How to use Hashtags on Instagram in 2021?

What is a Hashtag? 

A Hashtag is a word or a phrase with the pound symbol (#) that makes content discoverable to more people. In social media, the hashtag is basically to draw the attention of users and algorithm that certain content is related to a specific category, topic, event, theme, or conversation. Instagram hashtags are everywhere- but do you know how to use hashtags on Instagram to derive the most value out of them? Don’t worry! We are here to guide you. 

Did you know that the first-ever use of Hashtags was actually on Twitter and not on Instagram? 

Why do we use Hashtags on Instagram? 

If you are fresher on Instagram, you might think, why is there a need to use hashtags, or what is the hype all about. Below are some significant reasons why hashtags deserve your attention- 

• Hashtags help your target audience find you.

 When you add hashtags to your content, it becomes easy for your target audience to see your posts on that platform. Many users search for specific hashtags, so by using hashtags of your customer’s interest, you maximize the chances of being found. For example, if you use #yogainspiration on your Instagram posts, someone who follows that hashtag will see your recent post in their feed. This way, you might gain some new followers. 

• Hashtags bring like-minded people together.

Users with similar interests can interact with one another on social media; when they search hashtags of their interests, they can join a more extensive conversation and connect with others on that topic.  

• Hashtags to show support for social causes

Using a hashtag connected to an issue unrelated to your brand can support an important cause or issue. For example, #Blacklifematters and #metoo were used across social media platforms to bring justice, healing, and freedom across the globe. 

• Hashtags to enhance brand awareness

Creating a brand hashtag to group content in an easily discoverable way can be an effective way to promote your business and drive conversations. For Example, Nike’s #JustDolt encourages its followers to join the trend by using it. 

• Hashtags contextualize your social media post.

Using a hashtag to convey what your social media post is talking about can be a simple way to add context to it without writing captions or adding characters.  

How to use Hashtags on Instagram? 

The following describes how one must use hashtags on Instagram– 

• Use hashtags that describe your content

Avoid misleading your visitors by using hashtags that describe the content that you share regularly. Suppose you post content related to digital marketing and you have used the #digitalmarketingtips. And a user searches and clicks #digitalmarketingtips and ends up on your digital marketing feed. So, they will find content that they were looking for and probably follow you on the platform.  

• Use all the 30 hashtags.

Instagram allows users to use the top 30 hashtags on a single post. Each hashtag exposes your Instagram account to a large number of potential followers and clients. Therefore, it is better to use all the 30 hashtags and refrain from limiting yourself to using only a few of them.  

• Avoid using only popular hashtags.

 Adding only hashtags with over 1 million posts associated with it is a wrong strategy. This is because when you add only too-popular hashtags to your photo, your post may appear in that particular hashtag for a few seconds but will immediately disappear as many other images were also posted to the same tag at the same time. This is a waste as it is doubtful anyone will discover your post within this tag. You can try using hashtags between 5,000 – 500,000 posts. 

• Don’t forget about influencers.

Influencers on Instagram influence the audience, promote brands, and follow trends. Keep track of their accounts to see what kind of hashtags they are using to gain exposure. 

• Create a list of hashtags that will work for every picture you post

 Save the hashtags that represent the content you regularly share and believe your target audience is looking for so that you can easily copy and paste onto your posts and attract the right audience to your feed every time you post. 

• Change the hashtags every week or every month.

 If you find your set of the hashtag is no longer serving you the purpose. Try changing them. See which hashtags are working for you by checking which of them are making the top posts. Don’t use hashtags for the sake of filling the space. 

• Don’t worry about the placements of the hashtags.

 Whether you put relevant hashtags in your caption or as the first comment, they will work the same way regardless of their arrangements. It is entirely up to you. 

•  Do conduct hashtag research.

Using the search bar on Instagram, look for keywords that describe your account. From there, you will get a list of potential hashtags. Check out their post count, the images shared within it, and question yourself if it compliments your content. Also, be sure to consider if your target market would search for that specific hashtag. If so, add it to your list. 

Bottomline  

Instagram has undergone many changes since 2010, but one thing that has stayed consistent is the importance of Instagram hashtags.  

Even in 2021, using relevant hashtags on Instagram posts and stories is one effective way to discover new audiences. And this can further change into more engagement, more followers, and more customers for your business.  

Now that you know the hype is worth it and how to use hashtags on Instagram in 2021, you can implement them accordingly to grow your audience further if you need more assistance on social media handling for your business or have any queries regarding digital marketing services. You can contact us at Brand Imprint- the Best Digital Marketing Agency in Guwahati, Assam.