Hello Instagrammers and business owners! Need help with your Instagram hashtag strategy?
Let’s get straight into it.
This is going to be mostly an Instagram Hashtag Strategy for businesses, because so many of you email us every day asking for hashtag help.
If you don’t have a business, look at these Instagram hashtags tips.
Now back to business.
We all have different businesses and brands.
And we can all use the same, core Instagram hashtag strategy.
Whether you are a tour guide, jewelry designer, restaurant owner, hair stylist, nail artist, realtor, social media manager, clothing brand or even a blogger, you just need 2 things:
- The “Instagram Hashtag Formula” below, and
- The Hashtag Finder in Preview App (= researched, hand-picked and manually created hashtag groups for different brands, businesses and communities)
The Formula and the Hashtag Finder work:
As you’ll see in the Formula, there are 4 types of Instagram hashtags businesses can use.
Hashtags are a very personal thing.
Some of you might realise you can use all 4 types of hashtags.
And some of you might be totally fine using 1 or 2 types of hashtags.
There’s no right or wrong.
Use the hashtags that make sense for your business.
You can use up to 30 hashtags.
The Hashtag Finder in Preview App already has a mix of small, medium, large, community hashtags, as well as hashtags that can get you featured on other people’s account. So you don’t need to worry about the size of the hashtags. We’ve done the work for you.
Let’s use an example to see how to use Instagram hashtags for a business:
Business example:
“My business is home organizing. I live in New York.”
Ready?
Here are the 4 types of Instagram hashtags you can use:
1. Your industry hashtags
The first type of Instagram hashtags you want to use are hashtags that directly describe your business, specialty, product, service or offer.
What is your business about?
Use hashtags that are the exact word(s) that describes what you do / sell.
Example:
- Home organization business = “Home” + “Home Organization” hashtags.
- So I would type “Home” in Preview App to see all the recommended “Home” hashtags. Pick and choose the hashtags that fit the best with your business.
Bam! Done.
Next.
2. Your ideal customers’ hashtags
Who are your ideal customers?
Use hashtags your ideal customers are using.
This way, your posts – and therefore your products – will appear in front of their eyes.
When you use the hashtags they use, you are becoming part of their community.
It’s a great way to connect with like-minded people. People who actually care about what you share.
Example:
- Home organization business = ideal customers could be “moms”.
- Type “Mom” in Preview App to see all the recommended “Mom” hashtags.
3. Your location hashtags
*Optional*
Use location hashtags if you have a local business.
Important for: hair stylists, nail salons, restaurants, and any physical store.
Example:
- Home organization business in New York = use “New York” hashtags.
- Type “New York” in Preview App.
Bam! Done.
Next.
4. Hashtag Combinations
*Optional*
Create your own hashtag combination if it makes sense for your business.
When you create your own hashtag combination, you are creating a more specific, niche hashtag.
This means that you can be found by people who are searching for something specific.
Here are 3 examples of hashtag combinations:
- Your location + your industry/specialty (Example: #londonrestaurant)
- Your location + your ideal customer (Example: #newyorkmoms)
- Your product + an adjective that describes it (Examples: #goldearrings, #naturalcandles)
You can combine other way around too:
- Your industry/specialty + location
- Your ideals customers + location
Example:
- My business is “Home organizing” and I’m based in New York.
- My ideal clients are moms.
Here are 2 awesome hashtag combinations you can use / create:
- #newyorkhomes
- #newyorkmom
Pro Tip:
Check on Instagram if your hashtag combinations already exist.
#newyorkmom – WOW. Look! Your ideal clients are right here:
Pro Tip #2:
You can go ahead and like and comment on some of the posts of your ideal clients/customers. Don’t be spammy. Don’t be creepy. Just be genuine.
Be human 🙂
That’s it! Your turn to create your Instagram Hashtag Strategy!
Now you know how to use Instagram hashtags to promote your business.
Here’s a quick recap of the hashtags you need for your Instagram Hashtag Strategy:
- Industry Hashtags
- Hashtags your ideal client / customer uses
- Location Hashtags
- Hashtag Combinations
Your turn to try it!
Let me know in the comments below if this blog post was useful.
And if you’re new: Click here to download Preview.
Alex
hi there, my business is fashion/art masks. i love preview, it’s a game changer
Hello! Super happy you’re loving it 🙂
Industry = Fashion
Type “Fashion” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder in Preview and use some fashion hashtags. These hashtags will connect you with the fashion community on Instagram.
