Best hashtags for business on instagram

To discover the best hashtags for business on Instagram and truly amplify your reach, you need a strategic approach that goes beyond just guessing. It’s not about stuffing your posts with random popular tags. it’s about precision, relevance, and understanding how the Instagram algorithm works to connect you with your ideal audience. Think of hashtags as your digital signposts, guiding potential customers directly to your content. For example, if you’re a small business selling handmade crafts, using #HandmadeDecor or #EtsyShopFinds will connect you with people actively searching for those items, much more effectively than generic tags like #Love. Identifying what hashtags to use on Instagram for small business is crucial, and it begins with thorough research into what your target audience is already engaging with. This includes looking at trending industry hashtags, niche-specific terms, and even location-based tags if your business operates locally. You can significantly boost your business growth on Instagram by leveraging a mix of broad, specific, and branded hashtags. Dive deep into how to use Instagram hashtags for business effectively, and you’ll unlock organic visibility. If you’re looking for an incredible tool to help you find and manage these powerful tags, consider exploring this 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool. It can be a must for businesses aiming to optimize their Instagram presence and understand where to find the best hashtags for Instagram.

Understanding Instagram Hashtags for Business Growth

Instagram hashtags are not just fancy labels. they are powerful discovery tools.

For businesses, mastering their use is fundamental to expanding reach, attracting new followers, and ultimately driving sales. Best hashtags for more followers

The goal is to get your content in front of users who are already interested in what you offer.

Without a strategic hashtag plan, your incredible product or service might get lost in the noise of over 2 billion active users on the platform.

Why Hashtags are Crucial for Business on Instagram

Hashtags categorize content, making it discoverable.

When a user searches for a hashtag or follows one, your post, if tagged correctly, will appear in their feed or search results.

This directly translates to increased visibility for your brand. Best hashtags for instagram reach

• Increased Reach: Hashtags expose your content to users beyond your current followers, expanding your potential audience.
• Targeted Audience Acquisition: Using niche-specific hashtags helps you attract users genuinely interested in your specific products or services, leading to higher engagement rates.
• Brand Building: Branded hashtags unique to your business can foster community and encourage user-generated content.
• Competitor Analysis: Monitoring the hashtags used by competitors can reveal insights into popular trends and opportunities you might be missing.

According to Instagram, posts with at least one hashtag get 12.6% more engagement than those without.

Furthermore, a study by Sprout Social indicated that using 9-11 hashtags per post tends to yield the best results for engagement, with posts using 11+ hashtags seeing an average of 79.5% engagement from non-followers.

This underscores the importance of a thoughtful hashtag strategy for business growth on Instagram.

Types of Hashtags Every Business Should Use

To maximize your reach and engagement, it’s essential to use a diverse mix of hashtag types. Relying on only one kind will limit your exposure.

• Niche-Specific Hashtags: These are highly relevant to your product, service, or industry. For a bespoke tailor, #CustomSuitmaker or #HandstitchedApparel would be more effective than just #Fashion. They attract a highly qualified audience.
• Industry Hashtags: Broader terms that define your industry. Examples include #DigitalMarketing, #ECommerceTips, or #SmallBusinessSupport. These help position your brand within a larger professional context.
• Community Hashtags: These connect you with a specific community or movement. Think #SupportSmallBusiness, #ShopLocal, or #CreativeCommunity. They foster a sense of belonging and can drive loyalty.
• Branded Hashtags: Unique to your business, campaign, or event. For example, #YourBrandName or #YourBrandSpringCollection. Encourage your audience to use these to build user-generated content and brand loyalty.
• Location-Based Hashtags: Crucial for brick-and-mortar businesses or those serving a specific geographic area. Examples include #NewYorkEats, #LondonFashion, or #LocalCoffeeShopName.
• Trending & Seasonal Hashtags: Capitalize on current events, holidays, or seasons, but ensure they are relevant to your business. #SummerSale, #HolidayGifts, or #BlackFridayDeals.
• Product/Service Hashtags: Direct tags related to what you sell. #VeganSkincare, #HandmadeJewelry, #WebDesignServices.

