How to Use Hashtags on Instagram: A Strategic Guide for Businesses
Using hashtags on Instagram can feel like a mystery, but mastering the art of effective hashtags can significantly boost your reach and engagement. Many people use random, highly popular hashtags like #love or #fashion in hopes of getting noticed, but a thoughtful hashtag strategy can do much more. Here’s a guide on how to use hashtags on Instagram to grow your business.
Why Use Hashtags on Instagram?
Hashtags are like mini-search engines within Instagram, helping users discover content around specific topics. By using strategic hashtags, you can make sure that your posts appear in front of users who are genuinely interested in what you offer. This leads to more engagement, followers, and potential sales.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram?
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but it doesn’t mean you need to use them all. A recommended range is 15-20 hashtags for maximum reach without looking spammy. Using more hashtags increases the chances of discovery but can still be effective even with fewer, high-quality tags.
Types of Hashtags to Use for Businesses
To get the most out of Instagram hashtags, diversify your selection. Here’s how to categorize them:
- Popular Hashtags: Use 3-5 hashtags that have hundreds of thousands to around one million posts. These give an initial visibility boost but tend to move fast due to high volume.
- Moderately Popular Hashtags: Choose 3-5 hashtags with tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand posts. These tags provide more sustained visibility and keep your post active in search results longer.
- Niche-Specific Hashtags: Select 3-5 highly specific hashtags relevant to your industry or audience, such as #HandmadeTools or #DIYHomeProjects. These tags help attract the most targeted audience for your brand.
- Branded Hashtags: Use 1-2 unique tags related to your brand or products, like #YourBrandName. Branded tags help build brand recognition and allow followers to engage with your content more easily.
Steps to Find the Best Hashtags for Your Instagram Posts
Finding the right hashtags takes research and testing. Here’s a quick process:
- Use Instagram Search: Type a keyword in Instagram’s search bar and see the hashtag suggestions, including post counts for each.
- Analyze Competitors: Look at the hashtags your successful competitors use. This can give you ideas of what works in your niche.
- Mix it Up: Don’t use the same hashtags for every post. Keep it fresh by adapting your tags based on your post content and the audience you want to reach.
Hashtags for Different Types of Audiences
It’s essential to think about your audience’s interests, not just your product. For example, if you’re a car insurance provider, skip #carinsurance and opt for tags like #MyFirstCar, #DreamCar, or #RoadTrip—terms your potential customers might be browsing.
Where to Place Hashtags: Caption or Comment?
One of the most asked questions is whether hashtags should go in the caption or as a comment. It doesn’t significantly impact reach whether you use hashtags in the caption or the first comment, so feel free to choose based on your aesthetic preference. However, if you’re using extremely popular tags, placing them directly in the caption ensures your post shows up faster in search results.
Checking Hashtag Performance
Check Instagram’s “View Insights” feature under each post to measure how well your hashtags perform. Insights reveal where your post impressions are coming from, including hashtags. This data helps you see which tags drive engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Instagram Hashtags
- Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Make sure your hashtags align with the content and your brand. Using highly popular tags like #Love or #InstaGood may attract irrelevant traffic.
- Overloading with Popular Hashtags: Extremely popular tags can attract spam bots rather than genuine followers.
- Neglecting Hashtag Research: Invest time in finding effective tags for your niche and audience. Not all tags work equally well, so trial and error is part of the process.
- Ignoring Consistency: Consistency in quality and tag relevance across your posts keeps your account credible and engaging.
Wrapping Up: How to Use Hashtags on Instagram for Growth
Effective hashtags increase your visibility, expand your reach, and help you connect with your target audience. Combining popular, moderately popular, niche-specific, and branded hashtags provides a well-rounded strategy that can lead to both immediate and sustained engagement. Remember to track performance and keep adjusting your hashtags to ensure they continue to work for your business. By following these strategies, you’ll start seeing growth in followers, engagement, and potential conversions.
Ready to explore Instagram Stories hashtag strategy? Check out our next guide to make the most of hashtags across all Instagram features!