While there are a  lot of rumors going around about whether or not hashtags should be used on Instagram these days, we’re here to tell you that you SHOULD still use Instagram hashtags.

With Instagram’s search bar being more like a search engine than anything else, including hashtags on your posts that are descriptive of your content will help you get discovered by your target audience.

That being said, here are 5 steps to selecting hashtags that work for your business on Instagram:

Identify Your Target Audience

Understanding who your target audience is, their interests, and what type of content they engage with on Instagram is crucial to selecting effective hashtags. This will help you choose hashtags that resonate with your target audience and help your content reach the right people.

Research Relevant Hashtags

Once you know your target audience, research relevant hashtags that align with your business and industry. You can start by looking at hashtags your competitors are using, industry-specific hashtags, and popular hashtags related to your products or services.

Analyze Hashtag Popularity

After you’ve compiled a list of hashtags, analyze their popularity and engagement levels. You can do this by using Instagram’s search feature and exploring the results of each hashtag. Look for hashtags that have a high level of engagement and a moderate level of popularity.

Create a Branded Hashtag

Consider creating a branded hashtag that is unique to your business. This can help increase brand awareness and encourage user-generated content. Make sure to include your branded hashtag in your Instagram bio, as well as in your posts and stories.

Use Hashtags Strategically

Don’t overuse hashtags in your posts. Instead, use a mix of popular, industry-specific, and branded hashtags that are relevant to your content. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using too many can make your posts look spammy. Aim to use between 10-10 hashtags per post.

If you need any help figuring out which hashtags are best for your business, get in touch with us!