Instagram Challenge - Lesson Three: Hashtags
Hashtags are so important when being seen by Instagram followers that do not already follow you. Think of it like a google image search bar, when you search for “fashionblogger,” pictures of fashion bloggers will pop up on your screen.
In the same sense when searching for “#fashionblogger” on Instagram, pictures of fashion bloggers will also show up. If you get some solid hashtags for your Instagram, this can mean more eyes on your business, and who doesn’t want that?
If you’re a photographer, go look up your favorite photographer on Instagram and see what hashtags they are using. If you are a blogger look up your favorite blogger and see what hashtags they are using, etc! I would also encourage you to use smaller more niche hashtags! With larger hashtags, for example “fashionblogger” with over 15 Million posts, your post will quickly move to the bottom of the hashtag page, unless you hit the “top post.” It is less competition for smaller hashtags, so you are more likely to be featured as a “top post” when using smaller hashtags. I would say using a balance of large and smaller hashtags would be the perfect way to use hashtags for your benefit.
Remember that you can only use 30 hashtags on your Instagram post so use them wisely!
Top Posts
When searching for your hashtag make sure to see how many times it has been used. Trending hashtags are great but unless you become a “top post” your pictures quickly get moved to the bottom of the page. With more niche hashtags you are more likely to be seen and more likely to hit the “top posts.”“Top posts” are interesting because Instagram chooses these based on how fast your pictures gets engagement (likes/comments. ) That’s why it is so important when posting a picture to comment below your caption with your hashtags as fast as possible. You want your picture to already have hashtags associated with it before it gets any likes or comments, so your post will be seen as high-engagement.If you look at the “top posts” section in hashtags, you will notice that some pictures only have 45 likes while another has 4,000 likes. Instagram has an algorithm that detects your account activity, so the account that has 45 likes but is in the “top post” sections most likely only has 100 followers. While the account with 4,000 likes may have 100,000. It detects your percentage of activity. So having active followers is very important!
Tips and Tricks
When I first got started with Instagram, I had no idea what I should use for hashtags. I used the website all-hashtag.com it gives you options to see popular hashtags to copy and paste to your own profile. I would rather you sit down and really think about what your hashtags will be, but if you don’t have time to do this yet, all-hashtags is an easy option.A great trick I have discovered with my iphone, is using “text replacement.” So you know when you type “omw” into your keypad, and it changes it to “on my way” that is text replacement.How to find it on Iphone: go to your settings, click “general” click “keyboard” then “text replacement.” Once you get to this page you will see a “+” button at the top right hand side, click that button for your “phrase” add all of your hashtags for your “shortcut.” Think of a word you do not use often while texting. I use “hash.” After you have saved this, from now on anytime you type “hash” (or whatever shortcut you choose) it will automatically type all of your hashtags out for you so you don’t have to copy and paste or re-type them every-time you make a post. This helps get your hashtags on your post as soon as possible and raises your chances to be featured on “top posts.” Here is a video below that will show you the exact steps to set up your hashtags on your Iphone![embed]https://youtu.be/m6tudnFXdPQ[/embed]Another important thing to remember when using hashtags is NOT to put them in with your caption, make sure to post your picture with your caption then COMMENT with your hashtags. The reason for doing this is to make your Instagram not look so spammy. If you are using the maximum of 30 hashtags (IG rule) like I do then you will want to use them as a comment. The reason why is because once others start commenting you will no longer see all of your hashtags!Hashtags are very important tools you can use to gain exposure to your profile. Most people that find you via hashtags are not already following you. By using hashtags you are gaining likes, comments, and even follows. Especially when you are dedicated to finding the right hashtags for your business. I encourage you to really sit down and think about what will work for you, try them out and see what works! Also make sure to switch it up sometimes, I would say make about three different shortcuts on your phone with different hashtags to use.Don't have time to sit down and figure out your own hashtags? No worries I have compiled a list of over 2,400 hashtags for different niches called the Hashtag Library: Check it out here: https://instantbossclub.com/product/hashtag-library/ (and it is only $12 -- normally $39.99)https://youtu.be/0_2-YDQuG4o
Make sure you join the FACEBOOK GROUP(it does require purchasing the hashtag library ($12) or an InstantBoss Membership)–But keep in mind this isn’t a requirement for challenge, just an option
- Find at least 10 trending hashtags that relate to your brand
- Find at least 10 smaller niche hashtags that relate to your brand
- If you have an iPhone, add these hashtags as a shortcut in your keyboard
- Go to the Facebook Group and let us know what hashtags you decided to use!
