How can Instagram hashtags help you build brand awareness?

2 How to research and choose relevant hashtags?

Before you start using hashtags, you need to do some research and find out which ones are relevant to your brand, industry, niche, and audience. You can use tools like Instagram's search function, analytics, and insights to discover and analyze popular and relevant hashtags. You can also look at what your competitors, influencers, and customers are using and how they perform. You should aim to use a mix of hashtags that are specific, broad, and branded. Specific hashtags are more targeted and niche, such as #veganbaking or #travelphotography. Broad hashtags are more general and common, such as #food or #travel. Branded hashtags are unique to your brand and can be your name, slogan, campaign, or product, such as #nike or #justdoit.

3 How to use hashtags effectively and creatively?

Once you have a list of hashtags that suit your brand and goals, you need to use them effectively and creatively to optimize your results. It is recommended to use up to 30 hashtags per post, but don't overdo it as too many hashtags can look spammy and reduce your engagement. It is important to experiment with different numbers and combinations to find what works best for you. Hashtags should be used in both captions and comments, but some experts suggest that using them in the comments can make your captions look cleaner and more appealing. You can also use up to 10 hashtags in stories and reels, which can help you reach more people and increase your views. Additionally, you can use one or two hashtags in your bio and profile to highlight your brand identity and value proposition. Linking to a branded hashtag or campaign hashtag in your bio can encourage followers to use it and check it out.

4 How to measure and improve your hashtag performance?

To make sure that your hashtags are helping you build brand awareness, you need to measure and improve their performance regularly. You can use Instagram's native analytics and insights to track metrics like impressions, reach, engagement, and followers gained from your hashtags. You can also use third-party tools like Iconosquare, Sprout Social, or Later to get more in-depth data and insights. You should analyze your hashtag performance at least once a month and compare it with your goals and benchmarks. You should also test different hashtags, formats, and strategies to see what works best for your brand and audience.

5 How to engage with your hashtag community?

Using hashtags is not only a way to promote your brand, but also a way to connect with your hashtag community. A hashtag community is a group of users who share a common interest, passion, or identity related to a hashtag. Engaging with your hashtag community can help you build trust, loyalty, and advocacy for your brand. You can do this by following and liking relevant hashtags and accounts to discover new content, trends, and influencers in your niche. Commenting and replying to posts and stories that use your hashtags can start conversations, build relationships, and provide value to followers. Reposting and featuring user-generated content that uses your hashtags can showcase products, services, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, creating and joining hashtag challenges and contests can generate buzz, excitement, and engagement around your brand. Hashtags are a powerful tool to help you build brand awareness on Instagram; use them strategically, creatively, and effectively to reach new audiences, showcase your brand personality and value, and engage with your hashtag community. Start using hashtags today to boost your brand visibility and reputation on this popular social media platform.