How To Improve Your Instagram Hashtag Strategy
Hashtags have become a staple on social media, particularly on Instagram. Hashtags can increase engagement, attract followers, and maximize your marketing goals. And they are a great way to help people find your content. Not only that but using quality hashtags can help drive more engagement on your Instagram posts. But what are the best practices for using hashtags on Instagram?
In this blog post, we will unlock the power of hashtags and provide tips on using them to increase engagement on Instagram. From finding your Instagram groove to using hashtags for high engagement, we will provide a guide to using hashtags on Instagram. So, if you are looking to grow your brand on Instagram, read on to learn more about hashtags on Instagram.
Setting The Stage
Hashtags are one of the most popular social media tools out there. Used correctly, they can help to increase engagement on your posts and amplify your voice. However, like anything else in life, hashtags can be used in a way that needs to be updated or more effective.
Before that, let's clear up some misconceptions about hashtags. Hashtags were originally created for photographers so that users across all social media platforms could find their work. However, as Instagram evolved and became more popular than other social media platforms, businesses started using hashtags too. In fact, according to the Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, hashtags are now "a very important part of our strategy" on Instagram because it allows users on the platform to discover your content organically by looking at the relevant hashtags.
Tips For Increasing Engagements On Instagram With Hashtags
Now that we understand why hashtags are still useful, we need to start thinking about strategies when using them on Instagram. Adam Mosseri suggests avoiding trying to rank higher based on the amount of hashtag use, instead, focusing on using sound judgment when creating and using tags so that potential followers easily find your posts.
While there is no correlation between engagements and the number of hashtags used, posts with three to four hashtags tend to generate higher average engagement rates by impressions. So be sure to use as many relevant and descriptive tags as possible when posting content on Instagram!
You should select hashtags that are relevant to the photo or video content you are uploading. Additionally, be sure to use hashtags that are popular with Instagram users. By doing this, you will maximize the reach of your posts and attract more attention from potential followers.
I always suggest to my clients that they 5-8 hashtags in their organic posts, using a mixture of widely used hashtags (i.e. #Recipes, or #CuteDog), and more niche hashtags (i.e. #KetoRecipes or #CorgiNation). And finally, never stop experimenting with new hashtag ideas! Do research within the app to see what hashtags are being used the most.
It should go without saying, but ensure the hashtags you are using are appropriate for the content in question. For example, do not include offensive or inappropriate hashtags in your posts. Likewise, do not use irrelevant tags simply because they are popular – try to select hashtags that relate to the photo or post in question.
Tip: Be sure to check Instagram's Creator Lab for more information on best practices regarding hashtag usage on Instagram. There are some great resources to help you create better content.
In Short
Hashtags are an essential part of successful Instagram marketing. They are a great way to improve engagement, reach new followers, and boost your brand's visibility. Getting the hang of hashtags and how to use them effectively can be challenging, but with some experimentation and dedication, you can find what works best for your posts. Start by researching trending hashtags in relevant topics, leveraging more niche or unique hashtags to reach a more engaged audience, and using analytics tools (natively or through a tool like Sprout Social) to track performance. Keep experimenting until you find the perfect strategy for your Instagram account!
Want more social media and influencer marketing news worth using? You can read more of my writing, covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. and more deep dives on specific topics on my blog.
