Instagram Business: Hashtags for Meaningful Engagement?

The Power of Hashtags: Maximizing Engagement for Small Businesses

Ready to take your social media game up a notch? Let's talk about hashtags—a secret weapon in the world of digital marketing that can significantly elevate your business' visibility and engagement.

HubSpot tells us something intriguing: a single Instagram post with at least one hashtag drives a whopping 12.6% more engagement than those without any hashtags. That's a game-changer, right?

But here's the catch—hashtags aren't all cut from the same cloth. Sure, those #happy #weekend #quote tags might attract attention, but are they bringing you the kind of attention your business truly needs?

Let's break it down:

1 Aim for Meaningful Engagement

Generic hashtags draw a crowd, no doubt, but not all followers are created equal. You want meaningful engagement—followers who genuinely interact with your brand, comment on your posts and add value to your content.

2 Crafting the Right Strategy

Hashtags are more than trendy keywords; they're strategic calls to action. Craft your hashtags after thorough research into your industry, location, and niche market.

So, how do you find the right hashtags?

Consider this scenario: you're a small business specializing in camping gear. You want to attract campers, but using #nature (with its 343 million posts) might drown your post. Here's a breakdown:

• #camping: 19.6 million posts—a good start.

• #campinglife: 1.1 million posts—better but still sizable.

• #campinggear: 151 thousand posts—the sweet spot, focused and aligned with your business.

Choosing the right hashtags involves a bit of research and strategy. Find that sweet spot where you capture attention without getting lost in the crowd.

And here's a bonus tip: While exploring these hashtags, delve into the profiles of those using them. Gain free insights into your customers, competition, and industry trends.

The Magic Number: How Many Hashtags?

According to HubSpot, most top brands use seven or fewer hashtags per post. Experiment to find what works best for your business—whether it's 7, 20, or somewhere in between. The Instagram limit is 30, but find your optimal number for engagement.

Level Up Your Game:

• Follow Your Own Hashtag: Encourage social listening by following your unique hashtag. Engage with those using it—it's free marketing intel!

• Create a Brand Campaign Hashtag: Launch a campaign or event hashtag. Encourage customers to use it and engage with your brand.

Ready to rock your hashtag game? If you're seeking guidance in creating a strategic Instagram hashtag strategy, I offer hashtag research as part of my social media coaching and management services. Shoot me an email at lunaroseconsulting@gmail.com to get started today!