A hashtag is a type of metadata tag used all over social networks like Twitter, Instagram, and other microblogging services. It allows users to apply dynamic,user-generated tagging which lucky for us means it makes it possible for others to easily find our content with a specific theme or topics. So why is that important you may ask?
There are a few popular Instagram accounts that were able to grow their brand + business without using hashtags at all, but I will keep it real with you - that number is extremely low. On Instagram, your post is ranked and searched by hashtags. If you don't use them with your photo, only people who follow you will be able to see your post and you won't be able to attract your target audience.
When you use the correct hashtags you'll be given the opportunity to see your post in the "top section" part of a specific hashtag. On the picture to the left, you'll see the first picture being shown for the hashtag "rewire your brain" is a photo of myself. This is as far as you can get for free Instagram marketing and it's time to learn how you can rank with your next post!Not convinced you need to start using hashtags yet? What if I told you the key to generating more engagement and conversations is.. you guessed it, hashtags. Basically how this works is by you using relevant hashtags to your post, you're basically walking into a room full of people looking for exactly what you have to offer. So the more relevant hashtags you use, the more engagement (likes, comments, new followers or even DMs) you'll receive.
So What Hashtags Should I Use?
This is a part most people skip over and end up suffering down the line because of. It's important to take some extra time before you post to research appropriate and relevant hashtags to use with your post. This is one of the side effects of being an Instagrammer and are having to put in a little bit of extra work to make sure your content gets viewed.
You can make this process a bit easier on yourself by using tools or any productivity shortcuts that may be out there. My personal favorite is Tailwind's hashtag finder! All you need to do is sign up for a free account and that will allow you to use up to 30 free Instagram scheduling options and save sets of hashtags.
Most people generally post using very broad hashtags such as #Bossbabe, #cute, #ootd, #Mood, etc which leads to their post getting lost in the mixture with millions of other pictures. Those tags are extremely popular and difficult to get noticed. Depending on what your photo contains, you could start with branding tags. These types of tags generally belong to a brand themselves and normally they will have them listed in their bios on Instagram for you to see. Doing this will not only increase your chances of actually being noticed by the brand but by their audience as well.
Location tags are simple yet effective. Tag wherever you are. Just do it. Category hashtags are specific to the type of blogger who is posting. This covers categories such as photography, food, travel, comics, etc.
Before you start listing all of these on your post, you now need to determine which range of hashtags you fall in. Each hashtag has it's own number of posts under it. If you're a new blogger or business with under 5k followers, you really want to steer clear of any hashtags with over 60k posts. You want to gather a list of some relevant hashtags that are no more than 5-10x the number of followers you have. You don't have to, but it is going to save you a shit ton of unnecessary stress and time.
So we talked about why using hashtags is important... but what is the secret to holding a spot in the "top section?" There is only one thing that truly matters once you post on Instagram and are wanting to rank...
ENGAGEMENT.
First things first, likes and comments trump follower count. You can have 0 followers and still go "viral" or "rank." The first 60 minutes of your content being posted on Instagram is the most important. You have an hour-long window to accumulate engagement and that'll help determine the long term success of that post.
I hope that by implementing all of these steps and considering each factor, you are able to better understand hashtags and possibly even rank with one of your own photos. Again, this is something that I figured out and used on my own. I am sharing my method in hopes of helping anyone who wants to increase their engagement and grow as a whole. What works for one account may not work for another. Do your research and take your time to discover the right method that works for you.
If you want to learn how to target your audience better, feel free to get your hands on my FREE target audience worksheet that will help connect you and your tribe!
Most people generally post using very broad hashtags such as #Bossbabe, #cute, #ootd, #Mood, etc which leads to their post getting lost in the mixture with millions of other pictures. Those tags are extremely popular and difficult to get noticed. Depending on what your photo contains, you could start with branding tags. These types of tags generally belong to a brand themselves and normally they will have them listed in their bios on Instagram for you to see. Doing this will not only increase your chances of actually being noticed by the brand but by their audience as well.
Location tags are simple yet effective. Tag wherever you are. Just do it. Category hashtags are specific to the type of blogger who is posting. This covers categories such as photography, food, travel, comics, etc.
Before you start listing all of these on your post, you now need to determine which range of hashtags you fall in. Each hashtag has it's own number of posts under it. If you're a new blogger or business with under 5k followers, you really want to steer clear of any hashtags with over 60k posts. You want to gather a list of some relevant hashtags that are no more than 5-10x the number of followers you have. You don't have to, but it is going to save you a shit ton of unnecessary stress and time.
So we talked about why using hashtags is important... but what is the secret to holding a spot in the "top section?" There is only one thing that truly matters once you post on Instagram and are wanting to rank...
ENGAGEMENT.
First things first, likes and comments trump follower count. You can have 0 followers and still go "viral" or "rank." The first 60 minutes of your content being posted on Instagram is the most important. You have an hour-long window to accumulate engagement and that'll help determine the long term success of that post.
I hope that by implementing all of these steps and considering each factor, you are able to better understand hashtags and possibly even rank with one of your own photos. Again, this is something that I figured out and used on my own. I am sharing my method in hopes of helping anyone who wants to increase their engagement and grow as a whole. What works for one account may not work for another. Do your research and take your time to discover the right method that works for you.
If you want to learn how to target your audience better, feel free to get your hands on my FREE target audience worksheet that will help connect you and your tribe!
Tips To Help Generate ORGANIC Engagement
Comment for Conversation
Whether you're replying to a comment on your own post, you're on someone's page or scrolling down your feed, take a few extra seconds to leave a genuine comment on their most recent photos. When doing this step, you really want to make sure you're commenting for conversation and not just an emoji. Start a convo that will keep them coming back.
Welcome New Faces
When a new follower comes along, it's the perfect opportunity to go to the DM's. Send them a personalized message or my personal favorite; a voice memo. This creates room for a new relationship to be built!
Answer the people!
You know those larger accounts on Instagram that always leave people hanging and never answer important or relevant questions? Now is your time to shine. Pull up a chair, get comfy, and start responding to the comments on popular accounts in your niche'. Make sure you are knowledgeable and ready for conversation.
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