The Power Of Instagram Hashtags & Why You Should Take Them Serious For Growth
"Hashtags Are So Powerful, You Will Be Amazed How Your Engagement Increases"
Just when I thought I had this Instagram thing figured out, just when I thought I’ve cracked the code, just when I thought I got 5 steps closer—I get knocked back 10!
If you’ve been reading my blog most of you know I am growing my social media presence. I have my reasons why! Just understand I’ve witnessed so many people succeed with the social media and everyday I’m working to create my very own success. I’ve been doing all kinds of things online. Ya know, just trying to multiply my streams of income. One way is by starting this blog.
So I create all this content. I purchase my domain name. I finally learned how to build my own website. I even take the time to think about what I’m going to write about. But now I’m only missing one thing. Readers, I need some readers. Better yet where am I going to get these readers from?
Hello Instagram
Instagram is such a powerful visual platform. Did you know that Instagram has 700 million active users and growing? Maybe more by the time you read this.
I use Instagram to promote my newest post. Instagram is so visual it’s perfect for blog promotion. I’ll usually post one of the photos from my shoot on my Instagram feed. The struggle in picking the best picture is so real! But what better way to attract the attention of a potential unique reader, than to take a nice photo and throw a little filter on it 🙂
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Instagram Suggested Friends
Okay, so I know I just cant be the only one. In my mind I have Instagram friends. I know it sounds corny but the hashtags are what brought these friends to me.
Let's Talk About Instagram Hashtags
I’ve started doing hashtag research. To simplify, I target related hashtags and sub hashtags. I use 3 hashtags from the 500k+ category. Then I use 6-7 sub related hashtags from the 50k – 500k category- which are also given by Instagram! I then use filler hashtags like #cute #beautiful #lovely #lifestyle
The hashtags bring potential collaborations and potential opportunities. Brands are using hashtags to search for influencers to work with! You never know who is watching and who may want to work with you. Potentials plus a little dose of being nice eventually leads to growth. Organic growth, and no it doesn’t happen overnight. But I can say being consistent defintly helps.
A Few Of My Favorite Hashtags
#Bloggerlifestyle
#Mommyonamission
#Girlhustle
#Freelancetofreedom
So I’ve decided to take my Instagram serious because I want to start working with brands. I’ve done a few collaborations but my goal is to do more. If your goal is to start working with brands, make sure you make use of your hashtags and make sure you tag these brands in your post. Yes, the hashtags brought these brands to me and yes the hashtags led me to these brands.
How many hashtags can you use on Instagram? You can use 30 hashtags. And I would say use all freakin 30! That’s 30 new opportunities the way I see it. Sometimes I use all 30 and sometimes I don’t, it just depends on what I post.
Say you were someone who is big on wine, you post photos and creative content around your love for wine. If you use hashtags like #moscatowine #sweetwines #sweetwinebrands the right people will appear in your Instagram suggested friends. Surprise! Instagram has linked you with someone who loves wine just as much as you do. This is when you start to build your tribe or some call it a community.
Lately I’ve seen hashtags being placed in the comments section. When I first saw this being done I was so confused. I’m like what am I doing wrong now? I don’t remember reading about this when I took my very first Instagram course. This entire time I put all my hashtags right under my caption. And to be honest it grew my engagement rate. It also grew my following but for me engagement is most important.
Tell me about your hashtag experience. Where do you put your hashtags? Have you noticed a difference in placing them in the comments section vs. the caption section? Which hashtags do you use the most? Do you use the same ones or do you switch them up? Share the knowledge and lets all learn together.
-XOXO-
Cheri
20 Comments
cindy
I think the choices of hashtags are definitely important, it helps you define your niches as well and attract the right customers. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Cheri
Hi Cindy! You are welcome. For marketing yes! Hashtags definitely work. Do you notice certain accounts automatically follow you by the use of certain hashtags? I just love the whole idea!
Lauren
I really appreciate this post, I was using hashtags for a very long time incorrectly and information like this is invaluable. Thank you for sharing!
Wendy, Little House Simple Living
These are great tips! I often struggle finding 30 hashtags for my post so I’m going to implement your guideline.
Cheri
Glad you find it useful! I felt like i used them wrong in the beginning has many wired spammy accounts following me.
Stephanie Stebbins
I love using hashtags, that’s how I’ve met so many people on Instagram because of them. I’m going to give these a try, thanks!
Cheri
They are the best! You make legit social media friends with hashtags!
Mary
I gained many new followers due to hashtags…and found some great people to follow as well!
Cheri
So much great content. I also think the hashtags lead you to experience with different content ideas!
raceenm
Wow thank you and you are one of my favourite friends that I made on Instagram and I love this blog post! So informative ❤️❤️❤️
Stine Mari
I think the hashtag game is really difficult! I just changed up my hashtags because I felt the last ones didn’t work, and I have seen some improvement. Just have to keep on finding which works and which doesn’t. Thanks for sharing!
ingrid
I use hashtags but didn’t know how powerful they were in terms of building up followers. You also made me aware of the importance of accepting suggestions for friendship. Thanks for this enlightenment.
Cheri
Hello! Yes they really are the best for growth, well at least I believe so. Especially when trying to increase my blog traffic!
JP
This is such a great post. So much detail and great tips!
Tiffany
I am finally getting around to using IG and this info is helpful in navigating what hashtags to use!
Cheri
Great! Im so happy you find it useful! Im starting to love IG a little too much!
Melissa
I’m a new blogger and trying Instagram to get some traffic. These are great tips, thanks!
Rachel
This has been helpful! Thank you! I’ve read several “how to grow Instagram followers” posts that say you should use several hashtags, but don’t overuse. It can get pretty confusing. I liked this perspective of yours to just use all the hashtags they’ll allow.
Lissy L'Amoreaux
All great advice! I’ve been experimenting with different hashtag sets to see what gets me more engagement!
Cheri
Hey Lissy hope that works out for you. I check my engagement rate every so often to look for a change. The hashtags really work.