In the fast-paced world of social media, Instagram hashtags remain a potent tool for customer discovery and content visibility. However, it’s crucial to use them strategically to avoid appearing spammy and damaging your brand’s image. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best practices for using Instagram hashtags effectively in 2023.
When to Use Instagram Hashtags
The first question that often arises is when to use Instagram hashtags. The answer, in short, is as often as possible. Whether you’re sharing a post or an Instagram story, incorporating hashtags into your content can significantly expand your reach and increase your chances of being discovered.
However, it’s essential to exercise discretion. There are occasions when using hashtags may not be appropriate, such as when sharing sensitive or emotionally charged content. In such cases, it’s advisable to carefully consider the tone and subject matter of your post and evaluate your goals before deciding whether to use hashtags.
The Quantity Conundrum: How Many Hashtags to Use
One of the most common questions is, “How many hashtags should I use?” Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Different experts have varying opinions on the matter. Some, like social media strategist Alex Tooby, advocate for using the maximum number of hashtags allowed (30) to maximise your chances of discovery. Others recommend a more conservative approach, suggesting that 5-10 hashtags suffice.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your content and your audience. If you can identify 30 highly relevant hashtags for each post, it may be worthwhile to use them. However, the quality of your hashtags is paramount. Using a plethora of irrelevant or generic hashtags can harm your brand’s image and engagement. Thus, strike a balance between quantity and relevance.
Crafting the Perfect Hashtag Selection
Choosing the right hashtags is a critical step in your Instagram strategy. To make your hashtags work for you, focus on intentionality. Ensure that the hashtags you select are actively searched for and followed by your target audience.
To avoid coming across as spammy, it’s essential to diversify your hashtag selection for each post. Avoid using overused and gimmicky hashtags such as #likeforlike or tags that have been employed over a million times. While these might yield a few extra likes, they won’t contribute to building an engaged, targeted following.
Instead, hunt for ultra-niche community hashtags that are highly relevant to the content you post. These hashtags not only increase your discoverability among like-minded users but also foster a sense of community around your content. Moreover, don’t forget to utilise a branded hashtag when appropriate. Using your branded hashtag consistently is the first step in encouraging others to share it, thereby amplifying your brand’s reach.
Visibility Matters: Where to Place Your Hashtags
Instagram offers two primary locations for placing hashtags: within the post caption or in the comments. Each has its advantages and considerations.
Adding Hashtags to the Post Caption
Including hashtags in your post caption has the benefit of immediately engaging with users interested in those hashtags as soon as you hit the “publish” button. This can result in quicker initial engagement with your content.
Placing Hashtags in Comments
Alternatively, you can add hashtags in the comments section of your post. This keeps your caption looking clean and uncluttered, contributing to a visually appealing aesthetic. However, it’s important to note that this approach may delay engagement with users interested in those hashtags, as they won’t see your post until after you’ve added the comment.
To maintain a tidy caption while using hashtags, you can employ line breaks to separate the main part of your caption from the hashtags. This design choice allows you to strike a balance between aesthetics and discoverability, catering to both visual appeal and engagement.
Embracing Hashtag Trends
In addition to these best practices, it’s essential to stay current with hashtag trends in 2023. Social media trends evolve rapidly, and Instagram is no exception. To keep your hashtag strategy effective, consider the following:
- Stay Updated: Regularly research and update your list of hashtags to ensure they are still relevant and trending within your niche.
- Follow Industry Influencers: Influencers and industry leaders often introduce new and trending hashtags. Keep an eye on their content and incorporate relevant trends into your strategy.
- Monitor Engagement: Continuously analyse the performance of your hashtags. Identify which ones generate the most engagement and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Use Analytics Tools: Leverage social media analytics tools to gain insights into hashtag performance, audience demographics, and content engagement.
- Create Campaign-Specific Hashtags: For specific marketing campaigns or promotions, consider creating unique and memorable campaign hashtags. These can help build buzz and encourage user-generated content.
Summary
Instagram hashtags remain a valuable asset for expanding your reach and engaging with your target audience in 2023. By following these best practices, including using hashtags consistently, choosing the right quantity and quality, and strategically placing them in captions or comments, you can harness the full potential of Instagram’s hashtag ecosystem. Keep an eye on evolving trends and adapt your strategy accordingly to stay ahead in the dynamic world of social media marketing.
