Unlock Instagram Success with Hashtag Strategy 2022!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Power of Hashtags on Instagram
3. Using 30 Hashtags on Every Post
4. Creating Unique Hashtag Sets
5. Analyzing Hashtag Performance
6. Utilizing Hashtags in Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV
7. Bucket Strategy: Categorizing Hashtags by Size
8. The Science behind Trending Hashtags
9. Manual vs. Automated Hashtag Research
10. Conclusion

The Power of Hashtags on Instagram

In the world of social media, hashtags have become a powerful tool for increasing visibility and reaching a wider audience. On platforms like Instagram, utilizing hashtags strategically can make a significant difference in gaining followers, increasing engagement, and overall growing your online presence. In this article, we will delve into the world of hashtags for Instagram and explore the various strategies you can employ to optimize their use for your business or personal brand.

Using 30 Hashtags on Every Post

One common misconception is that using too many hashtags can hurt your chances of being discovered. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Research has shown that using the maximum allowed 30 hashtags on every post can significantly increase your reach and attract new followers. Regardless of the number of followers you currently have, leveraging hashtags allows you to tap into a much larger pool of potential audience members. So, make it a habit to include 30 relevant hashtags on each of your Instagram posts, and watch your reach expand.

Creating Unique Hashtag Sets

To maximize the effectiveness of your hashtags, it is crucial to create unique sets for each post. Using the same hashtags repeatedly can lead to diminishing returns as your content becomes less discoverable. Experimenting with different combinations of hashtags ensures that you reach new audiences consistently. Consider using hashtag research tools like HashTastic to identify relevant and trending hashtags within your niche. By investing time into crafting diverse hashtag sets, you open up opportunities for further growth and engagement.

Analyzing Hashtag Performance

Measuring the impact of your hashtags is a key aspect of refining your Instagram strategy. Utilize Instagram Insights to closely monitor how many people are coming to your posts via hashtags. If you notice that a particular set of hashtags is consistently driving more traffic, it's an indication that those hashtags are working well for your content. Conversely, if a hashtag set is consistently underperforming, it's best to set it aside and explore other options. Remember, it's essential to regularly assess the effectiveness of your hashtag sets and make adjustments accordingly.

Utilizing Hashtags in Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV

Hashtags are not limited to just the traditional feed posts on Instagram. They are equally effective in Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV. When posting these types of content, be sure to include relevant hashtags in your captions or by using the hashtag sticker function. This practice ensures that your stories and videos become discoverable to a wider audience beyond your existing followers. And don't worry about the aesthetics of your story; you can pinch and move the hashtags to the side, making them less obtrusive while still reaping their benefits.

Bucket Strategy: Categorizing Hashtags by Size

To create a well-rounded hashtag strategy, it's important to categorize hashtags based on their sizes. The size of a hashtag refers to the number of posts associated with it. By using hashtags from different size categories, you can tap into various audience segments and increase your chances of being discovered. The five bucket strategy includes:

1. Extra Small: Hashtags with 10K to 100K posts
2. Small: Hashtags with 100K to 500K posts
3. Medium: Hashtags with 500K to 1 million posts
4. Large: Hashtags with 1 million to 5 million posts
5. Extra Large: Hashtags with more than 5 million posts

The bucket strategy allows you to distribute your hashtag usage across different categories based on the size of your account. For smaller accounts, focusing on hashtags in the extra small and small buckets can yield better results, as they offer less competition. However, don't restrict yourself to just one bucket; mix in a few hashtags from the next level above to increase your exposure and reach.

The Science behind Trending Hashtags

The ultimate goal of using hashtags on Instagram is to trend and appear on the explore page for a particular hashtag. The larger the hashtag, the harder it is to achieve this. That's why it's crucial to tailor your hashtag strategy to your follower count and community size. By utilizing smaller hashtags, you increase your chances of appearing on the explore page and gaining visibility. Remember, the purpose of hashtags is to become trendy, and working with the right size hashtags aligned with your account size ensures you are on the right track.

Manual vs. Automated Hashtag Research

One question that arises when it comes to hashtag research is whether it's better to do it manually or utilize automated tools. Manual research involves typing keyword variations and noting the number of posts for each hashtag. This method allows for complete customization but can be time-consuming. On the other hand, automated tools like HashTastic can streamline the process by providing you with a wide range of relevant hashtags based on your keywords. While it may require a small investment, it saves time and offers a comprehensive selection of hashtags for your consideration. Ultimately, the choice between manual and automated research depends on your preference and the resources you are willing to invest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hashtags play a vital role in your Instagram marketing strategy. By using 30 hashtags on every post, creating unique sets, analyzing performance, and incorporating hashtags in various types of content, you can expand your reach and attract new followers. Remember to categorize your hashtags based on size and adapt your strategy to match your follower count. The use of trending, relevant hashtags can increase your chances of appearing on the explore page and gaining exposure. Whether you choose to research hashtags manually or utilize automated tools is up to you, but the importance of incorporating hashtags into your Instagram strategy cannot be underestimated. So, start harnessing the power of hashtags today and watch your Instagram presence grow.

Highlights:

• Utilizing 30 hashtags on every Instagram post is crucial for maximizing reach and attracting new followers.
• Creating unique hashtag sets for each post helps to continuously engage new audiences.
• Analyzing hashtag performance through Instagram Insights allows for data-driven adjustments and optimization.
• Hashtags are equally effective in Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV, expanding your reach beyond traditional posts.
• Categorizing hashtags by size allows for a balanced strategy that appeals to various audience segments.
• Trending hashtags are more attainable when using smaller hashtags that align with your account size.
• Manual and automated hashtag research both have their merits; the choice depends on personal preference and available resources.

FAQ:

Q: How many hashtags should I use on each Instagram post? A: It is recommended to use the maximum of 30 hashtags on every Instagram post to maximize reach and attract new followers.

Q: Can I use the same hashtags repeatedly? A: No, using the same hashtags repetitively can lead to diminishing returns. It's crucial to create unique hashtag sets for each post to consistently reach new audiences.

Q: How can I measure the performance of my hashtags? A: Instagram Insights provides data on how many people are coming to your posts via hashtags. Monitor this data to identify which hashtag sets are driving more traffic and adjust accordingly.

Q: Can I use hashtags in Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV? A: Yes, hashtags are equally effective in Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV. Include relevant hashtags in your captions or by using the hashtag sticker function to increase discoverability.

Q: How should I categorize hashtags based on size? A: Categorize hashtags into buckets based on the number of posts associated with them. The buckets include extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large, catering to different account sizes and competition levels.

Q: Should I conduct manual or automated hashtag research? A: The choice between manual and automated research depends on personal preference and available resources. Manual research allows for customization but can be time-consuming, while automated tools streamline the process by providing a wide range of relevant hashtags.

Q: How can trending hashtags be achieved? A: To trend on Instagram, it is advisable to work with smaller hashtags that align with your account size. This increases the chances of appearing on the explore page and gaining exposure.

Q: What is the benefit of utilizing 30 hashtags on Instagram? A: Using 30 hashtags on Instagram exposes your content to a wider audience, increases reach, and attracts new followers, regardless of your follower count.

Q: How can I save time in hashtag research? A: Automated tools like HashTastic can save time by providing a comprehensive selection of relevant hashtags based on your keywords, eliminating the need for manual research.

Q: How do hashtags contribute to Instagram growth? A: Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing visibility, engagement, and overall Instagram growth. They allow for better targeting and discovery by connecting your content with interested audiences.