Are hashtags dead? Your guide to growing on Instagram
In all my conversations about Instagram’s algorithm changes, one question always comes up: Do hashtags still matter? With a lot of conflicting advice online, let's clear the air and guide you on how you can grow on Instagram, including how you can best use hashtags.
What’s the current situation with Instagram?
For years, hashtags have been a go-to for boosting Instagram growth, acting as a tool to find new followers and increase engagement. However, with Instagram's algorithm getting smarter, the role of hashtags has shifted slightly. But one thing I want to get straight, hashtags are still very much alive and kicking.
Why hashtags still matter
Hashtags are still important for the Instagram algorithm. They help organise your content, making it visible to a broader audience. According to a study by Later, posts with around 20 hashtags usually get the most engagement. The trick is to focus on high-quality, super-relevant hashtags.
How to use hashtags wisely in 2024
Ditch the broad, irrelevant hashtags and go for ones specific to your niche and content.
Find the most fitting and trending hashtags for your posts – if you’re using scheduling tools, check if they have hashtag tools built in
Mix it up by blending popular hashtags and less competitive ones for better discoverability.
Track which hashtags bring in the most engagement through Instagram’s analytics tools show you
While hashtags matter, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s more tactics to think about:
Community engagement: Respond to comments and engage with your followers' content, especially in the first hour after posting.
Embrace Reels: Play around with video content to grab your audience's attention, experient with what helps generate engagement.
Optimise posting times: Use analytics tools to figure out when your audience is most active and schedule your posts for then.
Focus on shareable content: Aim for content that your audience will want to save, share, and comment on – the algorithm loves these interactions.
Encourage followers to use your ‘favourites feed’: This feature lets users prioritise content from their favourite accounts, making sure they never miss your posts.
Hashtags aren't gone; they've just grown up. They’re still vital as part of a more strategic approach to Instagram growth. Combine them with great content, community engagement, and clever analytics, and you're on your way to high growth in 2024. Remember, Instagram is always evolving, so stay adaptable, try out new strategies, and keep an eye on your analytics to find what clicks with your unique audience.
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