If you have been posting to Instagram for some time now, you have probably gotten yourself a little bit more familiar with hashtags. You know what they are, why you need them and that you need them for EVERY post.
But, I keep seeing a common mistake when it comes to how people are using hashtags and so, I wanted to put on my Superwoman cape and come share with you what it is so that I can save you from making it, too.
You sit down to write your post. Your fingers are on fire as you type away furiously, crafting just the right sentences, and a message that will land with your people. “This is some of my best work,” you think proudly. You carefully select a picture that fits with the caption and then it’s time for the hashtags.
“Ok. Hashtags. Hmmmm… what is this post about?” you ask and set about putting together a long list of hashtags that describe the post.
Here is the mistake. This hashtag tactic is totally #backwards.
“What do you mean, Leanne!? This is how I’ve always done it!”
Don’t worry. I told you this was a common mistake and now I am going to share with you why and how to fix it so you never have to make it again!
Imagine you were on the phone with someone who was trying to locate you. They had no information about your whereabouts except for what you provided them as a description. You carefully describe to them the room you’re sitting in, “Ok, the walls are white, there is an office chair, and I see a lamp. Oh, oh, make that two lamps.”
The person will still have no idea where you are!
What if you started by asking that person where THEY are and then leading them to you! Looking at it from THEIR perspective and helping to guide them to you based on the information around them?
Think of how you use hashtags in the same way. Let’s say you’re a jewelry maker and you just finished a jade necklace that you’re putting up on your Instagram to sell it. You might be tempted to use the hashtag #necklace or #jewelrymaker because that is what the post is about, right? But instead, ask yourself these three questions:
- Who is looking for this product?
- What hashtags are they already checking out?
- Where are the people that need this?
Who
If you are only using hashtags that describe who YOU are, you will likely end up attracting other people who do what you do. #jewelrymaker is going to attract other jewelry makers that are making this hashtag mistake too. They are most likely not your target market. Instead, try a hashtag that describes the type of person who buys your products: ie. #fashionista or #bridetobe are probably better choices.
Who are your ideal clients?
What
What hashtags are your ideal clients and customers following? Maybe they are of the #motivationalMonday crowd or the #tipsTuesday variety. Maybe they are following #socialmediatips for blog articles like these or #selfcare because they are focusing on their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Put some thought into the values and pain points of your ideal people and check out which hashtags they might be following for inspiration, education, thought leadership, and more!
What hashtags are your ideal customers following?
Where
Whether you have a brick and mortar location or not, it is usually helpful to use hashtags that are geographically-relevant. Examples: #newenglander #californiaentrepreneur or ilovenewyork.
These can help people local to you connect with find you!
Where are your ideal people located or traveling to?
You can and should also sprinkle in a couple (1-3 at most) describing who you are and what the photo is about, because your hashtags should also be relevant to the photo. But don’t make the mistake of making them all about you or your product. Make it about the people you are trying to reach and serve.
The Fun Part
Putting it all together. Equipped with your list of hashtags specific to your who, what, and where, now you have an array of hashtags that will more effectively drive traffic to your posts.
Now that you have done the legwork, you can keep these hashtags someplace handy (like the notes app in your phone) and simply cut and paste when you’re ready to share!
And I couldn’t leave you without giving you just one more tip… make sure you use all 30!
Still hung up on how to use hashtags? Book a coaching strategy session with me HERE and let’s talk about which hashtags to use for YOUR individual business!
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