The simple explanation would be to say that algorithms are the process of finding specific solutions to a specific problem. Or we could say the algorithm is a mythical formula for getting things done; we could call it the wizard’s spell for the modern ages, and a definite recipe for success.
Google’s Algorithms
Founded in 1998, Google’s founders started the search engine giant with the ambition to organise the world’s information. (This is according to Randall Stross in his book Plant Google: ‘Full of Revelations’ Guardian.)
As part of the manner in which they set out to organise this information, they developed certain algorithms. These are various pieces of code that function to help to organise the information according to how relevant people find the information as opposed to what information the advertisers want people to find.
Google gives their algorithm updates various names such as Panda, Penguin and Hummingbird. One of the latest major algorithm releases happened in 2016 with Penguin 4.0. The original version of Penguin was all about combatting link spam and used to run intermittently. 4.0 now runs in real time. The benefit is that if your site is penalised because of a spammy link, one you remove it so will the penalties be removed because the algorithm is constantly being updated.
Social media marketing and algorithms
An algorithm in social media is what determines the content that social media users will see. This has a huge impact on social media marketing because algorithm changes on this platform effect the organic content that brands put out on their social channels. This means that for their content to be seen by the audiences that they want to, brands need to resort to advertising as opposed to solely relying on organic reach.
Instagram Algorithm Factors
With over 1 billion monthly users, Instagram is the fastest-growing of the social media platforms. This makes is a great place for brands to undertake their social media marketing. Here are a couple of tips on how to manage the algorithm on Instagram: