Pay attention class – this is hashtag research
Research *sigh* boooring.
Okay, let’s forget about dusty books, lab coats, and antisocial study buddies. This is the shiny 21st Century. Welcome to IG Hashtag Research 101.
‘But!’ you raise your hand ‘Why do I need to do hashtag research?’
Well, do you want to reach new and valuable audiences? Do you want to have a genuine connection and engagement with your followers? Do you want to optimise your brand strategy and achieve your business goals?
Good. Then let the class begin.
IG hashtag research is your digital compass
Just like the golden arches of McDonald’s direct you to their tasty burgers, correctly researched and used hashtags draw your audience to your tasty content.
If you don’t understand the role your business plays in the social media world, then you can’t understand and connect with your community. Hashtag research will set up the foundation that you need to accurately target your desired audience and grow your brand awareness.
To prepare your audience to take their first bite, you will need to understand what hashtags are and how to use them correctly. Once you understand this, you are ready to begin the hashtag research stage.
How do you conduct IG hashtag research?
Here are four different ways to undertake your research:
Manual Research
Manual hashtag research simply involves browsing hashtags directly through Instagram. You can browse via the search bar or view hashtags used in other posts (competitor posts are the juiciest). This will allow you to see how popular, relatable, and industry-specific a hashtag will be for your business.
Research Tools and Resources
There are plenty of online options to choose from when it comes to Instagram hashtag research tools. Simply browse hashtag research tools and a plethora of options will appear.
One of our recommended online resources is RiteTag. Here are some of the amazing features that RiteTag offers:
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Provides hashtag suggestions based on text and images (yes that’s right, you can right-click an image to get hashtag suggestions).
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Has an inbuilt banned hashtag checker.
- Provides a hashtag comparison feature and allows you to save hashtag sets.
RiteTag can be added as a Google Chrome Extension, this allows you to use it while on other apps and websites. Scroll Instagram and see hashtag suggestions based on posts in your feed. Super cool!
Professional Hashtag Sets
Professionally curated hashtag sets (ours are coming soon) are a time-saving option for businesses wanting to optimise their social media presence. Avoid the research stage altogether. Simply, download industry-specific hashtag sets and paste them into your posts.
Lifesaving hashtag tips for Instagram
Avoid banned hashtags
Banned hashtags are any hashtag or keyword that goes against Instagram’s guidelines (inappropriate, offensive, discriminatory, etc.).
It is critical that you DO NOT use banned hashtags, otherwise, your post will be hidden. Here is how to know if a hashtag is banned:
- Type a hashtag directly in the Instagram search bar. If it does not appear as an option for you to click on, it is banned.
Avoid using too many hashtags
The recommended number of hashtags to use per post is a debatable subject.
The algorithm is constantly changing and so is how we use Instagram.
Below are our 2023 recommendations for the optimal number of hashtags you should be aiming for per post:
Avoid using popular hashtags
This is one of the biggest hashtag tips for Instagram users… only use a few popular hashtags per post.
‘But’ you raise your hand again ‘I thought that popular hashtags were how you got discovered.’
Just remember, that the goal is for your voice to be heard and your content found by audiences that will genuinely engage with what you have to offer.
Do you think your post will have a better chance at standing out amongst the one billion #fashion posts, or the 130 thousand #melbournefashionblogger posts?
You are more likely to find your specific target audience (who will engage and purchase from you) when you use specific hashtags, even if they aren’t #popular. For small businesses, we recommend sticking to hashtags within the 10,000– 200,000 range.
Avoid using the wrong type of hashtags
#peach to you may be a delicious fruit.
#peach to the majority of Instagram users may be the body part they sit on 🍑
It is important to research the hashtags you intend on using to make sure, in the social media world, they are attracting results and a community that relates to your content.
- Type a hashtag directly in the Instagram search bar and click on the corresponding hashtag page. Scroll through the posts and click on them to view engagement and comments. This will give you a clear indication if this hashtag is suitable for your business. Do you see your target audience engaging? Great! This hashtag is for you.
Hashtag research is just the beginning
IG hashtag research is an extremely important step for your brand strategy. Without the proper research, you run the risk of discrediting your posts and disengaging your audience.
You’ve put effort into creating amazing content, now give it the best chance to be seen and do 👏 your 👏 research! 👏
Well done. Class dismissed.