content with the highest score is then shown to the user in their News Feed.

Facebook’s algorithm is constantly evolving and being updated to provide a better user experience. However, by understanding the key factors that influence the algorithm, businesses and content creators can optimize their content for maximum visibility and engagement on the platform.

Related Read: Instagram Algorithm In 2024: How To Beat It?

Major Facebook algorithm changes

The Facebook algorithm took a big turn in 2018 with meaningful interaction updates. The following events are as follow:

Meaningful interactions update (2018)

Facebook accepted the responsibility for the mental impact of this social networking site on users’ mental health in 2018. They made changes to improve the quality of time spent on Facebook. The Facebook algorithm started to prioritize posts with higher concentration so that people could interact effectively. 

Why I am seeing this post (2019)

Facebook algorithms ranked high-quality, original videos that keep users watching for 1 minute and hold attention for 3 minutes. Facebook also started bumping up content from close friends, which people engage with the most. The “why I am seeing this post” update was introduced.

News credibility (2020)

Facebook decoded some algorithm details in 2020. They helped the user to take control of their data to give algorithms better feedback. As a result, the algorithms increased the incredibility and quality of news articles to promote substantiated news rather than spread misinformation.

Machine learning and AI (2021)

With organic reach at an all-time low, Facebook introduced machine learning to this day. Facebook uses AI and machine learning to run its algorithm and offer a better experience to users.

Show stories that are meaningful (2022)

In 2022 Facebook decides what to show the news feed using three ranking signals. Who posted it, Type of content, and interaction with the post.

AI-driven content (2023)

In 2023, the algorithm has evolved to be AI-driven, tailored to deliver personalized content to users based on their preferences and behavior.

Expected Facebook Changes in 2024:

Predicted time spent on a post

AI helps predict how long users are likely to spend viewing a post. In order to make this prediction, signals such as previous interactions and content type are analyzed.

Relevance score calculation

A relevance score is calculated for each post and used to rank content in users’ feeds. This score is influenced by the type of content, user interactions, and the amount of time a user spends viewing posts in the same category.

Transparency and control for users

Facebook aims to provide more transparency and authority to its users. This includes features like the “Show More, Show Less” tool, which allows users to customize their News Feed. They can also create a “Favorites” lists to save their desired posts.

How to beat Facebook algorithm?

Beating the Facebook algorithms may seem like a daunting task given the circumstances, but it’s not impossible to do. Here are 14 things you can try:

1. Post regularly and timely

Keep an eye out for the best time to post on Facebook

Posting your content at the right time is important, as posting at the wrong time can negatively impact your organic engagements.

There are specific times that are optimal for posting, and by tracking your insights, you can determine the peak time to post for your brand.

However, this metric is particular and varies from brand to brand. To determine what works best for your brand, experiment by posting at different times and analyzing the results to see what yields the most impactful engagement.

By doing so, you can find the best times to post and increase the effectiveness of your content.

Read up on the Best Time and Days to Post on Social Media in 2024

Be consistent in your postings

It’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to posting content on Facebook. Every brand is unique and has its audience with different preferences and behaviors. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to determine the posting frequency that works best for your brand based on your goals and the needs of your audience.

Once you’ve determined the posting frequency that works best for your brand, maintaining consistency is essential. Consistency in posting is key to maintaining engagement and reaching your audience effectively on Facebook. With tools like ContentStudio’s free Facebook post generator, you can streamline your content creation process and ensure a steady flow of posts that align with your brand’s identity and audience preferences.

Basic status posts also have high engagement

You can simply ask questions or post updates for better engagements. It is basic, and you shouldn’t use this for every post, but still, it is an excellent strategy to bring engagement to your page. Think creatively about the question you can ask. You may even generate future content from their responses.

2. Facebook live

Social media algorithms prioritize live videos over regular ones, making them more likely to be seen by your audience.

Going live on your social media platforms can help you connect with your followers in real time, which can be a great way to engage with them and increase your online presence.

So, if you haven’t tried going live yet, give it a shot and see how it can benefit you!

3. Facebook stories

Facebook stories are another great way to connect with your audience. They last for 24 hours. Stories are full-screen, creative, customizable overlays which means ways to be more authentic and less perfect. 

4. Facebook reels

It’s evident that Facebook algorithms favor reels content, and Facebook itself has acknowledged this fact. To make the most of this advantage, incorporate reels into your brand strategy as much as possible.

With ample evidence to support this assumption, there’s no reason to ignore the potential benefits of creating reels on Facebook.

Related Read: An Ultimate Guide to Facebook Reels

5. Keep your hashtag game strong

Hashtags may seem like an overrated factor, but they strongly impact when put appropriately. So keep your hashtags relevant, unique, limited, and memorable to watch your brand engagement soar to greater heights.

Here is an example of how Mari Smith is choosing hashtags while uploading statuses about Mark Zuckerberg. You can also use free & paid hashtag-generating tools for Facebook.

Related Read: How to Use Hashtags for Your Social Media Posts in 2022

6. Do not manipulate the algorithm

Legally and morally, it is corrupt to manipulate algorithms from human ends. The cyberspace administration of China issued a statement that reveals that users aren’t allowed to register a false account, give incorrect information about products or services, or carry out the unfair competition using algorithms.

