Hashtags are one of the least used but effective features Instagram has rolled out.
When starting to use hashtags, they might seem to confuse you. However, just like social media, hashtags will start getting easier and showing results with consistency. This article will be the ultimate guide to Instagram hashtags and how you can use them to get a wider reach on Instagram. Read on to know how you can form these strategies and utilize them to get more real and active Instagram likes.
Use A Hashtag Suggestions Tool
The key to wider reach on Instagram using hashtags is to use the appropriate hashtags based on the engagement and target. You need to put highly searched hashtags that have top posts with engagement rates similar to yours. You could also try to use hashtag suggestion tools to help you save time and effort. This helps you to automatically find relevant hashtags based on your engagement. All you need to do this, copy the suggested hashtags and paste them directly to your posts’ captions.
Use Analytics Tools
If you use an Instagram business or creator account, you will automatically have access to Instagram accounts. These analytics will give you an idea of the number of impressions you receive from hashtags. You can check these impressions by selecting the post and tapping on View Insights on the left. The insights also detail the number of impressions your post got from hashtags. The data helps you figure out the best hashtags for getting a wider reach on Instagram.
Research your Target Audience
Adding random hashtags to your post would not work. To get more Instagram followers and spread brand awareness, you need to zero in on your target audience. Try to find out hashtags your audience and competitors are using. Take care to check that the hashtags you use fit your content before posting. The hashtags should be relevant and consist of keywords or phrases your audience searches for.
Use Hashtags on Instagram Stories
Every hashtag page has a Story icon on the top left corner. You can click to see a collection of Stories from public Instagram profiles using that hashtag. Instagram has a dedicated hashtag sticker that you can use for adding hashtags to your Instagram Stories. Alternatively, you can use the text tool and type your targeted hashtag with the # symbol in front of it. The method resembles adding hashtags to your photo or video posts.
Create a Branded Hashtag and Encourage Its Use
You can use hashtags to create a community for your Instagram followers and like-minded people. Create branded hashtags that your followers or customers can use to tag images of your product. You can also add your branded hashtag to your bio for ease of access and wider reach on Instagram. The branded hashtag can be used for everything, from promoting your Instagram followers to keep your Instagram content under a single place. This hashtag should be used throughout your page and can be used to announce new Instagram promotional campaigns.
Avoid Banned or Spanned Hashtags
Instagram bans hashtags when they get associated with inappropriate content. You can use these hashtags, but you can only access the top posts instead of recent posts. Also, you won’t be able to view any recent stories associated with it. Before you use any hashtag in your post or stories, always make sure that the hashtag is not banned. It is good practice to check every hashtag with a single search before adding them in the comments or captions.
Drive Your Instagram Followers To Follow Your Branded Hashtag
You can follow hashtags on Instagram and stay updated about the recent community trends. How does this work? Well, the concept of following a hashtag is similar to following an account. Simply type in the hashtag in the search bar, open the hashtag button, and hit the follow button. When you follow a hashtag, any post using it will appear on your feed. This presents a great opportunity for brands as it translates to a wider reach on Instagram. When your Instagram followers follow your hashtag, there is a chance that your post could appear twice. This doubles your engagement chances and helps to gain more followers.
Create A Hashtag for Contents
Contests are a fun way of promoting products/events and help drive engagement easily. You can create a fun hashtag and ask your Instagram followers to post unique content using it. Alternatively, you can ask them to repost any of your content using the hashtag. This is a great way to keep track of participants and get a wider reach on Instagram.
Post Additional Hashtags In the Comments
Hashtags are a great way to get more Instagram followers, but your captions might seem crowded. Posting the hashtags in the comment section enables using them without compromising on quality or engagement.
Conclusion
Just like any other method, growing on Instagram using hashtags takes time. Be consistent and create high-quality posts to keep your Instagram followers engaged. Which hashtag strategy amazed you the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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