Instagram hashtags are significant when it comes to digital marketing. They are like traffic signs that lead people to your Instagram profile. The question we seek to answer is why?
A hashtag is a word or keyword phrase preceded by a hash (#). Here is just a snippet on the value of Instagram hashtags:
- They allow for your content to be easily discovered by your target audience.
- Saves time for social media users when they are searching for precise content by categorizing your content.
- They boost your content to reach more people and be discovered by users all across the world.
- Allow social media users to engage with content related to common themes or interests.
- They add fun and wit to your content.
Below are some of the pointers on how to effectively use hashtags:
Use Relevant Hashtags
Your content really matters. It’s what draws your audience.
Questions to ask yourself when formulating a hashtag: What do you want your audience to focus on? Who do you want to view your posts? How quickly can your post be visible to those searching for particular content?
Get topics that are relevant to your audience. You need to find the hashtags that are being discussed and relevant to your content and brand. It’s about getting seen by the right people not numbers. That’s just how hashtags lead to higher engagement and more followers. Select the right words for each hashtag.
Make it Brief
Keep your hashtags short and precise. It should be a few words or a short phrase. Using many words or a complex word may not give you the results you hope to get as you want the hashtag to be familiar or easily discovered by your audience.
Utilize Trending Instagram Hashtags
A trending hashtag is a hashtag that has become very popular. This hashtag is presently widespread or is the most talked about at a particular time. This could also just apply to a specific social media channel. Often, they are centered on the major news topics of the world.
Only use a trending hashtag if it makes sense to the specific content in your post and your brand. A trending hashtag is a great way to increase a brand’s visibility. Before you decide on a hashtag, ensure it adds value to your post. However, if your post does not add value to social media users, it is likely to be lost in an ocean of posts and go unnoticed.
Also using a trending hashtag in your posts can get your message seen by a larger audience. More people can see and engage with your content other than just your followers.
Number of Hashtags
The maximum number of hashtags Instagram allows is 30. Do you need all that to effectively utilize hashtags you may ask? Well, there is no ideal number of hashtags you can use. Some say you need at least 9 hashtags, others settle for around 1 to 3.
With that said, you may need to try different tactics before you settle for a particular number of hashtags.
Avoid Repetition
Its easier to copy paste from previous posts but that may not be a wise move. You want to appear creative and serious as a brand and avoid monotony. Also Instagram’s community guidelines clearly state that “posting repetitive comments or content” is not acceptable. If you use the same hashtags for every post, your content will be fined by the system.
Avoid Spammy Instagram Hashtags
To make sure you attract reliable followers and your ideal audience, you want to carefully choose your hashtags for your specific brand. Be aware that some hashtags attract spammers.
Some hashtags that attract spammers include: #likeforlike, #follow4follow, #love, #goodday #instagood, to name but a few. These hashtags should be avoided if you don’t want to be spammed.
Also it leaves a bad impression on your audience and makes your post seem spammy.
Branded Hashtag
A branded hashtag is a hashtag that’s unique to your company, one that you create yourself. It helps to promote your business or campaign.
Creating a branded hashtag can be simple as your business name or the services you offer or campaigns. You can then let your audience know about your hashtag by using it in your captions and Instagram Stories. Also, by highlighting it in your Instagram bio
Instagram hashtags can be very helpful in growing your brand when used correctly. We hope the article has been helpful in shedding some light in regards to using hashtags.
Photo by Elena Koycheva on Unsplash