A balanced approach utilizing these categories will help you target various segments of your audience and increase the likelihood of being discovered. Best hashtags for instagram to get more likes

Researching and Finding the Best Hashtags for Your Business

Finding the right hashtags isn’t a one-time task.

It’s an ongoing process of research, experimentation, and analysis.

Effective hashtag research is the cornerstone of how to use Instagram hashtags for business successfully.

It ensures you’re not just throwing darts in the dark but aiming precisely at your target audience.

Utilizing Instagram’s Built-In Tools for Hashtag Discovery

Instagram itself is a powerful tool for discovering relevant hashtags. Best dimension for facebook post

Many businesses overlook its native search capabilities, which provide real-time insights into hashtag popularity and related terms.

• Hashtag Search: Start by typing a relevant keyword into the Instagram search bar and selecting the ‘Tags’ tab. Instagram will show you a list of hashtags related to your keyword, along with the number of posts associated with each. This immediately gives you an idea of their popularity. For instance, searching “#SmallBusiness” might reveal related terms like “#SmallBusinessOwner” 100M+ posts, “#SupportSmallBusiness” 80M+ posts, and “#SmallBiz” 20M+ posts.
• Related Hashtags: Once you click on a popular hashtag, Instagram often suggests a list of “Related” hashtags at the top of the feed. These are often excellent complementary tags that your target audience might also be following or searching for. This is where to find the best hashtags for Instagram that are niche-specific yet still have decent reach.
• Competitor Analysis: Look at the posts of successful competitors or industry leaders. What hashtags are they using? While you shouldn’t blindly copy, their strategy can offer valuable insights into what’s working within your niche. Pay attention to how many hashtags they use and the mix of broad vs. specific tags.
• Influencer Hashtags: Observe what hashtags popular influencers in your industry are using. They often have their finger on the pulse of what resonates with their audience, which can inform your own hashtag strategy.

By leveraging these internal tools, you can quickly build a robust list of potential hashtags without needing external software.

Leveraging Third-Party Tools for Advanced Hashtag Research

While Instagram’s native features are great for initial discovery, dedicated third-party tools offer more in-depth analysis and automation.

These tools can help you streamline the process of finding the best hashtags for business growth on Instagram.

• Hashtag Generators: Tools like All Hashtag, Sistrix Hashtag Generator, or IQ Hashtags can generate relevant hashtags based on a single keyword. They often categorize them by popularity e.g., top, average, niche, helping you create a balanced mix.
• Analytics Platforms: Many social media management tools e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Buffer offer hashtag performance analytics. They can show you which hashtags are driving the most engagement and reach for your specific posts, allowing you to refine your strategy over time.
• Audience Research Tools: Some tools allow you to analyze your audience’s interests and behaviors, which can indirectly inform your hashtag choices. Understanding what your audience cares about helps you select hashtags that resonate.
• Keyword Research Tools adapted for social: While primarily for SEO, tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can sometimes provide insights into popular phrases or concepts that could be adapted into hashtags, especially if your target audience uses similar terminology across platforms.

When using these tools, remember that data is only as good as its interpretation.

Best free tools for instagram hashtags

Always cross-reference with your own content performance and audience engagement.

Crafting Your Instagram Hashtag Strategy for Businesses

A well-defined hashtag strategy is paramount for anyone looking to optimize their Instagram presence. It’s not enough to just find good hashtags.

You need a system for how to use them effectively and consistently.

This is where your efforts turn into tangible results, especially when aiming for business growth on Instagram. Best business hashtags

Best Practices for Hashtag Placement and Quantity

The ‘how many’ and ‘where’ of hashtags can significantly impact your post’s visibility and engagement.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are established best practices for optimal performance.

