Everything I know about hashtags.

If you’re not using hashtags in your Instagram posts, now is the time to start. Keep reading to learn why you should be adding them and how to make your customized hashtag lists to attract new followers and potential customers.

 Why use hashtags?

Hashtags behave like a search engine for Instagram users to discover new accounts and find products and services. Users often follow hashtags to get relevant content there instead of following a bunch of accounts, so it acts like a newsfeed. This is great for businesses and creators looking to grow their following, get greater engagement, and more eyes on their content. If you’re focusing on putting out the perfect post and then add a few random hashtags, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

 How many hashtags should you use?

Instagram allows for 30 hashtags in a post, which probably sounds like a lot, but I recommend using all of them to get as much attention as possible. To keep my caption looking nice and clean, I paste my hashtag list – that I prepare ahead of time – in the first comment of my post. You can also leave a few spaces under your caption and paste them in there if that works for you.

Can you use hashtags in your stories?

Yes! You can add up to 10 hashtags to your Instagram stories. You can type them using the text tool. This will clutter up your image, so hide them by either shrinking the hashtag list, putting a sticker on top of the tags or shrinking the list and using the colour dropper tool to make the text the same colour as your background.

How do you create your own customized hashtag list?

1.      Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of your Instagram screen.

2.      Type in a word that relates to your account or the post that you’re publishing and click on “Tags.”

3.      Choose a hashtag that works for you.

4.      See related hashtags and use them as well.

Click on the search tool.

Type in a keyword that relates to your post.

Here’s an example that might clear up any confusion. Say I own a barbershop in Toronto, and I’m creating a post about my team. I would search #torontobarber and use all the hashtags that relate to it. Then I would search #smallbusinesstoronto #localbarbers #ilovemyteam #teammember #supportlocalbarbers, etc., and keep adding hashtags until I had 30 for my list.

 I then add the 30 to the notes on my phone, and copy/paste it, so I have it ready to go anytime I make a post about my team.

 I have over seven hashtag lists that I rotate through depending on the subject of my post. They take a bit of time to create but are well worth it in the end.

HERE’S THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP:

Don’t use hashtags with more than 1 million posts unless you have a high rate of engagement or a REALLY large following. Stick to hashtags that have under 100k and don’t be shy about using hashtags that are under 10k.

When you use smaller hashtags, you have a better chance of showing up in their Top Posts, which will mean you’ll have a better chance of being discovered.

Audit your hashtag lists every month, get rid of those that aren’t performing, and experiment with new ones!