Are your Instagram views not quite where you want them to be? Do you feel like your content is top-notch, but it’s not reaching as many people as you’d like? The problem here could possibly be related to the instagram hashtag strategies that you use.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of hashtags and how you can use them to skyrocket your Instagram visibility. By the end, you’ll know how to implement the three best hashtag strategies to give your Instagram account the boost it deserves and start making money with your instagram pages.
What are Instagram Hashtags?
Instagram hashtags are like virtual direction signs for your posts – imagine finding the street you are looking for, without any signs. They’re words or phrases that start with the # symbol, that help categorize and discover content. Think of them as labels for your photos or videos.
For example, if you post a beautiful beach sunset picture and you include #BeachLover in your hashtags, it’s like telling Instagram, “Hey, this is a picture for people who love spending time on the Beach.“
Hashtags make your content searchable and connect you with people who share your interests. So, if you’re into cooking, using #FoodieFriday on your mouth watering recipe pics is like inviting other foodies to your virtual party.
But don’t go overboard – using a gazillion hashtags can make your posts look spammy and hurt your instagram hashtag strategy. Instead, aim for a mix of popular and niche-specific ones. So, while #Sunset is cool, adding something unique like #GoldenHourMagic will help you stand out to the sunset lovers who appreciate those magical twilight moments. In short, hashtags are your ticket to a more engaging Instagram community.
How many Hashtags should I use?
While developing instagram hashtag strategies is a fun task to do, it can get pretty confusing – starting with the amount of hashtags you should use and ending with which hashtags to use.
The number of hashtags you should use on Instagram is like seasoning in a recipe – it’s all about balance. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because it depends on your post and your goals.
If you’re just starting, consider using around 5 to 10 hashtags. It’s like adding a pinch of salt to your dish; it enhances the flavor without overwhelming it.
As you gain experience and confidence, you can go for 15 to 20 hashtags. It’s like being a chef who’s more adventurous with spices, but still careful not to go overboard.
However, be cautious about using too many hashtags. Instagram allows up to 30, but stuffing your posts with them is like dumping the entire spice rack into your soup – it can turn people off and make your content look spammy, which will ruin the entirety of your instagram hashtag strategies.
Powerful Instagram Hashtag Strategies
Strategy 1: The Magic of One to Two Hashtags
You might be thinking that using only one or two hashtags is not a logical thing to do, but it’s all about being niche-specific. Your hashtags should directly relate to the content that you post on Instagram. If you’re unsure where to find trending hashtags, that you can implement in your instagram hashtag strategies, head to the professional dashboard and explore trending posts and their hashtags.
However, avoid blindly using trending hashtags. Instead, try to tie your content into these trends to maximize their impact. For example, if there’s a trending hashtag related to your niche, use the most of the opportunity. The key is to stay relevant.
Decoding Hashtags: Overall vs. Niche Specific
To understand this strategy better, you need to find the difference between overall and niche-specific hashtags. Broad hashtags, such as #fitness, cover a wide range of topics and are suitable for content that is touching multiple parts of a niche.
On the other hand, niche-specific hashtags are laser-focused on your content’s subject. For example, if you’re posting about cryptocurrency, using hashtags related to specific coins like #Bitcoin or #Ethereum would be niche-specific. The choice of hashtags should align with your content’s focus.
As we stated earlier in this article, when working on your own instagram hashtag strategies, it is really important to have a healthy mix of both overall and niche-specific hashtags.
Strategy 2: Seven to Eight Hashtags for Precision
When you are in the process of developing your own Instagram hashtag strategies, it’s extremely important to understand that even using seven to eight hashtags can be your secret recipe for success. The key to this strategy is balance, and it revolves around making the most of the power of Instagram hashtag strategies.
In your instagram hashtag strategy arsenal, around 80% of your chosen tags should be ones that are niche-specific. These are the hashtags that speak directly to your target audience, guaranteeing your content reaches the right eyes within your niche.
Now, let’s take a look at the remaining 20%. These are the overall tags, including broader and trending options, that add a touch of dynamism to your Instagram hashtag strategy.
They’re like the Swiss Army knife of your toolkit, ready to be useful in various situations. These hashtags connect you to a wider audience while maintaining relevance to your niche. Think of them as influencers in your niche who have a wider appeal. For example, #FitnessJourney or #HealthAndWellness can serve as your choices, adding a more reach for your content.
In a nutshell, this balanced approach creates a symphony of hashtags, which is something you absolutely want to achieve when developing your own instagram hashtag strategies. Your posts become a bridge, that is connecting your niche community with a wider audience, all while ensuring your content remains highly relevant. This use of Instagram hashtag strategies will transform your Instagram game into a promising journey of discovery for your followers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Instagram Hashtag Strategies
Before we go further into the most powerful hashtag strategy, let’s address common mistakes that can really impact your Instagram growth, and that you should avoid while implementing instagram hashtag strategies:
- Irrelevant Hashtags: Never use irrelevant hashtags. They will lead to your content being shown to the wrong audience, reducing watch time and reach.
- Hash Tag Placement: Put hashtags in your description, not in the comment section. They should be at the end of your description, never at the beginning or in the middle.
- Optimize Tags: Use three tags that are highly specific to your content. This will increase your content’s reach and help Instagram connect with the right audience.
- Overloading with Hashtags: Avoid using too many hashtags. Overloading can confuse Instagram’s algorithm and lower your reach.
- Consider Audience Size: Understand that audience sizes can vary depending on the topic you’re covering. Some content might naturally attract a smaller audience, and that’s okay.
The Ultimate Instagram Hashtag Strategy
So what is the absolute best approach for your Instagram hashtag strategies? For maximum impact, consider using four to five hashtags, ideally with a focus on niche-specific tags. If you choose to include a fifth, make it either a overall or trending hashtag.
This combination is tested and will lead your posts to go viral. Remember, having great instagram hashtag strategies is essential, but there are other very important factors to consider.
Optimize Your Content
While having smart instagram hashtag strategies is crucial, it’s also important to optimize your content. Make sure your content ideas are engaging and relative with your target audience.
Boost your watch time by creating content that keeps viewers hooked. Seek feedback and continuously improve your content to stay ahead.
Stay Consistent
You will not get far by simply creating a couple of instagram hashtag strategies and putting up a couple of posts. The key to success, as with almost everything, is to stay consistent.
Make sure that you are posting every single day, or even a couple of times per day. Consider using post schedulers in order to plan ahead and research various types of content types. Post videos, pictures, carousels, reels and stories! Stay active, respond to comments and review your competitors.
The window for organic growth on Instagram won’t last forever. To succeed, you need to use the power of hashtags and optimize your content. Every day you wait is another day you’re missing out on the chance to grow on Instagram.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your Instagram game. Take action today, and watch your follower count soar. Thank you for reading!