Facebook algorithms are smart enough to catch privacy violations that lead to temporary or permanent suspension of your Facebook account.

Read-Up on How To Solve ‘Facebook Account Restricted’ Issue?

7. Utilize Facebook ads

Facebook ads help brands get more visibility and traffic to their website. You can customize your audience, age, gender, demographics, interest, and behaviors while setting up your Facebook ads.

The best advantage is that you reach a specific audience that might be interested in your product and will change into your customers eventually.

As a result, you can boost awareness, engagement, impression sales, and much more. 

Example: Zeen is promoting new clothing articles through Facebook ads

8. Inspect insights and analytics

Facebook business pages can track useful insight with an array of useful tools. This is outrageous because it tells what type of your content is working in your favor.

Acknowledging insights helps you curate more content in those areas. It also supports you improve the content in areas where it might be lacking.

Related Read: 12 Best Social Media Analytics Tools For Marketers

9. Understand your target audience

One of the impactful features of Facebook platforms is their ability to catch an extremely specific audience. Facebook can customize who can see your past, and it works in paid and non-paid posts.

Aside from the technical aspect, it is important to remember who you are trying to reach while building your content. Real-time communication with your audience is a reliable way to build your brand and forges a relationship with your clients.

Since the algorithms encourage pushing meaningful content, it makes sense that local content has the potential to be extremely engaging.

So, publish content specific to a city or town rather than a whole state.

10. Stay engaged with your audience

Spark conversations

You can spark conversation by asking an interesting question. The other way around, you can also ask something about trending topics.

This will increase your engagement, and you might also appear in the news feeds. You can also get personal with them by telling a small story about your business or life.

Product photos, videos, infographics, or brand graphics are some other ways to spark conversation. 

Bill Gates is sharing a heartfelt story about his father on his Facebook status. People who have lost their fathers may relate to this post. 

Respond to customers

Respond to the customers in real time. Try to use an automated messaging tool to keep them engaged until you get online.

Even just a few bad reviews, services, response time, or the product being inquired about can make or break the business. 

Here is an example of Roger (a telecommunication company) interacting with their customer in real time.

Troubled by negative comments from your customers? Learn how to positively handle negative comments on social media?

11. Avoid engagement bait

Engagement bait is the urge of people to interact with each other through likes, comments, and shares in order to artificially boost engagement and get greater reach. However, you can do a workaround.

The best way to avoid engagement bait is if people tag their friends in your posts without you asking, this means your content is exciting and relevant. 

Related Read: 9 Social Media Copywriting Strategies That Boost Engagement

12. Verify your Facebook page

Facebook page verification provides credibility to your brand page. It draws a fine line between real pages and fake pages run by an imposter.

Moreover, Facebook prioritizes real profiles and real pages and ranks them in the news feed. You can verify your page by adding your name, contact number/ email, and address. Then, Facebook will send you a four-digit code that you will put in a bar to set up your verification. 

13. Focus on building communities

Creating a community for your brand will help you reach your target audience rather than relying on Facebook alone. Facebook groups are a hidden world that is taking over in terms of engagement.

Try to add your fans to the focused Facebook group. Think about the interest your audience share and share relevant content.

Attract new community members with Facebook ads and try to do live videos for better interaction. Also, know how to build a Facebook community for SAAS business.

Building community is essential because it elevates your position in the industry and your authenticity in your niche. Undoubtedly, Facebook groups serve best for this purpose.

Here is another example of the Fiverr Exchange group. Everyone shares their Fiverr profile and tries to bring impressions. Every member of this group has a common interest; Fiverr growth. 

14. Be authentic

Let us face reality; no one appreciates misinformation. So when you post on your brand’s page, remember only post genuine substantiated information.

If your content has deep and fake news or male file claims, it will be de-ranked by the Facebook algorithms and thus impact your reach.

Explore More: How can you be authentic on social media?

Final words

After many years, Facebook still is one the most effective and impactful ways to establish your brand and reach potential connections. However, your brand success is up to you and how you utilize Facebook in the best way possible.

It is not an overnight process but can be achieved with consistency and proper content planning. That’s the key: there’s no quick way to succeed on Facebook. It takes time, but the best strategy is to create top-notch content that gets people involved and follows all the rules. If you stick to that, you’ll see your follower count go up before you know it!

Don’t be afraid of Facebook algorithms; beat them up and build your empire today!

FAQS

Why am I not seeing friends’ Facebook posts?

Facebook Algorithm cuts down the noise; they look at which friends you have interacted with the most and bring their posts to your news feed. It is the same for all brand pages you follow. So any page you interact with the most will often show in your feed. 

Do all my Facebook friends see all my posts?

Your post is visible to 35% of your friend list. Every week users’ news feed change. Facebook changed its algorithm to determine which posts appear in your news feed this week. 

How does Facebook decide who sees your posts?

The Facebook algorithm decides which posts people see every time they check their news feed and in what order those posts appear. These algorithms evaluate every post. It scores posts and arranges them in order of interest for each user.