The first hashtag in its current form was used to attach context to a tweet and has since evolved into a mainstream digital communication tool. Nowadays, they are utilized on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Hashtags have been around for over a decade now and they show no signs of going away anytime soon.

With most Instagram users continuing to complain about Instagram’s algorithm keeping their content from being seen, finding a strategy to boost your posts can be vital to your growth on social media. And guess what?

Hashtags STILL WORK!

Using the most appropriate hashtags gets your content seen by your target client or customer. And because of the algorithm, the more your content is engaged with, the longer it will live on social media. You should use it to your advantage by creating timely, engaging content with relevant hashtags to magnify its exposure.

Let me show you how it works. The following tactics have proven to work very well for me and my clients. 

1. Do your research.

   Don’t just slap random hashtags on your posts. I see this almost every day. People using vague, unrelated, and overused hashtags that keep their content from being seen.
   
   The first thing you need to do is audit the hashtags you’re currently using by clicking on them. If you’re using oversaturated (over 1M people) hashtags like #beauty #entrepreneur or #atlanta, stop right now. Unless you have tens of thousands of followers, you won’t get engagement right away and your content will get buried. And if you’re using hashtags that millions of people are using, chances are that your post is not reaching the audience you hope it is.
   
   There are several websites and apps to use now when it comes to picking the right hashtags. But, you don’t have to go further than the native Instagram app you’re already using. Choose hashtags under 1 million. I like to choose hashtags in the 25K-250K range. That’s just my personal favorite sweet spot. But every once in a while I choose hashtags around 500K. For example, I wouldn’t choose #websitedesign, I’d choose #websitedesigner.

2. Engagement is the key to growth.

   Following and engaging with hashtags where your potential client hangs out proves to be most effective for growing your following and engagement rates. As long as social media is still about being social, finding the right hashtags to dive into is essential. You want your content to be seen but you also want to build community through hashtags.

   Spend time commenting or liking posts that are within your niche or where your dream clients might find you. If you’re a candle maker, use those hashtags or keywords to attract people searching for candles. The more specific, the better. So throw vegan or non-toxic in there if it fits your niche.

3. Target non-followers.

   A small percentage of your followers get to see your content. So in order for Instagram to open your content up to the rest of your followers, it’s important to get that early engagement. That means that you’re depending on followers to see your posts AND non-followers to see your content through hashtags and post sharing. 

   So make sure that you’re constantly speaking to your target audience whether they’re following you or not. They can help you get more eyes on your content which in turn helps you stand out on Instagram.

4. Use hashtags as the final touch.

   While hashtags are important, remember that they’re most effective when you’re posting strong, quality content. Don’t expect hashtags to work magic on content that people aren’t interested in. Because if people don’t engage with the content, Instagram won’t have the traction they’re looking for in order to activate the algorithm to get your content seen. Appropriate hashtags can help but strong content is the foundation.

So take a little time once a month or quarter to audit your hashtags, make sure you engage with those same hashtags, and target your niche audience whether they follow you are not. That’s how hashtags will help you flourish on Instagram.

If you haven’t taken some time to review your hashtags and need some guidance on your Instagram account, I’ve introduced a new Instagram audit service that you can purchase.