Hashtags play a crucial role in making a success of your brand on Instagram. In fact, using the right ones and using them correctly could mean the difference between your posts going completely unseen and your brand becoming Insta-famous in a flash! However, before you even start researching hashtags, there are a few things to tick off your list first. Here they are…
Know how many to use
So many brands believe that hashtags are like books and puppies – you can never have too many of them. Unfortunately, that isn’t case. While there isn’t any hard and fast rule dictating how many you should use in each post, a good general rule of thumb is to use only as many relevant hashtags as you can find. If you find yourself grasping at straws and starting to throw in generic hashtags, it’s time to stop.
Most experts will suggest using between 5 – 10 hashtags per post, but you’re actually allowed to use up to 30. In short, as long as you remember to aim for quality rather than quantity, you should stay on the right track.
Know which ones to avoid
Speaking of generic hashtags, this is just one example of the type of hashtags to avoid using. You should also stay away from spammy and gimmicky ones, such as #likeforlike. Finally, be sure to take the time to familiarise yourself with the various banned hashtags to steer clear of incurring a penalty or Instagram blocking your account.
Know where to place them
Obviously, you’re supposed to position your hashtags at the bottom of your post, right? Sure – but that’s not the only place to keep in mind! The great news is that you can also place them in the comments section of your post without negatively affecting your potential engagement in any way. There are a few reasons to opt to follow this particular approach. Firstly, it improves user experience – nobody enjoys being faced with a massive block of hashtags when clicking on the ‘More’ button, after all. Secondly, it allows for a clean, straight-to-the-point caption that is totally free from distractions, thus allowing for a stronger message and a more significant impact.
Bonus tip: Did you know that it’s possible to create invisible hashtags in stories? Simply camouflage them by using text in the same colour as the background of your image or strategically cover them with a sticker.
Know the importance of balance
You will probably find yourself wondering which type of hashtags to use – high-density (hashtags used frequently and with lots of competition) or low-density hashtags (rarer hashtags with minimal competition)? The answer is to find a balance between the two. This strategy will help you to rank higher, all while extending your reach and optimising your engagement levels.
Instagram social media marketing services
Need a hand with mastering the art of Instagram? HashTag Marketing is happy to help. Click here for more details regarding our social media marketing services, or contact us directly on admin@hashtagmarketing.co.za or (076) 221 6828.
Article by, Bianca Marie Golz (Content Writer) – HashTag Marketing
