The Dos and Don’ts of Hashtags on Social Media and Instagram

Instagram hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by more people. When you use relevant hashtags, your posts will show up in the search results for those hashtags, which means more people will be able to find and engage with your content.

But how do you know which hashtags to use? And how many should you use? Here are a few tips for using Instagram hashtags effectively:

Use relevant hashtags. The most important thing to remember when using hashtags is to use relevant ones. This means using hashtags that are related to the content of your post. For example, if you’re posting a photo of your cat, you might use hashtags like #catsofinstagram, #catlover, and #cutecats.
Use a variety of hashtags. Don’t just use the same few hashtags over and over again. Try to use a variety of hashtags, both popular and niche. This will help you reach a wider audience.
Use a hashtag generator. If you’re not sure which hashtags to use, you can use a hashtag generator. There are many different hashtag generators available online, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Don’t use too many hashtags. It’s tempting to use as many hashtags as possible, but it’s actually better to use a few relevant hashtags than a lot of irrelevant ones. Instagram only allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, so use them wisely.
Update your hashtags regularly. As your account grows and your content changes, you’ll need to update your hashtags accordingly. Make sure to remove any hashtags that are no longer relevant and add new ones that are.

By following these tips, you can use Instagram hashtags effectively to reach a wider audience and get more engagement with your content.

Research and use relevant hashtags

Research and use relevant hashtags is one of the most important dos of using hashtags on social media. It is crucial to research and use hashtags that are relevant to your content and target audience. Using popular hashtags may increase your visibility, but using irrelevant hashtags can harm your credibility and make your content appear spammy.

To find relevant hashtags, you can use tools like Hashtagify, RiteTag, or simply search for hashtags related to your industry or topic. Additionally, you can create your own branded hashtags to increase brand awareness and engagement. Remember to keep your hashtags concise, easy to remember, and unique to your brand.

Keep it simple and easy to remember

When it comes to creating hashtags, it’s important to keep them simple and easy to remember. Avoid using long or complicated phrases that people may struggle to spell or remember. Instead, opt for short and catchy hashtags that are easy to type and remember. This will make it easier for people to find and use your hashtag, which can help increase engagement and reach on social media.

Additionally, using simple and memorable hashtags can help build brand recognition and make it easier for people to associate your brand with specific topics or themes. So, when in doubt, keep it simple and easy to remember.

Use hashtags sparingly

While hashtags can be a powerful tool for increasing the visibility of your social media posts, it’s important to use them sparingly. Overusing hashtags can make your posts look spammy and can actually decrease engagement. Instead, focus on using a few relevant and specific hashtags that will help your content reach your target audience. It’s also important to vary your hashtags from post to post to keep your content fresh and avoid being repetitive. Remember, quality over quantity is key when it comes to using hashtags on social media.

Create a unique hashtag for your brand or campaign

Creating a unique hashtag for your brand or campaign is a great way to increase brand awareness and engagement on social media. When creating a hashtag, make sure it is short, memorable, and relevant to your brand or campaign. Avoid using generic hashtags that are already heavily used, as it can make it difficult for your content to stand out.

Once you have created your hashtag, promote it across all your social media channels and encourage your followers to use it in their posts. This will help to create a community around your brand and increase the reach of your content. Remember to monitor the use of your hashtag and engage with users who are using it to build a stronger relationship with your audience.

Engage with users who use your hashtags

Engaging with users who use your hashtags is a great way to build a community around your brand or topic. When someone uses your hashtag, take the time to like or comment on their post. This shows that you appreciate their support and can encourage them to continue using your hashtag in the future.

Additionally, responding to comments on your own posts that use your hashtag can help foster a sense of community and encourage others to join in on the conversation. However, it’s important to remember to keep your interactions genuine and avoid spamming or over-promoting your brand.

Don’t use irrelevant hashtags

Using irrelevant hashtags can be tempting, especially if they are trending or popular. However, it is important to remember that hashtags are meant to categorize content and make it easier for users to find what they are looking for. Using irrelevant hashtags not only makes it harder for users to find your content, but it can also come across as spammy and unprofessional. It is best to stick to hashtags that are relevant to your content and audience. If you are unsure which hashtags to use, do some research and see what other users in your industry or niche are using.

Don’t use too many hashtags

Using too many hashtags can be overwhelming and annoying for your audience. It can also come across as spammy and desperate for attention. While it’s important to use hashtags to increase your reach and engagement, it’s equally important to use them strategically and sparingly. Stick to a few relevant and popular hashtags that are related to your content or industry. This will help you attract the right audience and avoid being flagged as spam. Remember, quality over quantity is key when it comes to using hashtags on social media.

Don’t use long and complicated hashtags

Using long and complicated hashtags can be a major turn-off for social media users. Not only are they difficult to remember, but they can also be challenging to type out correctly. When creating hashtags, it’s essential to keep them short, sweet, and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or acronyms that only a select group of people will understand. Instead, use simple and straightforward language that anyone can comprehend. Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to find and engage with your content, and using long and complicated hashtags can hinder that goal.

Don’t use hashtags that are already overused

Using hashtags that are already overused can be counterproductive for your social media strategy. When you use a hashtag that has been used millions of times, your content can easily get lost in the sea of posts. It’s important to do your research and find hashtags that are relevant to your brand or message, but not so popular that your content will be buried. Additionally, using overused hashtags can make your brand appear unoriginal and lacking in creativity. Instead, try to come up with unique and specific hashtags that will help your content stand out and attract the right audience.

Don’t use hashtags to spam or promote unrelated content

Using hashtags to promote unrelated content or spamming them with irrelevant posts is a surefire way to turn off your audience. Not only does it come across as desperate and annoying, but it can also harm your brand’s reputation. Instead, focus on using hashtags that are relevant to your content and target audience. This will help you attract the right followers and increase engagement on your posts. Remember, quality over quantity is key when it comes to using hashtags on social media.