Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades – Episode 57 Summary
Title: The Secret Instagram Growth Hack to Get More Followers, Views, & Sales (Works like a charm)
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: Katelyn Rhoades
Powered By: Stan
1. Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 57 of Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades, host Katelyn delves into a potent Instagram growth strategy that significantly boosted her own follower count and engagement. She emphasizes the importance of the Instagram Explore page as a key tool for creators aiming to expand their reach and monetize their content effectively.
2. Understanding the Instagram Explore Page
Katelyn begins by defining the Instagram Explore page, explaining its role as a personalized hub where users discover new content tailored to their interests.
“The Explore page is basically a curated collection of new posts and reels based on your interest from accounts that you don't already follow.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [02:30]
She highlights how the Explore page adapts to user behavior, showcasing content similar to what users engage with, thereby facilitating discovery of new creators and brands.
3. Why Being on the Explore Page Matters
Katelyn underscores the significance of appearing on the Explore page for several reasons:
- Increased Visibility: Exposure to a broader audience beyond existing followers.
- Targeted Reach: Content is shown to users likely interested in similar topics.
- Enhanced Engagement: Higher interaction rates can lead to viral content.
“Getting featured on that Explore page is the perfect way to spread the word about your brand and your business.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [15:45]
4. How the Instagram Algorithm Determines Explore Page Content
Katelyn breaks down the algorithm's criteria for selecting content for the Explore page into three main signals:
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Post Activity: Measures engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares, and direct messages.
“How quickly did users engage with it? Was the post gaining traction with comments? Was it getting a lot of likes?”
— Katelyn Rhoades [09:20] -
Activity in the Explorer: Considers how users interact with content on the Explore page, refining future content suggestions.
“If you accidentally spend too much time on a certain topic, the algorithm might show more of that in your Explore feed.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [07:50] -
Information About the Person Who Posted: Evaluates the creator's overall engagement within a recent timeframe to assess content relevance.
She explains that understanding these signals can help creators tailor their content to meet the algorithm’s preferences, increasing the likelihood of being featured.
5. Benefits of Featuring on the Explore Page
Appearing on the Explore page offers numerous advantages:
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Boosted Engagement: Posts receive more likes, comments, and shares, enhancing overall visibility.
“If your reel shows up on the regular feed and starts gaining traction, then going to the Explore page is when it typically blows up or goes viral.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [19:10] -
Follower Growth: Exposure to potential followers who are genuinely interested in the content.
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Sales Increase: Higher visibility can translate to more conversions and sales for creators and businesses.
6. Strategies to Get on the Explore Page
Katelyn outlines actionable strategies to enhance the chances of being featured on the Explore page:
a. Experiment with Different Content Types
Diverse content formats can attract varying levels of engagement. Katelyn encourages creators to test reels, carousels, and static posts to identify what resonates most with their audience.
“You need to see what's going to get the most traction from your audience so that the algorithm will push it to a new audience.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [25:00]
b. Collaborate with Other Creators
Partnering with like-minded creators can introduce content to new audiences, fostering mutual growth.
“Partnering with other creators helps you tap into their audience and get in front of a new pool of people.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [28:15]
c. Utilize Keywords and Hashtags Effectively
Katelyn differentiates between keywords and hashtags, emphasizing their combined power in making content discoverable.
“Keywords help the algorithm serve your content to the right audience, so use them wisely alongside relevant hashtags.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [32:45]
She suggests using a mix of specific, industry-related, and general hashtags to maximize reach.
d. Leverage Insights and Repurpose Content
Analyzing performance metrics to identify top-performing content and repurposing it with fresh angles can sustain and boost engagement.
“Repurposing content typically ends up performing either just as good or better than the first time.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [35:50]
e. Optimize Calls to Action and Implement DM Automation
Effective calls to action (CTAs) encourage interactions, which the algorithm favors. Implementing Direct Message (DM) automation can streamline user engagement.
“Your call to action is how you get people to comment on your posts, which signals the algorithm to promote your content more.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [38:30]
f. Engage Actively Using the 555 Method
Katelyn introduces the "555 Method" as a daily engagement strategy to signal activity to the algorithm.
“Give it 15 minutes a day by commenting on three posts in your feed, replying to three stories, and commenting on three posts in the Explore page.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [45:10]
This consistent interaction helps maintain and increase visibility within the Instagram ecosystem.
7. Additional Tips and Resources
Katelyn offers supplementary advice for sustained growth:
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Join Communities: Utilizing resources like Club Influence for content prompts and templates can save time and enhance content quality.
“Join Club Influence where we provide you with reels prompts and Canva templates to streamline your content creation process.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [30:50] -
Use Analytics Tools: Platforms like Metricool can help track performance and schedule content efficiently.
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Maintain an Engagement Strategy: Committing to regular interaction ensures continuous growth and algorithm favorability.
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Katelyn wraps up the episode by reiterating the pivotal role of the Explore page in Instagram growth. She encourages creators to set clear goals focused on leveraging the Explore page to amplify their presence, attract new followers, and drive sales.
“If you don't have a goal for Instagram this year, it should be how can I get on that Explore page and reach new eyes and new people.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [50:20]
She invites listeners to participate in a 28-day engagement challenge designed to provide actionable steps for boosting Instagram visibility, emphasizing the importance of commitment and consistency.
“Don’t get down on yourself. It takes time, it takes commitment, and it takes consistency to really see growth on this app.”
— Katelyn Rhoades [52:45]
Katelyn concludes by expressing gratitude to the audience and encouraging feedback through reviews on platforms like Apple and Spotify.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on the Explore Page: Central to expanding reach and increasing engagement.
- Understand the Algorithm: Tailor content based on post activity, user interaction, and creator's recent engagement.
- Diverse Content Strategy: Test various formats to identify what best resonates with the audience.
- Collaborate and Engage: Partnerships and active engagement strategies like the 555 Method can accelerate growth.
- Utilize Tools and Resources: Leverage platforms and communities to enhance content creation and performance tracking.
By implementing these strategies, creators can harness the power of the Instagram Explore page to transform their social media presence into a profitable venture.