Viral Instagram Hashtag Strategies for 2023
I've been digging into Instagram hashtags, and guess what? They don't actually do much to boost engagement. In fact, I've got data showing they might even do the opposite—cause some harm when used blindly.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy! You're probably thinking, "No way, hashtags are the lifeblood of Instagram engagement!" But hang on, there's more to it.
You see, even if you pile on hashtags for a mediocre post, it still won't beat a genuinely awesome post with no hashtags at all.
So, what's the deal with hashtags then? Are there any Instagram hashtag strategies that work in 2023? Well, you'll want to stick around to find out the whole story. Trust me, it's an eye-opener!
Are Hashtags still relevant in 2023?
Absolutely, hashtags are still important on Instagram in 2023! I know there's always been a lot of back-and-forth about their effectiveness, especially since Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post.
But here's the deal: using relevant and targeted hashtags (plus some clever keywords) in your posts and Reels is still one of the best ways to reach a whole new audience on the platform.
That's why I'm all about having a well-crafted Instagram hashtag strategy especially if you are trying to grow in 2023. Without one, you're leaving money on the table!
How many hashtags should you use?
Hey, when it comes to using hashtags on Instagram in 2023, it's all about finding that sweet spot! You know, those magic tags that can put your content in front of the right audience.
Instagram's generous and allows up to 30 hashtags in your captions, but here's the thing: the platform recommends keeping it chill with 3-5 hashtags in the caption. Why? Well, they say it's because fewer hashtags mean your content gets better self-categorization.
But hey, don't be shy to test things out and see what works best for your game. Experiment with different numbers and combos, and keep a close eye on those hashtag analytics.
How to boost Instagram Engagement with hashtags?
Alright, let's talk hashtag tips! Based on the data and my observation, using hashtags effectively can make a huge difference. So, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Use Better Hashtags
Forget those spammy 30 identical hashtags per post – that's not the winning strategy! Instagram suggests using around 5 hashtags, so pick the best ones. Look for niche hashtags that speak to your audience, not just the massively popular ones like #love.
2. Be Smart with Hashtags
Stop slapping hashtags from those generic hashtag generators on every post; that strategy won't cut it. Instagram suggests using only 5 hashtags per post. So, my recommendation, based on the latest Instagram Engagement Report by Mention, is to choose 4 hashtags that really speak to your content. People can still follow their favourite hashtags, so using niche ones is like finding gold!
3. Avoid Spammy Hashtags
Instagram doesn't tolerate spammy behaviour. They've got a massive list of banned hashtags, so steer clear of anything that could land you in hot water. Some banned ones might surprise you like #beautyblogger, #boho etc, so always double-check!
4. Mix It Up
Copy-pasting the same hashtags for every post is a fast track to getting shadowbanned because it may seem spammy to the Instagram algorithm. Look at other creators in your niche, see what works for them, and use similar ones for your posts. It's a simple yet effective move.
The 3-by-3 Instagram Hashtag Strategy that Works in 2023
Here's a neat trick – the 3 by 3 Hashtag Strategy. Let's say you're doing a saree styling video. You can use 3 hashtags about your audience (#sareelovers #fashionblogger #instafashion), 3 hashtags for what your video is about (#sareefashion #sareecollection #fashion), and lastly, 3 hashtags for the problems your videos solve (#5WaysToStyleSarees #SareeDrapingStyles #onlineshopping).
Conclusion
So, after diving into all things hashtags, here's the takeaway: using hashtags correctly can definitely expand your reach to a wider audience. But here's the catch - it doesn't automatically guarantee increased engagement. Why? Well, it all comes down to your content and whether you're hitting the right audience.
Think of hashtags as the driving force that takes you places, but you still need a fantastic destination (your content) to make it work. So, focus on creating amazing posts and using relevant hashtags to reach your target audience.