To grow your Instagram following and engagement, you need to use hashtags. We decided to do an experiment and posted the same photo twice, one with hashtags and one without. The post with hashtags got double the likes and we even got a few new followers. Here are our tips for how to choose Instagram hashtags.
Use Trending Hashtags:
Instagram now has trending hashtags. If you see something trending, and it makes sense for your personal brand, join the conversation. And it doesn’t just have to be in the moment. You can predict trends by creating a content calendar in advance. Make note of national holidays, creative holidays (like National Cupcake Day) and pop culture events.
Find Your Tribe’s Hashtags:
Who’s in your tribe? Anyone you want to attract such as women you admire who have built the type of brand you’re cultivating. Use the hashtags that they and their followers use. Don’t know where to start?
Try these:
- Bright Feeds: #acolorstory #flashesofdelight #thehappynow
- Photographers: #VSCOcam #vsco #iphonography #risingtidesociety #fujifilm
- Minimalist Feed: #whywhiteworks #whiteaddict #postitfortheaesthetic #thatsdarling #seekthesimplicity
- Dreamy Feed: #thatsdarling #risingtidesociety
- Entrepreneurs and Inspirational Posts: #inspiremyinstagram #girlboss #womeninbusiness #femaleentrepreneur
Use Related Hashtags:
The related section is your treasure trove for finding hashtags that are relevant to your post. You’ll discover a lot of relevant hashtags to your niche and expose your Instagram photography skills to a whole new base of potential customers, clients, and readers.
Keep Your Caption Concise:
Instead of posting a long string of hashtags in your caption, post them as the first comment. You can still post up to 30 hashtags but your caption will be cleaner and easier to read.
Choose Your Own Hashtag:
Create a hashtag (or multiple hashtags) for your business or personal brand. You’ll be able to see all of your photos on a certain topic and you’ll encourage customers to share their purchases.
What are your tips for how to choose hashtags for Instagram?
Reese Evans the founder of Yes Supply Co.
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