I’m not sure what kind of masks you create, but if you do design masks for fashion photoshoots, then it might be a good idea to test the “Fashion Photography” hashtags that are in the app too. I’m thinking that the Fashion Photographers might see your account and might get interested in your art masks for their own photoshoot. Something to think about.
Your specialty within the industry = Fashion Masks
Use fashion masks hashtags. We don’t have these hashtags in Preview
at the moment. But you can totally type “fashionmask” on Instagram and
see the hashtags that come up. For example, I can see #fashionmask,
#fashionmasks, #fashionfacemask etc…
Make a list of the fashion masks hashtags you want to use, and then you can save them in your Preview App, like this:
https://thepreviewapp.com/easiest-way-save-hashtag-groups-instagram/
Other idea: Do you do handmade masks?
If so, type “Handmade” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder in Preview and you’ll see the “Handmade Business” hashtag group.
I would try these hashtags in a few weeks, after you use the “Fashion” and “Face Masks” hashtags. This way you can compare the difference in impressions, reach, likes, and even clicks to your website to shop.
Try a few weeks with Fashion + Face Masks hashtags, and then another week with Face masks + Handmade business hashtags.
If it’s not a handmade business, ignore. Focus on Fashion + Face Masks hashtags.
Tip: We do have quarantine related hashtags in the app. Type “Quarantine” and you’ll see all the recommended hashtags. We even have a “Quarantine Art” hashtag group. It will link you to people who are into art. And they will be able to see your useful product.
I hope it helps! Your turn!
Id love some help picking natural, vegan hair care product hashtags!
Hello! Do you have a hair care business? If so, is it a local business or do you sell internationally?
You’ve perfectly described what you offer. So let’s follow the Formula together:
Industry Hashtag = Hair
Type “Hair” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder in Preview app.
You’ll even see “Natural Hair” .
Specialty: Vegan, Natural
Type “Vegan” in the search bar.
You’ll see recommended hashtags. Check out the “Vegan” hashtag group and the “Wellness” hashtag group too. These will connect you with the vegan and health conscious communities on Instagram.
Ideal customers:
People who are following a natural, vegan, healthy lifestyle. Use the “Vegan”, “Health”, “Wellness” hashtags that are in the app.
Location hashtags:
Optional. If you sell internationally, you don’t have to use location hashtags.
Hashtag Combinations:
your industry + specialty = #veganhairproducts #naturalhairproducts
Tip: Type on Instagram “naturalhair” and see what comes up. Press on “naturalhairproducts” and look at the related hashtags on top of your screen. You’ll see “naturalhaircare”
Your turn 🙂
Take your time.
No pressure and have fun with it. Hashtags are all about experimentation.
I’ve said to other people in the comments as well: Keep an eye on your Analytics in your Preview App. They will tell you how your account is going in one glance. If you start seeing more impressions and reach, it means more people are seeing your account. Keep going.
If you feel like it’s not growing, then you can adjust your hashtags, and also you might have to adjust your images.
Have fun!! Let me know how you going in the next few weeks. I’d love to hear from you.
We are a coworking space – we need help generating the best hashtags we can use 🙂 Thank you so much!
Hello! Who is your coworking space for? Any entrepreneurs? Or a specific demographic?
Example: let’s say you have a co-working space in London for entrepreneurs:
Industry hashtag: Coworking space
I’ve added “coworking” in our to-do list. We’ll add them in our next app update.
For now, type on Instagram “coworking” and see what hashtags you want to use for your page.
Ideal audience: Entrepreneurs + Business Owners
Type “Business” in the search bar of Preview and see the recommended hashtags. You’ll see hashtags for Entrepreneurs, Business Women, Business Coaches, etc…
Location hashtags (super important for you): check the “London” hashtags in Preview.
Combination hashtags:
If you want to use Instagram for people to find you, then use hashtags like:
– location + industry = #londoncoworking #londoncoworkingspace
– location + ideal audience = #londonentrepreneurs #londongbusiness #londonbusinessschool #londonbusinesswomen
Start typing “londonbusiness” on Instagram and see what hashtags Instagram is bringing out.
Note: I chose London just to give an example. Replace with your own location!
Your turn! 🙂
I have a new online shop selling fashion jewellery and accessories in UK. Clients are women aged 30-55.
