Learn how to use Instagram hashtags
Clearly, the visuals and caption are the most important part of your Instagram post. But are you forgetting something..?
In a sea of Instagram content (just look at the number of users!), hashtags serve as powerful tools to boost your post's visibility and connect with a larger audience. From building a keyword bank to crafting the perfect hashtag combination, here is how you can use this (still) relevant Instagram feature to your advantage:
Step 1: Building your keywords bank
Start by creating a dedicated file that compiles any keywords that are relevant to your business. Some of the categories you can include are: branding, location, niche, image description, business.
What does this look like in practice?
Branding: your brand’s hashtag, if you have one; hashtags specific to a certain marketing campaign.
Location: include your city, country, neighborhood if you have a physical location.
Niche: what’s your niche? Skincare for millennials? Social media management for small businesses? Footwear for teens? Make sure you include all the words that could connect to your particular field.
Image description: what are some of the topics you’ll be sharing on your account? Include everything you can think of on the list.
Business: think a bit wider than your niche, while staying on topic
Go all out while filling in this file, since it’s just the base of hashtag strategy. Include single words as well as phrases that someone might search for on Instagram.
Step 2: Researching hashtags
Researching is not just a buzzword when it comes to Instagram hashtags. Now is the time to open up your Instagram and start typing in keywords from your file. You will likely see a bunch of results showing up. While it might be tempting to attach your content to mega-popular hashtags like #love or #photooftheday, opting for smaller and medium-sized hashtags yields better results in 2023. You also don’t want to use hashtags that barely show any results - unless it’s your branded hashtag and you’re just starting out (you actually want your branded hashtag to only be used in relation to your brand, so check before you decide on one).
Write down the hashtags you found divided by category, and you’re almost done.
Step 3: Using hashtags
Whenever you post on Instagram (yes, even Reels), select hashtags from each column for a total of 30 hashtags. Yes, 30 is the maximum number of hashtags you can use on Instagram, and it’s always a good idea to use any feature to its highest potential.
Different hashtags will bring different results, so keep an eye on your analytics to see what works best for your account. If you notice a drop in engagement over time, it might be time to go back to step 2 and start again. Hashtags tend to become overused, which means the same hashtag will not work as well after six months of use.