Alex Finn
@AlexFinnX
Engagement feel down for you?
It’s because you keep breaking the rules of the algorithm
I went through all 13,000 lines of code
Here are 6 landmines in the algo that are destroying your reach, and what you can do to fix it
https://twitter.com/AlexFinnX/status/1758910031003586731
Relics of twitter 1.0
You're following too many people
Following too many people will destroy your reach
The algo calculates your follow to following ratio, and if it's off, your engagement will suffer
It stinks this is a part of the algorithm, following should be encouraged
ACTION ITEMS
You want your following to be max 60% of your followers
If your ratio is off, DON'T start mass unfollowing people
You can get banned for unfollowing people too quick
Do this slowly over time
🔶 Interacting with low reputation accounts
Your reputation is partially based on the reputation of people you interact with
Reply to someone with a bad following ratio? Someone who talks about controversial topics?
You'll get dinged too
ACTION ITEMS
Before interacting with ANYONE, quickly verify their account
Hover over their name and quickly view their follower/following ratio
Don't reply to comments under the "show more replies" button at the bottom
Build a strong network and stick to them
🔶 Talking about controversial topics
There are blacklisted topics you cannot talk about on this platform
It isn't available in the front end code, so you need to make your best guesses here on what they are
Best bet: don't get too spicy on your timeline
ACTION ITEMS
Talk about trending topics, but don't get too controversial
Put yourself in an advertiser's shoes.
If whatever you're talking about would make an advertiser uncomfortable, you probably don't want to talk about it
🔶 Using outside links
Using outside links immediately destroys your reach
It makes sense too, X doesn't want you leaving the platform
They want to keep you on here as long as possible
Allowing you to use outside links means you spend less time here
ACTION ITEMS
Never include outside links with your original post
If you need to include a link, reply to your original post with the link
By having it in the replies, it doesn't impact your reach too much
🔶 Using hashtags
Hashtags are dead
Not only are they ugly, but they now dock your reach
If you're still using hashtags it's time to move on
🔶 Don't be a jerk
There is code to detect if you're being offensive
Use harsh, aggressive language, and you're not going to be seen on the timeline
Like everything in life: just try to be a good person and everything will work out
All of these landmines can be summarized in one way:
Be a good person and create content that makes X a better place
The algo is constantly changing and I'm in the code every day
To get the latest insight on the codebase, make sure to keep it tuned to
@AlexFinnX