Instagram has become the rising star of social media marketing platforms. It is a very attractive option to marketers that are growing frustrated with Facebook’s algorithm changes. Instagram also has a very large user base. Over 116 million Americans are on this popular image sharing site. Marketers can also reach millions of users in India, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia and a number of other countries.
The marketing opportunities with Instagram cannot be overstated. However, new Instagram marketers will face a learning curve. Fortunately, they will have an easier time mastering Instagram if they learn to use hashtags properly.
Hashtags will be even more important in 2020 than they were in previous years. Instagram has updated its algorithm to favor ads over organic content. Marketers will need to use every tool in their arsenal to get as much exposure for their content as possible. This is why people often purchase followers to get a head start over competitors. Places like https://viralrace.com/buy-instagram-followers can be helpful. However, adding hashtags can be just as important. However, adding hashtags can be just as important.
This is where hashtags become so important. On average, adding a single hashtag increases your likes by 70%.
However, your hashtags need to be used wisely. The following guidelines will help you get the most bang for your buck with your hashtags.
Consider the size of your Instagram account when deciding where to place hashtags
Many experts debate whether to place hashtags in the caption or first comment of the post. The general consensus has been that Instagram posts will receive more impressions if the hashtags are placed in the caption. A study by SocialInsider corroborates this theory. However, there is an important caveat – larger Instagram accounts actually have a higher reach rate when they place hashtags in the first comment.
If your account has over 100,000 followers, then you should generally put the hashtag in the comment. Otherwise, it is best to place it in the caption.
Use your own data to find the sweet spot with the number of Instagram hashtags you use
Too many marketers try to copy strategies from other brands. This tendency is particularly common with new social media marketers that are not confident with their own strategy yet.
One of the biggest mistakes that new Instagram marketers make is committing to using a certain number of hashtags based on data from other Instagram accounts. The fact that another account has a certain number of hashtags doesn’t mean that you should.
One study found that most Instagram marketers use either seven hashtags or between 27 and 30 hashtags in their captions. Does this mean that you should follow the same approach? No. That is like saying every person should eat 2,000 calories a day, regardless of their age, height or how frequently they exercise.
Your follower base is going to be unique. Your users might be willing to tolerate a lot more hashtags than the average Instagram follower. Or they might be put off by content that has more than two or three in the caption.
You need to understand the perspective of your own followers. It is a good idea to constantly test the number of hashtags that you place in your content. Eventually, you will have enough data to determine the right amount to maximize engagement.
Use your search engine keywords as a starting point to find relevant hashtags
Choosing the right hashtags is incredibly important. You don’t want to target very generic ones like #Business or #winning. You will get much better engagement by targeting more relevant hashtags instead.
The best place to start is by reviewing your existing SEO and PPC keywords and entering them into Google. Start browsing the Instagram profiles that show up.
Use Geographic Hashtags
Geographic hashtags are also very important for local businesses. Data from Get Simply Measured shows that local hashtags increase engagement by 79%.
Local hashtags can be especially useful with Instagram Stories. However, there are a couple of limitations that you need to be aware of. You can only use one location hashtag in an Instagram hashtag. You also can only use them with a sticker.
Consider Niche Hashtags
As your account grows, you may be able to target broad hashtags that will generate more exposure. However, smaller Instagram accounts will struggle to stand out among the competition.
You will have an easier time getting exposure by targeting niche keywords. One analysis found Instagram marketers could reduce the posts they were competing with by 99.2% by targeting the hashtag #vintagerolexwatches instead of just #vintagewatches.
Make hashtags the cornerstone of your Instagram marketing strategy in 2020
Hashtags are a very important part of any Instagram marketing strategy. You need to make sure that they are used appropriately to get the best possible ROI. The trick is to choose the right number of hashtags and find the hashtags that will attract the most impressions. Take some time to research them carefully. The investment will pay off.
Loading…