Definitely check the “Midlife” hashtags that are in the app. Type “Midlife” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder and you’ll see the recommended hashtags. There are some hashtags for fashion lovers in this age range. These hashtags will connect you with the community of women in this age bracket. Tip: you can also spend 10 minutes a day likes and commenting on some of these women’s posts 🙂 they’ll be your ideal customers!
Other hashtags to check out: “Jewelry”.
Type “Jewelry” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder and you’ll see the recommended hashtags.
Location hashtags:
Optional.
But you can always try to add some “London” hashtags and see if you get more eyes on your posts. Type “London” in the search bar to see the London hashtags.
Since you sell online, I would definitely try the “Midlife” and the “Jewelry” hashtags that are in the app.
Take your time to experiment.
Keep an eye on your Analytics in Preview to see how things change. If you get more reach and impressions. And also, if you rely on people to click on the link in your bio to shop, check the “Clicks to website” analytics in Preview. It’s in “Insights” > “See more” > Scroll down to “Clicks to website”. You’ll see a chart.
Quick tip in case you didn’t know: you can press on a blue bar to see what you posted on that day.
Have fun!!!
Great post! I’m a zentangle artist. My profile is https://instagram.com/guimartins.art
Thank you for an excellent breakdown! We are an aesthetic clinic in London specialising in Botox, fillers and skin treatments. Profile is https://www.instagram.com/cityskinclinic/. What would you recommend would be the best hashtags for us to increase our reach?
Hello hello! First: your content is AWESOME. Your captions are awesome too!
You have an interesting account because not only are you promoting your business and skills, but you are also educating the larger beauty community. You’re doing awesome.
You can experiment with these hashtags:
– Your industry = Skin
Type “Skin” in the search bar of the hashtag finder inside Preview and you’ll see the recommended hashtags like: esthetician, skincare (LOVE this hashtag group), skincare humor for your memes. I think the “Skincare” community of Instagram would LOVE to see your content.
For your YouTube videos and educational content, you could use some of the “Beauty” hashtags that are in the app. Like #beautybloggers #beautycommunity, etc… You’ll see 🙂
– Ideal clients = Skincare lovers
Already by using the “skin” hashtags you will attract skincare lovers to your account.
Your ideal clients are based in London. So we’ll get into this in the “Hashtag Combination”.
– Location
Type “London” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder. Use a few London
– Combination hashtags
location+specialty = #londonskincare, #londonesthetician, #londonbotox (and others you know fits for your business).
Since you also do YouTube videos and educational content, you could also use blogger types of hashtags like #londonblogger #londonyoutuber
Experiment with your hashtags!
Try the “Skincare” hashtags first + add your combination hashtags in the mix.
See how you go.
Like I said to the other people in the comments: keep an eye on your Analytics in Preview App. They’ll give you a good indication when you’re on the right path. I personally love checking the “Last 7 days” analytics to give a general idea of how the account is doing and if more people are seeing my posts. If you see GREEN = you’re on the right path. If you see red: no big deal, just adjust your strategy.
I’d love to hear how you go!! Slide in our DMs on Instagram @preview.app in a few weeks to let me know how you’re going. Or you can just reply to our email.
Hey,
I am a german Model ( Instagram: Berritleder) and I want to inspire girls to be themself in the ages of 14 to around 23
Which hashtag do you guys think are the best to get more followers,like…
Thank for your help
Hi, there, I’m passionate about cooking and trying new recipes. (Instagram Account: the_smell_of_delicious) I’m trying get new followers to attract my page try using 30 hashtags which are popular, still my account isn’t growing. Kindly advise!
Hello! Check the “Food Blogger” hashtags that are in Preview app. We’ve selected a mix of big, medium and small community hashtags.
You can also check the “Homemade Food” if you are making homemade food.
And if you are sharing recipes, check the “Recipes” hashtag group too.
Tip:
Start with one hashtag group. For example, start with “Food Blogger” hashtags first. And see if you see a difference.
Then a week later, you can add “Homemade Food” hashtags, and see if you notice more people coming to your posts.
You can also mix and match hashtags from different groups. You can pick some “Food Blogger” hashtags + “Recipes” hashtags.
Hashtags are all about testing and experimenting. So have fun with selecting a few hashtags and changing them up every couple of weeks. That’s how you’ll be able to test and grow!