• Quantity: Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but more isn’t always better. While some studies suggest using a high number e.g., 9-11 or even 15-20 can increase reach, quality trumps quantity. Aim for a sweet spot of 5-15 highly relevant hashtags per post. For Instagram business reels, where brevity and quick consumption are key, you might opt for slightly fewer but equally powerful tags to maintain a clean aesthetic. Data from Rival IQ’s 2023 Social Media Industry Benchmark Report suggests that the average number of hashtags used by top-performing brands can vary greatly by industry, but generally, fewer than 10 is common, with highly engaged accounts often using just 2-5 relevant tags. This highlights the importance of relevance over volume.
• Placement:
  • In the Caption: Placing hashtags directly in your caption makes them immediately visible and easily clickable. This is often preferred for more direct engagement.
  • In the First Comment: Many businesses choose to place their hashtags in the first comment immediately after posting. This keeps the caption clean and focused on your message while still allowing the post to be discoverable. There’s no definitive proof that one method performs better than the other in terms of algorithm visibility, so choose what aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.
  • On Reels/Stories: For Instagram business reels, hashtags can be added directly in the caption. For Stories, you can use the hashtag sticker, which is clickable and searchable, or type them directly. Using the hashtag sticker can also add an interactive element to your Stories.

Pro-Tip: Always vary your hashtags. Don’t use the exact same set for every post, even if the content is similar. This can appear spammy to the algorithm and your audience. Rotate your lists and experiment with new combinations.

Creating a Tiered Hashtag Strategy

A tiered approach to hashtags ensures you’re targeting both broad audiences and highly specific niches, maximizing your chances of discovery.

This strategy helps answer what hashtags to use on Instagram for small business effectively. Best crop ratio for instagram

• Tier 1: High-Volume, Broad Hashtags 1-2 tags, 500K+ posts: These are popular, widely searched terms that give you broad exposure. Examples: #Entrepreneur 100M+, #Marketing 90M+, #SmallBusiness 80M+. Use sparingly and ensure high relevance. They help get your content seen by a large audience, but competition is fierce.
• Tier 2: Medium-Volume, Niche-Specific Hashtags 3-5 tags, 100K-500K posts: These tags are still popular but more targeted, connecting you with a more engaged audience. Examples: #ContentMarketingTips 300K+, #HandmadeCrafts 400K+, #LocalBusinessSupport 250K+. This is your sweet spot for balanced reach and relevance.
• Tier 3: Low-Volume, Hyper-Niche Hashtags 5-8 tags, 10K-100K posts: These are highly specific terms that connect you with a very dedicated audience. While they have fewer posts, the users searching for them are often highly motivated. Examples: #VeganBakeryNYC 15K+, #SustainableFashionTips 80K+, #CustomLeatherWork 20K+. These drive highly qualified traffic.
• Tier 4: Branded Hashtags 1-2 tags, custom volume: Your unique tags. Always include these to build brand recognition and encourage user-generated content. Examples: #MyBrandName, #YourProductLine.

By combining these tiers, you increase your chances of appearing in various search results, from general interest to highly specific buyer intent queries.

Remember to keep a running list of your best-performing hashtags and continuously update them based on your analytics.

Optimizing Hashtags for Specific Content Formats

Instagram is increasingly diversified, with Reels, Stories, and static posts each having their own dynamics.

Optimizing your hashtags for each format can significantly boost your engagement and reach, especially when looking for the best hashtags for Instagram business reels.

Hashtags for Instagram Business Reels

Reels are Instagram’s answer to short-form video, designed for discovery. Best aspect ratio for instagram photos

The algorithm prioritizes Reels that keep users engaged, and relevant hashtags play a crucial role in getting them seen.

• Focus on Trends & Audio: When using Instagram business reels, align your hashtags with trending audio or popular challenges if relevant to your business. For example, if a certain sound is trending, consider using hashtags related to that trend #TrendingAudio, #ReelsChallenge alongside your niche-specific tags.
• Concise & Engaging: Reels move fast. Your hashtags should be concise and highly relevant to the content. While you can use up to 30, aim for 5-10 strong, diverse hashtags that capture the essence of your Reel. Too many can look messy in the caption.
• Visibility: Reels are designed for virality. Use a mix of broad, high-volume hashtags like #ExplorePage, #ForYouPage – although the latter is more TikTok-centric, similar concepts apply combined with your niche and product-specific tags. For instance, a small business showcasing a product via a Reel might use #ProductLaunch #SmallBusinessCheck #ShopLocal and #MyBrandNameProduct.
• Caption vs. First Comment: For Reels, placing hashtags directly in the caption is often preferred as they are viewed more organically as part of the content. However, placing them in the first comment still works for discoverability.

A study by Socialinsider revealed that Instagram Reels with 5-10 hashtags receive higher engagement rates than those with more or fewer, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity for this dynamic content format.

