The key to a successful Instagram is choosing the right hashtags.

There are 9 types of Instagram hashtags you should use (and mix) when you prepare your hashtag groups.

They range from very popular hashtags (with high competition) to less popular hashtags (with lower competition). I call this range the Instagram Hashtag Funnel.

The Hashtag Funnel will help you know which Instagram hashtags to use.

The best way to reach a diversified number of people on Instagram is to use a good mix of Instagram hashtags. Especially if you are a business using Instagram as your marketing platform.

Like I always say:
Instagram hashtags = free advertising.
Instagram hashtags = lead you to your potential customers.
Instagram hashtags = a door to an amazing community.

Note: At the end of the article I will share other important blog posts to complement this one.

1. Industry hashtags

Examples:

• #photographer
• #blogger

These are general hashtags.
There is usually a lot of competition with these hashtags (a lot of people use them – millions).

They are always good to use. I recommend using 1 or 2 industry hashtags in your list, just so Instagram knows what you’re into (then they can recommend you better on their Explore page).

Plus, a lot of people might not know very specific hashtags (like brand hashtags), so they can always find your photos thanks to general, industry hashtag.

2. Niche hashtags

Examples:

• #weddingphotographer
• #travelblogger

One step more specific than industry.
What is your specialty within the industry?

The Hashtag Generator in Preview App will be very handy.
Search a category to find niche hashtags.

3. Brand hashtags

Examples:

• #WeddingPhotoMag by @weddingphotomag
• #OpenMyWorld by @FlightCenter

Brands or big Instagram accounts will have branded hashtags.

There are two ways you can get new followers using branded hashtags:

1. Try to be featured by the brand.
2. Check the branded hashtag search results to make new connections.

Don’t worry if you don’t get featured. You’re still part of an amazing community. People will actively look at branded hashtags and you can make new connections this way.

I also encourage you to check branded hashtags on Instagram to make new connections. People who use these branded hashtags usually are just like you. They too, want to be featured and want to grow their account. Help each other out! Checking branded hashtags is a great way to get real followers.

Finally, check the Hashtags Generator. It includes branded hashtags by categories/industry.

4. Community hashtags

Examples:

• #communityovercompetition by @risingtidesociety
• #mytravelgram

Even more specific are Instagram communities.
Instagram is the home of communities. You can be part of any tribe.
It can be a community of girl bosses who support each other, or families who love to hike with their little ones (hi @bushwalkingbubs!).

Don’t just use a hashtag in the hope of making new friends. Be active. Like and comment on other people’s post.

5. Location hashtags

Examples:

• #SydneyWeddingPhotographer
• #BrisbaneAnyday (when travelling to Brisbane city)

Location hashtags allow you to be very specific. You make it easier for other people to find you.
The competition for these hashtags can be very low. It may seem like no one will ever find you using these specific hashtags – but the ones who will find you will be the one who truly care about what you have to show.

If you are a business, use this combination to create your hashtag:

Location + niche + industry

Sydney + Wedding + Photographer = #sydneyweddingphotographer (38,414 posts)
UK + Social Media + Trainer = #5,643 (21 posts)

Boom!

6. Event hashtags

Examples:

• #TuesdayTogether @risingtidesociety
• #SuperBowl

Any events happening around you or in the world?
Be part of a larger (or local) movement.
These hashtags are great to also find other people in the area (if they are attending the same event).

For some event, you need to stay on top of the news (which isn’t hard if you’re on Facebook). I recommend to check branded hashtags related to an event.

An example is @Oreo during the Super Bowl ad. They asked people which side they were on: “Cookies versus Creme” using hashtags #cookiethis or #cremethis (it was pretty fun, check it out).

7. Celebration hashtags

Examples:

• #Christmas2017
• #SummerHolidays2017
• #WorldTurtleDay
• #NationalPizzaDay

This hashtag type is self-explanatory. The trick is to ride the waves to celebrate with everyone. Especially when it’s a fun event like National Pizza Day.

It’s so fun to engage with people from all around the world.

One more thing:

When you choose any type of hashtag, always think about the density of the hashtag.

8. High density hashtags

High density = A lot of posts (+500K) = A lot of competition = Harder to rank = Part of a larger picture.

9. Low density

Low density = Not many posts = Lower competition = Easier to rank to the Top Posts = Small tight-knit community

I recommend to use a mix of high density and lower density hashtags when you plan your hashtag group.

Wrapping up

To sum up, mix the different types of hashtags in your Instagram hashtag group.

Here are the other articles I strongly recommend to read:

• How to use high and low density hashtags like a boss
• How to use the Instagram Hashtag Generator in Preview app
• How to know what your audience is looking at on Instagram (to pick your hashtags)
• List of banned Instagram hashtags

Feel free to ask questions in the comments below. Let me know if you found this article useful.

Alexandra