Like I said in the other comments, one thing you can always check to see if you’re on the right path is your Analytics in your Preview App. Press on the Analytics button, and check your “Last 7 days” analytics. It will give you an overview on how your account in going in general. If you see GREEN = you’re on the right path. If you see red: you might need to change something. Don’t freak out if you see red. Just take it as a fun challenge to update your content.
And HAVE FUN!! I cannot stress this enough. Have fun!!
Hi Alex, thank you for taking your time and giving me the feedback. In order to access the hashtags on Preview App, we need to have the Pro version is it? Because out doesn’t allow me to access the recommended hashtags
I’m more and more doubtful about the real utility of hashtags. It seems they are relevant for my reach only when I share videos, while for carousels and single photos I’ve seen as low as 1% impact, even though I tried many variations and/or combinations. Also, I’ve read a few times now that the most successful posts contain 9 to 11 hashtags: this goes against the common suggestion of using 30 of them. Maybe the damn algo perceives me as spammy if I use to many? Maybe it thinks I’m saying “LOOK PEOPLE! I’m here, like my posts, love me!”.
Finally, I noticed some weird hashtags, words that apparently make no sense at all like “ferreshet”., “dumclo” or its variation “clomdu”. They have very few posts, mostly italian accounts, many food related…All the people using those, “like” each other’s posts , generating a stunning amount of likes, not consistent with the number of followers. Although this gives a fake metric, it’s still enough to game the algorithm because all those posts, at some point, might probably make it to the explore tab and they might be featured on the Top for other hashtags also. This is pretty frustrating!
Ah, yeah that’s frustrating! From my limited experience on my pages, I’ve seen a number of factors that have helped me find better hashtags, and it is definitely a process of experimentation and revision. You have to change them up every so often, and find out more about your audience.
Some things that have helped me just in general with business, exposure, reach, and engagement are:
1) What does your audience WANT or NEED? I often make posts that don’t advertise or talk about my products. Just fun, encouraging, or helpful content that will connect with my audience. I definitely think understanding your audience is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of any long-term business or influencer.
2) Finding out the pages that are already influential in my niche or industry and seeing what hashtags they and their followers use, or even using those business or influencer names as hashtags.
3)Using various types of content including pictures, quotes, carousels, videos, and combinations of these. I also see which ones are having the most reach in my analytics, and focus on creating more like that.
4) Always keep asking yourself, what value do I want to add to my audience’s lives? It’ll keep you centered, and help you to really think about what your primary goal is beyond sales or exposure.
Hope this helps!
Awesome tips!!
Great advice as always! I am really struggling to get my following past 570, I am still fairly new to instagram and would love your help. I am a travel blogger specialising is scuba diving, underwater photography and wildlife safari. I would love to hear your thoughts on which hashtags I should be using. (Instagram account: @coconutodyssey, Blog: http://www.coconutodyssey.com) Thank you!
Hello! Happy you liked the tips 🙂
Have you tried the “Ocean” related hashtags that are already in the app?
You’ll see there’s “ocean”, “scuba diving”, “free diving”, “free diving girl” and “underwater” hashtag groups. Check them out. I think they’ll be great for your photos and account!
Take your time to play around with the hashtags.
You can try the “underwater” hashtags only first. See how it goes for one week.
Then you can add some scuba diving hashtags, and see how you go.
Hashtags are all about experimenting over a couple of weeks. You’ll know you’re on the right path when you look at your analytics in Preview. Keep an eye on your “Last 7 days” analytics in your Preview app. You’ll see the average of likes, comments, impression and reach. They’ll give you a general idea if your account is changing.
I hope it helps! Send me an update on Instagram @preview.app . I’d love to hear how you’re going in the next few weeks.
Hi Alexandra,
Thank you for the advice. I tried the ocean hashtags last night, so will let you know how they go. Unfortunately I could not find the “scuba diving” “free diving” or “free diving girl” hashtag groups. Should I be able to see those? Thanks!
Awesome help here thanks! I’d love some hashtag pointers for our family biz :):)
We are a retail comfort footwear company selling shoes for every age both in store and online. @roxannesbirkenstock
Shoe brands like Birkenstock, UGG, Teva, Chaco….thanks again so much!
Hello!
– Your specialty:
Use hashtags that directly describe your product, like #birkenstock, #teva
– Who are your ideal customers?
Examples:
If it’s fashion lovers: Type “Fashion” in the search bar of the Hashtag Finder in Preview and you will see the recommended hashtags. This way your products will be in front of the eyes of people who are already into fashion.
