Time to get down to business! Today we’re talking hashtags: how to use them, which ones to use, and when. Even those who aren’t hashtag enthusiasts know what a hashtag is – but how do you use them to your business’ benefit? Chances are that you’ve used hashtags in your Instagram posts before, but that doesn’t mean you might not need a little help in order to optimize their potential. Used strategically, hashtags can serve as an essential tool to grow your following and increase your post engagement.
Now, if you’re lacking a little in the strategy department, never fear! We’re diving into the best hashtag practices to help boost your Instagram game.
Recognize the value of #hashtags
Hashtags are key to any successful Instagram account as they allow your posts to reach a larger audience than they would if you opt not to use hashtags. Making hashtags a priority in your posting can help spread the word about your brand and get your posts the love n’ attention they deserve.
Do your research
Part of building a successful business Instagram account is making sure that you’re routinely conducting industry research. Keep an eye on what industry leaders (ie. big name brands or social media influencers with a massive following) are posting and take note of their most successful posts or campaigns with the highest engagement.
For example, which hashtags are they using? Are they brand-specific, or are they opting for industry-specific hashtags? Chances are, the hashtags they’re using regularly are specially engineered to target and engage with their audience and are working – and it’s always a good idea to learn from the best 😉
Have a strategy in place
Let’s talk strategy. You wouldn’t walk into battle blind, just like you shouldn’t post to Instagram without a proper hashtag strategy in place. Plan ahead, and have a few different game plans ready. Instagram is all about engagement, so #KEEPSOCIAL with your hashtag approaches.
For example, create a hashtag that your followers will be enticed to use on their own posts. It doesn’t necessarily have to be company-specific, but so long as it captures your brand essence and its engaging followers, you’re actively getting your brand name out there and are getting the conversation going!
Know the different kinds of #hashtags!
From branded hashtags, to community hashtags, to campaign hashtags, there’s a lot to know when it comes to choosing the right ones for your posts!
Branded hashtags are unique to your business. They add to your brand image and become a big part of your business’ interaction with your followers. #KEEPSOCIAL 😉
Community hashtags focus on connecting like-minded users. They’re typically broader than branded hashtags and touch on more than one theme or subject.
Campaign hashtags are shorter-term and are specific to a particular campaign. Let’s say you create a hashtag for a promotion for a restaurant that lasts all month long; by the end of the month, you retire that hashtag.
Create a branded hashtag
Creating a branded hashtag is a major part of running your brand’s social channels and getting word about your business out there. It familiarizes your followers with the essence of your brand, and helps tell your story. Getting the conversation going with your branded hashtag is important!
As you well know, Serotina lives and breathes #KEEPSOCIAL. While we don’t use our brand name in our hashtag, #KEEPSOCIAL speaks true to the spirit of Serotina: actively engaging with online communities and keeping the social vibe alive!
Alright, that’s all for this week! Now that you know these hashtag tips, it’s time to hit the ‘Gram and get strategizing! Catch the article that inspired us to write this on Later.
Michelle ✨
@serotinamedia
#KEEPSOCIAL
