During this year, social media platforms including Instagram have continued to evolve, and staying ahead of the game is crucial for those looking to grow their social presence on Instagram. One big tip has proven to still be useful for increasing visibility and engagement is an effective hashtag strategy. You can maximize engagement and grow your business online with the help of some Instagram growth best practices and tips for using hashtags on Instagram. Read on to learn how to use hashtags on Instagram to boost your visibility and grow your following.
How Do Instagram Hashtags Work in 2024? How To Use Instagram Hashtags
Instagram hashtags used to be the main way that Instagram understood what your content was about, and showed it to the right users. Now, Instagram uses advanced technology to understand the topic of your post based on clues from the caption and the image or video content itself. However, it is still a good idea to add hashtags to your Instagram posts, as they can provide additional content visibility by showing your posts when someone searches for or follows a specific Instagram hashtag.
It’s important to remember that hashtags alone is no longer an effective Instagram strategy for growth. For best results, you need a complete Instagram strategy including eye-catching content, audience interaction, and more.
What is the Best Instagram Hashtag Strategy in 2024?
In 2024, the best Instagram hashtag strategy for growth combines a mix of popular and niche hashtags to reach a wider audience while also targeting specific interests on Instagram. This is the strategy our social media marketing professionals use for our clients. Conducting thorough research in the Instagram app to understand trending topics and relevant keywords within your industry or niche is extremely important to identifying the most impactful hashtags to incorporate into your posts.
Example Of an Instagram Hashtag Strategy
For example, if your Instagram niche is fashion, start by including 1-2 popular hashtags in your general niche, like #fashionblogger. Then, choose 3-5 hashtags that are still general, but have 100K or less uses. Examples are #fashioninspodaily and #outfitofthedayideas. Finally, choose 3-5 narrow, niche-specific hashtags. For example, if your Instagram niche is fashion for businesswomen, choose hashtags like #professionalwear, #businessoutfit or #corporateoutfit.
Hashtags for UGC (User-Generated Content) on Instagram
Creating user-generated content (UGC) hashtags can further amplify your reach by tapping into existing conversations and communities on the platform. Encouraging your followers to use a branded hashtag or participate in themed hashtag campaigns not only fosters community engagement but also exposes your content to a wider network of users.
A brand who does this well is Target. Target’s @targetstyle Instagram account features a call to action asking followers to share their Target outfits with the hashtag #TargetStyle for a possible feature on the page.
How Many Hashtags Should I Use on Instagram?
Another important aspect to consider when creating your hashtag strategy is to strike a balance between the number of hashtags used and their relevance to the content. While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, overwhelming your captions with too many can come across as spammy and detract from the overall quality of your content. Instead, opt for a curated selection of hashtags that are directly related to the post and resonate with your target audience. Aim for 5-15 hashtags, and don’t add more just for the sake of adding more. Research suggests that content with around 9 hashtags tends to receive more engagement on Instagram, so when you use hashtags on Instagram, find a number that works well for your content without overwhelming your audience.
A great idea is to create a hashtag bank, which is a list of hashtags that you’ve researched and can use for your posts. Include enough hashtags to cycle through, which depends on how often you post on Instagram. Include relevant hashtags for all the types of content you post, and consider adding 1-2 branded hashtags to the list.
Stay Up To Date With the Latest Instagram Hashtag Strategy Trends
Finally, staying up to date with Instagram’s algorithm changes and features will help you adapt your hashtag strategy accordingly. For instance, keeping an eye on emerging trends such as new sticker features or interactive elements can provide opportunities to creatively incorporate hashtags into your Stories or Reels for increased visibility.
Quick Tips for Using Hashtags in Your Instagram Strategy
This Instagram hashtags guide can seem like a lot to remember in your Instagram and social media strategy. However, keeping these five quick tips for hashtag usage in mind can help you create a successful hashtag strategy and maximize hashtag performance on your Instagram posts.
Using these tips when you use Instagram hashtags will help you increase engagement with your Instagram profile and grow your follower count on Instagram.
1. Use Relevant and Specific Hashtags
Using specific and relevant hashtags helps you reach the right audience with your Instagram strategy. Generic hashtags like #love or #food have millions of posts, making it harder for your content to stand out and hurting your post reach. Instead, opt for more specific and relevant hashtags that align closely with your content and target social media audience. For instance, if you’re posting about vegan recipes, include hashtags like #veganrecipes or #plantbasedfood in your Instagram strategy. This specificity helps attract users who are genuinely interested in your niche, increasing engagement and the likelihood of gaining followers who appreciate your content.
2. Research Trending Hashtags
Keeping an eye on trending hashtags can help you capitalize on current popular topics. However, ensure that these trends are relevant to your social media niche and content. Using a trending hashtag just because it’s popular without relevance to your content can come off as spammy. Tools like the Instagram Explore page or third-party apps can help identify trending hashtags in your niche. By including these hashtags appropriately in your content, you can tap into larger conversations and gain visibility among a broader audience on Instagram that is currently interested in those trends.
3. Combine Popular and Niche Hashtags
Striking a balance between popular and niche hashtags can maximize your reach on Instagram. Popular hashtags expose your content to a large audience but can also result in your content getting lost in a sea of posts. Niche hashtags, on the other hand, target a smaller, more engaged social media audience. By using a mix of both in your hashtag strategy, you ensure that your content gets initial visibility from the popular tags while also reaching a highly targeted audience through the niche tags. For example, a travel blogger might use #travel (a popular Instagram hashtag) alongside #solotraveladventures (a niche hashtag).
4. Create a Branded Hashtag
Creating a unique branded hashtag can foster a sense of community for your Instagram followers and encourage user-generated content. A branded hashtag is specific to your business or campaign and can be used by your followers when they share content on social media related to your brand. This not only increases your brand visibility on Instagram but also allows you to easily find and engage with content from your audience. For instance, Nike’s #justdoit hashtag encourages users to share their own fitness journeys on social media, encouraging engagement and creating a sense of belonging and community around the brand.
5. Limit the Number of Hashtags
While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using too many can appear cluttered and spammy. It’s generally more effective to use a thoughtful selection of 5-15 highly relevant hashtags for your content. Overloading your post with hashtags can detract from your message and make your caption hard for Instagram users to read. Instead, focus on quality over quantity when using hashtags.
By following these tips, you can effectively use hashtags to increase your visibility, engage with your audience, and grow your Instagram presence.
In conclusion, the best Instagram hashtag strategy for growth in 2024 involves a strategic approach that combines research, relevance, and adaptability. By keeping up with industry trends, engaging with UGC communities, and optimizing the use of hashtags that are relevant to your content, you can position yourself for success in expanding your reach and growing your followers and online presence.
