Are you tired of feeling like you’re just guessing when it comes to hashtags? You add a few to your posts, but you’re not seeing the growth or engagement you’d hoped for.
This feeling of hitting “publish” and hoping for the best is a common frustration, and it often leads to a mindset that hashtags just don’t work. The truth is, hashtags aren’t a guessing game; they’re a powerful tool for discoverability, but only when you have a clear strategy.
The most successful creators and businesses don’t just use hashtags; they have a system for them. They understand that a well-researched hashtag strategy can help them get in front of their ideal audience without having to pay for ads.
This isn’t about working harder or using all the most popular tags; it’s about working smarter by using a simple, repeatable process to find and use the right hashtags for your content.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple 6-step hashtag strategy that will transform your hashtags from a random add-on to a powerful engine for growth. Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Let’s dive in.
Part 1: The Research & Organization
The most common mistake with hashtags is a lack of strategy. Most people just guess at what hashtags to use, which leads to inconsistent results and a lot of wasted time.
The secret to a winning hashtag strategy is to do the research upfront and build a system that you can use over and over again. This is where you work smarter, not harder.
1. Build a Keywords Bank
Before you can find the right hashtags, you need to know what you’re known for. You should have a clear list of keywords that are relevant to your content and your niche.
For example, if you’re a financial coach, your keywords might include “personal finance,” “financial literacy,” “investing,” and “money mindset.” This list is your foundation. Think of it as a clear roadmap for your content and your hashtag strategy.
2. Find Middle-Sized Hashtags
A common mistake is to use a bunch of high-volume hashtags (e.g., #marketing, #business) because you think they will get you more views. But the truth is, your content will get lost in a sea of millions of posts.
Instead, you need to find middle-sized hashtags—hashtags that have a decent but not overwhelming amount of posts (e.g., 50k – 200k posts). These hashtags are specific enough to attract a targeted audience but have enough traffic to give you a boost in visibility.
3. Keep a File of Your Hashtags
Once you’ve done your research, you need to organize it. This is the simple step that will save you a ton of time. Create a file on your phone or computer with different hashtag sets. You can have a set for each of your content pillars.
For example, you can have one for “financial literacy,” one for “investing,” and one for “money mindset.” This will allow you to simply copy and paste the right hashtag set to your post, which will save you a ton of time and ensure you’re always using a strategic mix.
Part 2: The Execution & Refinement
Now that you have your organized hashtag sets, it’s time to put them into action. This is the part of the process where you’ll get comfortable with using your hashtags consistently, and then use data to refine your strategy for even better results.
4. Use 30 Hashtags per Post
Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, so you should use all of them. This gives you 30 opportunities to be discovered by a new audience.
The key is to mix up your hashtags. Don’t just use the same 30 every time. Instead, use a combination of your different hashtag sets to reach a wider audience. This is where your organized file will come in handy—you can simply copy and paste the right hashtag sets to each post and mix them around.
5. Consult Your Analytics
This is the most important step in the entire process. You can’t improve what you don’t measure. You need to know which hashtags are actually working for you.
At the end of the month, look at your analytics to see which posts got the most reach from hashtags. Which hashtag sets performed the best? This data is your secret weapon. Use this information to inform your next round of content and your hashtag strategy.
6. Go Back to Steps 1-2 as Needed
Your hashtag strategy is a cycle, not a one-time thing. The algorithm and trends are always changing, so you need to be willing to adapt. At the end of each month, take a look at your data.
If you see a hashtag set that isn’t working for you, go back to steps 1 and 2 to find new keywords and middle-sized hashtags that you can add to your list. This ongoing process of research and refinement is what will help you stay ahead of the curve and consistently grow your brand.
Conclusion: Your New Secret Weapon for Growth
You’ve just learned the six essential steps to building a winning hashtag strategy. This isn’t just a list of tips; it’s a powerful, data-driven system that will transform your hashtags from a random add-on to a secret weapon for growth and discoverability.
By following this process, you’re not just hoping your content gets seen; you’re building a system that:
- Attracts your ideal audience by using a strategic mix of hashtags.
- Saves you time and energy by organizing your research.
- Refines your strategy by using data to make smarter decisions.
It’s time to stop guessing and start growing with a clear, intentional plan. When you implement this simple six-step process, you’ll not only see an increase in your reach and engagement but also a new sense of purpose and clarity in your social media marketing.