Hashtags are a powerful tool that allows you to join in on a particular topic or help you stand out and get found. They allow individuals and businesses who aren’t already following you to see and engage with your content. For example, Instagram users who aren’t following you may never see that photo of your Instagram worthy avocado toast if you don’t hashtag it with #AvocadoLove.
This little pound sign followed by a relevant key-word categorizes your post so that if someone goes looking for pictures of avocado toast for some breakfast inspo, your image will appear in their search feed, therefore allowing them to engage with your post. Not only that but because more people are seeing and engaging with your posts, you’re likely to gain more followers as well.
Knowing which hashtags are going to work best for you and your business allows you to address the right audience and start valuable conversations. But how do you know which combinations of hashtags will give your messaging the boost it deserves?
It’s harder than it sounds! A lot of hashtags are overused and therefore, while you may get a few new likes and follows, your post will soon get lost in the overflowing sea of #Ocean photos. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you use an extremely specific or underused hashtag, you’re not likely to receive any engagement based off of it. There is a hashtag sweet spot that needs to be found in order to use them effectively.
There are three types of hashtags in this sweet spot that will help you get found:
Image Related Hashtags
Hashtags related to the image you’ve posted will categorize them with similar images and help people discover your content! Try hashtagging locations, products, and activities related to your image.
Branded Hashtags
Branded hashtags are unique to you or your business. This kind of hashtag builds a brand around you or your business and helps you stand out. For example, let’s take a look at the branded hashtags that we use here at Red Toque: #RedToqueLife #RedToqueClub
Industry Related Hashtags
Industry related hashtags will categorize your message with other similar businesses or individuals. If you’re a photographer, you may want to use #UrbanPhotography or #LandscapeLovers depending on your focus. A great way to find these industry-related hashtags is to simply google them. A google search as simple as “Hashtags for photographers” will bring up loads of relevant hashtags that will up your engagement.
At the end of the day, there is no “perfect” sequence of hashtags that will give you all the likes and follows you deserve. The key here is to try things out, play with them, and see which ones work best for you or your business.
Download our hashtag inforgraphic.
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