Let’s have an honest conversation about the toxic relationship most of us have been having with the algorithm.

You know the one.

Where you’re constantly trying to figure out what Instagram “wants” today. Posting at the “optimal times.” Using the “right number of hashtags.” Generally contorting yourself into whatever shape you think will get you more reach.

How’s that working out for you?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

The Day I Stopped Caring About the Algorithm

Here’s what nobody tells you about chasing the algorithm: it’s exhausting, it’s unsustainable, and worst of all—it doesn’t even work.

You’re over here stressing about posting at 3:47 PM on a Tuesday because some guru said that’s when engagement peaks, meanwhile your ideal clients are scrolling at 9 PM in their pajamas.

You’re using trending sounds that have absolutely nothing to do with your message because TikTok told you audio is king.

You’re creating content for everyone instead of someone specific, and wondering why nobody’s actually converting.

I broke up with the algorithm. And my business got better.

The Great Algorithm Breakup: What Changed

What I Stopped Doing:

❌ Posting at “optimal times” that wrecked my actual schedule
❌ Using trending sounds that had nothing to do with my message
❌ Chasing whatever format was supposedly “performing best” this week
❌ Stressing about hashtag research instead of creating value
❌ Making content for everyone instead of someone specific

What I Started Doing:

✅ Posting when I had something genuinely valuable to share
✅ Creating content my ideal clients actually needed to see
✅ Having real conversations in comments and DMs
✅ Focusing on building relationships, not collecting likes ✅ Measuring success by actual business results, not vanity metrics

The Results? Not What You’d Expect.

Lower reach numbers. Higher engagement quality.

Fewer followers. More actual clients.

Less stress. Better business outcomes.

Here’s what happened when I stopped trying to game the system:

My content started resonating with the right people instead of just reaching more people. The conversations in my DMs shifted from “great post! 🔥” to “I need to work with you.”

My engagement rate actually went up because I was speaking directly to humans who cared, not shouting into the void hoping the algorithm would pick me.

And the best part? I stopped feeling like a hamster on a content creation wheel, constantly running but never getting anywhere.

Reality Check: Are You Algorithm-Dependent?

Rate these statements (1-5, where 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree):

• “I know exactly who my content is for”
• “My content leads to actual business conversations”
• “I genuinely enjoy creating my content”
• “People engage because they want to, not because I begged them to”

If you scored under 15 total, you might be in an algorithm-dependent relationship that’s not serving your business.

Here’s the Truth About the Algorithm

The algorithm is a tool, not a strategy.

When you create content that genuinely helps people and speaks directly to your ideal clients, the algorithm tends to cooperate naturally.

But when you create content just to please the algorithm? That’s when you end up with content that pleases no one and converts nobody.

Think about it:

Instagram wants people to stay on the platform. If your content keeps people engaged and starts real conversations, Instagram will show it to more people. Not because you posted at the “right time” or used 30 hashtags, but because you created something worth engaging with.

The algorithm rewards genuine value. Always has. Always will.

What to Do Instead of Algorithm Chasing

1. Know Your People

Get crystal clear on who you’re talking to. Not “entrepreneurs” or “business owners.” Get specific. What do they struggle with? What keeps them up at night? What questions do they ask you constantly?

2. Create Content That Serves Them

Answer their actual questions. Solve their real problems. Share insights they can’t get anywhere else. Stop worrying about whether it’ll “perform” and start worrying about whether it’ll help.

3. Build Relationships, Not Just Reach

Respond to comments. Start conversations in DMs. Show up like a human, not a content robot. The clients who’ll actually buy from you want to know there’s a real person behind the posts.

4. Measure What Matters

Stop obsessing over reach and impressions. Start tracking: consultation bookings, DM conversations, email signups, actual sales. Those are the metrics that pay your bills.

5. Enjoy the Process

If you hate creating your content, your audience will feel it. Find a format that works for you. Post when it makes sense for your life. Make content creation sustainable, not soul-crushing.

Your Challenge This Week

Create one piece of content that completely ignores what you think will “perform” and instead answers a question you get asked constantly.

Don’t worry about the trending sound. Don’t stress about the time you’re posting. Don’t overthink the hashtags.

Just answer the damn question in the most helpful way possible.

See what happens.