If it’s travel lovers: use the “Travel” hashtags in the app. Type “Travel” in the search bar and you will see the travel related hashtags.
– Location hashtags
Do you have a physical store?
If yes, use your location hashtags.
– Combination hashtags
Try your location + “shop”. Example: #londonshops
Or any other combinations you see fit for your biz. It can be combination of your speciality and your products. Like #travelshoes #comfortableshoes
Hashtags are all about experimentation. You can create 2 or 3 different hashtag sets and rotate between them, and see what difference it makes on your account. Keep an eye on your analytics in Preview. Check if you’re getting more reach, impressions or even clicks to your website to shop.
Have fun!!
Wow Alexandra! Your response is not only so helpful and thorough but so super amazing!! I’m excited to give all your suggestions a try, thank you from the bottom of my #birkenstocklovin heart!❤️❤️
Hey there! I have an art insta where I post my original contemporary paintings and drawings check me out @artistwillawilla – would be keen to get your insights on hashtags, so many artists it’s hard to stand out
I’d love to get some great hashtags for high school seniors.
I am a family portrait photographer, seeking to target Seniors for portraits. Or Senior’s Moms who are probably the decision makers
Hello!
This article was definitely food for thought… I’m still struggling to define my business, so here’s a challenge for you, haha! 😀
I’m an illustrator and photographer. Illustration is the business while photography is meant as a visual support for my art. My aim is to create a moodboard-like feed combining different mediums, while my art shines through, and photography completes it, creates a mood and a setting.
At the moment I only have the photography part in my feed and I’m slowly working to integrate my drawings (which live currently only in my stories).
The strategy I used until now was to use the hashtags other photography accounts are using and I think I have good engagement, but now I need to mix things up so people better understand what is all about. Next week I’m including my first drawing!
Now, I follow many visual artists, and from what I can tell, they use the same hashtags revolving around “graphite” “drawing” “fine art” which seem to atract fans that are also artists, or at least that is my impression.
I’m tired of the follow me so I’ll follow you strategy everyone is doing with photography and also art… I’d like to find genuine people who could turn into supporters and eventually buyers.
Anyway, here’s my account: https://www.instagram.com/_avidoma_/
In the Process highlight are my drawings 🙂 (just as an example of what I’m aiming for)
Phew! I thank for anyone’s time who might answer this!!
Hi Alexandra, the article is very interesting.
I need some help for my business.
My product will be launched in june, it’s collagen product. Marine collagen and grass feed bovine collagen. The first product are powder (marine and bovine collagen powder) and we are developing a collagen drink.
I’m in France, the product will be sell on Amazon and my website.
My Instagram is @byelixir
Can you help me Alexandra?
Thank you.
Charlotte
Hi! I’m a blogger and most of my posts are about social awareness, charities, raising funds, etc. Do you have any suggestions of what kind of hashtags I could use to attract more people to help?
Hi
I am online weight loss coach. My Instagram is about diet , macro tracking , training and selling my online programmes I have 2 questions
1. What hashtags should I use as so far I am definitely not choosing right as engagement from hashtags is really low even though I used Preview hashtags generator? I am definitely missing something.
2 . Is it better to turn my account to influencer or stay as business account ? Is there any difference significant to my sales or being visible more on Instagram?
Thank you so much
@martalentner
Can you give me a list of hashtags for a bookstagram account
Hello, my business is calligraphy for on-site/brand activation work (that’s on hold for now though cos of the pandemic!) and weddings (that’s on hold too!). I would love to do some off-site work for brands too. My ideal clients are those who can afford to spend on luxury goods, whether it’s for themselves or for the customer experience.
My Instagram is http://www.instagram.com/owlandquill
Thank you!
Hello! I’m a Graffiti artist/ muralist in Argentina. I want to reach Owners of stores, Architecture Studios , and people thats interested in modern art. but i’m having a difficult time applying your strategy to this. can you recommend me some hashtags or should i change my strategy?
We are in the inbound travel business, offering affordable holidays in the beautiful Maldives. We want to you all to explore our white sandy beaches, turquoise clear waters, diving, and over 1200 islands to discover
Hi, I sell printables for students online!! I have so much trouble with finding the right hashtags! It is kind of hard to define my ideal customer, can you maybe help?
https://www.instagram.com/espressokastudy/