Introduction

Hashtags are one of the most powerful tools on Instagram. They are simple, yet incredibly effective at boosting your content’s reach, engagement, and visibility. But not all hashtags are created equal, and using them strategically can make a big difference to your Instagram success.

In this guide, we’ll explore the power of Instagram hashtags and how you can use them to your advantage. Whether you’re a business, influencer, or casual user, this guide will help you harness the potential of hashtags to grow your presence on the platform.

1. What Are Instagram Hashtags and Why Do They Matter?

Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the ‘#’ symbol, and they serve as labels that categorise content. On Instagram, hashtags help users discover content relevant to their interests. When you use a hashtag in your post, it becomes discoverable in that hashtag’s feed, where other users who follow or search for the hashtag can see it.

Here’s why hashtags matter:

• Increased visibility: Using relevant hashtags exposes your content to a wider audience, especially people who may not follow you but are interested in the topics you’re posting about.
• Boosted engagement: Posts with hashtags generally receive higher engagement than those without. The right hashtags can attract more likes, comments, and shares.
• Targeted reach: Hashtags allow you to connect with a specific audience based on shared interests or activities. This can lead to higher-quality followers who are genuinely interested in your content or products.
• Improved brand awareness: For businesses, hashtags can be used to build brand recognition and get your name in front of potential customers. Branded hashtags (which are unique to your business) can be particularly effective.

Tip: Use hashtags that are relevant to both your content and your audience. This ensures that you’re reaching the right people who are likely to engage with your posts.

2. Types of Hashtags You Should Use

There are several types of hashtags on Instagram, each serving a different purpose. A mix of these can help you reach a broader audience while still targeting the right niche.

Here are the main types of hashtags:

• Industry-specific hashtags: These relate to the broader industry or niche you operate in. For example, if you’re a fitness trainer, you might use hashtags like #FitnessMotivation or #WorkoutTips. These hashtags help you reach people who are interested in your industry but may not know about your brand yet.
• Brand-specific hashtags: These are unique to your brand. For example, Nike uses #JustDoIt to promote its brand message. You can create a branded hashtag for your company or campaign, encouraging users to share content using the hashtag. It helps build a community around your brand and makes it easier for you to track user-generated content.
• Location-based hashtags: If you’re running a local business, location hashtags can be useful. For instance, if you own a café in Manchester, you could use #ManchesterFood or #ManchesterCafe. These help users in your area discover your business.
• Event or holiday hashtags: These hashtags can help you join larger conversations, especially during popular events, holidays, or trending topics. For example, using #WorldMentalHealthDay can connect you with others posting about the same cause. This allows you to contribute to ongoing discussions and increases your reach.
• Niche or community hashtags: These are smaller, more specific hashtags that target particular communities. For example, #VeganEats targets the vegan community, while #TravelBlogger connects with travel enthusiasts. These can help you reach a highly engaged audience.

Tip: Combine different types of hashtags to maximise your reach. For instance, use a mix of broad industry hashtags and more specific niche or branded ones.

3. How Many Hashtags Should You Use?

Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should always use all 30. The number of hashtags you use should depend on your goals and the content you’re sharing.

Here are some best practices for choosing the right number of hashtags:

• Aim for relevance, not quantity: It’s better to use 10-15 highly relevant hashtags than to fill up your post with 30 generic ones. Focus on quality, ensuring the hashtags you choose are directly related to your content and audience.
• Experiment with different numbers: Some studies suggest that using 11 hashtags is the sweet spot, while others recommend fewer than five. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so it’s worth experimenting with different numbers to see what works best for your account.
• Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags: Using extremely popular hashtags like #Love or #InstaGood might increase visibility, but your post is likely to get lost in the flood of content. On the other hand, using only niche hashtags can limit your reach. A balanced combination of both ensures your content is seen by a broad audience while also reaching more specific groups.

Tip: Keep an eye on your post performance using Instagram Insights. Track which hashtag combinations lead to higher engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.

4. Where to Use Hashtags on Instagram

There are multiple places where you can use hashtags on Instagram, and each one serves a slightly different purpose.

• In your captions: Hashtags in captions help boost the discoverability of individual posts. You can either incorporate hashtags naturally within the text or add them at the end of your caption. Some users prefer to keep their captions clean by placing hashtags in the first comment instead. Both methods work, and it’s a matter of personal preference.
• In Instagram Stories: You can add hashtags to your Stories, making them visible in hashtag-based Stories feeds. This is a great way to reach new viewers who may be searching for content related to that hashtag.
• In your bio: Hashtags in your Instagram bio can help define your brand and make it easier for users to discover your profile when they search for specific keywords. If you’re running a branded hashtag, include it in your bio to encourage followers to use it.

Tip: Avoid cluttering your caption with too many hashtags, as this can look unprofessional. If you prefer to keep your captions clean, consider placing your hashtags in the first comment instead.

5. Tracking and Analysing Hashtag Performance

It’s not enough to simply add hashtags to your posts; you need to monitor how they perform over time. Instagram Insights provides valuable data on how many people discovered your content through hashtags, allowing you to see which ones are driving the most engagement.

Here’s how you can track hashtag performance:

• Use Instagram Insights: If you have a business or creator account, Instagram Insights will show you how many impressions each post received from hashtags. This allows you to see which hashtags are helping boost your visibility.
• Test and refine your strategy: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hashtags to see what works best. Track the performance of your posts over time and adjust your hashtag strategy based on what’s delivering the best results.
• Use third-party tools: There are various tools available, such as Later, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite, that offer more in-depth hashtag analytics. These tools can provide insights into which hashtags are performing well across your entire account, allowing you to optimise your hashtag strategy.

Tip: Regularly refresh your hashtags. Using the same hashtags repeatedly may limit your reach, as Instagram’s algorithm prefers fresh, varied content.

Conclusion: The Power of Instagram Hashtags

Instagram hashtags are more than just a trend; they’re a powerful tool for increasing your visibility, growing your audience, and driving engagement. By understanding the different types of hashtags, using the right number, and consistently analysing your results, you can unlock the full potential of hashtags to benefit your brand.

Remember, hashtags should be used strategically, not randomly. Focus on relevance, quality, and variety to maximise your impact. With the right approach, hashtags can become one of your most effective tools for growth and success on Instagram.