How To Turn Views Into Follows And Sales On Instagram
- Amanda Hughes
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
How to turn views into follows on Instagram - Working with the recent algorithm update
If you’ve opened Instagram recently and thought, “Why am I seeing so many accounts I don’t even follow?” you’re not imagining it. Instagram has officially rolled out a pretty big shift to the feed… and small business owners are feeling it.
But don’t panic. I’ve got you. In this week’s episode of Small Business Growth Addicts, I break down everything you need to know about the November 2025 algorithm update in a way that actually makes sense for real small business owners who want to turn views into follows and sales on Instagram.
Let’s get into it. 🎧 Listen Now
Tune in to hear the full conversation via your preferred podcast platform above.👆🏼
What’s Changed on Instagram?
Adam Mosseri has confirmed that Instagram is now showing more recommended content in the main feed.
In simple terms:
👉 You’ll now see more reels from people you don’t follow
👉 You’ll see fewer posts from the accounts you do follow
Why? Because the data shows users interact more with recommended content than with the people they already follow. Instagram is simply leading with the data.
As a user, this can feel quite fun and fresh. As a small business owner… it can feel like panic mode.
But.. this update is actually a big opportunity if you know how each content format works.
Reels, Carousels, Stories: What They Actually Do
One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is posting everything as if every format has the same job. They don’t.
Here’s the simple breakdown you need:
Reels = Attraction Content
Reels are now shown primarily to non-followers. This is how you bring new ideal clients into your world.
Your question becomes: “If someone sees me for the first time today… what do I want them to see?”
That’s where clear hooks and specific messaging come in.
Carousels = Nurture & Convert
Carousels are shown mainly to your existing followers.
Think of them as your warm cosy fireside content, the stuff that builds trust, deepens connection, and nudges people toward buying.
Nurture =
share your process
share proof
share value
share your story
Convert =
“Here’s what I offer”
“Here’s how to book”
“Here’s what’s included”
A quick note: single image posts → in the bin Even a 2-slide carousel instantly doubles your reach.
Stories = The Hotline to Your Existing Followers
Stories are almost exclusively shown to people who already follow you.
This is your direct line to warm people. Your “cosy cuppa” content. Your behind-the-scenes, quick wins, polls, links, and soft conversions.
Inside Get Seen Get Sales, I teach a simple 3-step story routine members can repeat daily and I’ve added it into the show notes for you today as a freebie.
What This Means for Your Business Strategy
This update isn’t something to fear. It’s something to adapt to.
Your new content plan should look roughly like:
50% Attraction (Reels)
30% Nurture (Carousels)
20% Conversion (Carousels)
Daily Stories (Nurture + Convert)
If you want growth → focus your energy on Reels with strong, specific hooks.
If you want sales → nurture properly first. The sale becomes a natural next step.
Why Hooks Matter More Than Ever
You’ve got three seconds to stop someone scrolling.
Hooks aren’t clickbait they’re simply your gateway into a good story.
Think:
✔ Specific✔ Relatable✔ Instantly scannable✔ Speaking directly to your ideal client
You can also grab my 30 free hooks split into Attract / Nurture / Convert. Pop your email in here and they’re yours. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Everything I mentioned in the episode is linked for you below:
Finding Your Ideal Client as a Small Business Owner - Free Podcast Episode
Ideal Client eBook
3 Step Story Strategy - DM me on Instagram
Free Download of my Bestselling Social Media Planner
Should you DIY or Outsource your Social Media - free Podcast Episode
Reels with Hooks mentioned in Episode:
Hook no.1
Hook no.2
Hook no.3
Use these together and social media marketing for your small business gets so much easier. Instagram hasn’t changed “for the worse. ”It’s simply changed, and we get to adapt.
If you know your ideal client well, understand how each content type works, and plan your content with purpose… your Instagram can still grow, nurture, and convert beautifully.
If you’re stuck or overwhelmed, drop me a DM on Instagram (@amandahughes.uk) I genuinely love chatting with you about these updates.
And if you’ve got a business best friend struggling with Instagram right now, send them this episode. Let’s get more small businesses seen. Sponsor Spotlight - Heyday Digital Agency
Meet Heyday – the audience-first marketing agency helping SMEs, creatives, and fierce forces show up, stand out, and shine online. From strategy and content to copy that actually connects, Heyday tailor digital marketing support to your brand’s unique goals. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling, they’ll help you connect with your audience, grow with confidence, and step into your Heyday era.
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