Hashtags for Instagram Stories and Static Posts

While Reels dominate discovery, static posts and Stories remain vital for connecting with your existing audience and offering different content experiences.

• Instagram Stories:
  • Hashtag Sticker: This is the most effective way to use hashtags in Stories. You can add one clickable hashtag sticker per Story, and it’s searchable.
  • Hidden Hashtags: You can type up to 10 additional hashtags in your Story, then shrink them to a tiny size, cover them with a GIF or sticker, or match their color to your background so they are invisible but still searchable. This allows for discoverability without cluttering your visual content.
  • Location Tag: Always include a location tag if relevant, as this acts like a super-local hashtag and can put your Story on local city Stories.
• Static Posts Photos/Carousels:
  • Strategic Mix: This is where your tiered hashtag strategy truly shines. Use a mix of broad, medium, niche, and branded hashtags.
  • Research & Rotate: Continuously research new hashtags and rotate your sets. Don’t use the exact same 10-15 hashtags for every post. Instagram’s algorithm favors variety and genuine relevance.
  • Engagement-Focused: For static posts, hashtags are critical for bringing in new eyes. Focus on hashtags that attract users who are likely to engage with your type of content e.g., #PhotographyTips, #RecipeInspiration, #DIYProjects.
  • Consider Caption Length: If your caption is lengthy, placing hashtags in the first comment can make the post appear cleaner and more readable. If your caption is short, directly adding them to the caption is perfectly fine.

The key across all formats is relevance.

Irrelevant hashtags, even popular ones, can actually harm your reach by sending your content to the wrong audience, leading to low engagement signals. Best amount of hashtags for instagram

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Hashtag Performance

The world of social media is dynamic, and what works today might not work tomorrow.

To truly leverage the best hashtags for business on Instagram, you need an agile approach that includes constant monitoring and adjustment.

This iterative process is crucial for long-term business growth on Instagram.

Utilizing Instagram Insights for Hashtag Performance

Instagram’s native analytics tool, Instagram Insights available for Business and Creator accounts, provides valuable data on how your content is performing, including the reach and impressions generated by hashtags.

• Accessing Insights: Go to your profile, tap “Insights,” then select “Content.” You can then view the performance of individual posts, Reels, or Stories.
• Breakdown of Reach: For each post, scroll down to “See Insights” and then look for “Impressions from Hashtags” or “Reach from Hashtags.” This metric tells you how many people discovered your content specifically because of the hashtags you used.
• Identify Top Performers: By regularly checking these insights, you can identify which specific hashtags or hashtag combinations are consistently bringing in the most reach and engagement. This is critical for understanding what hashtags to use on Instagram for small business and beyond.
• Spot Underperformers: Conversely, you’ll also see which hashtags aren’t contributing much to your reach. This allows you to remove them from your rotation and replace them with more effective ones.
• A/B Testing: Use Insights to test different hashtag sets. For example, use one set of 10 hashtags on one post and a different set on a similar post, then compare their hashtag reach. This helps you refine your strategy.

According to a study by Social Media Examiner, over 80% of marketers find Instagram Insights useful for understanding their audience and content performance. Leverage this free tool to its fullest. Adjust video size for instagram

Tools and Strategies for Advanced Hashtag Tracking

For businesses with larger social media operations or those looking for deeper analytics, third-party tools can offer more comprehensive tracking and insights.

• Social Media Management Platforms: Tools like Sprout Social, Later, Hootsuite, and Buffer often provide advanced analytics for hashtag performance across all your posts. They can track hashtag engagement, follower growth attributed to hashtags, and even competitor hashtag analysis. Some can even identify the “best time to post” based on your audience’s activity and what hashtags to use on Instagram for a reel business account.
• Dedicated Hashtag Tracking Tools: Some niche tools focus solely on hashtag performance, offering features like tracking specific campaign hashtags, sentiment analysis around hashtags, and identifying trending hashtags in real-time.
• Spreadsheet Tracking: For a more manual but cost-effective approach, maintain a spreadsheet where you log your posts, the hashtags used, and the “Impressions from Hashtags” data from Instagram Insights. Over time, patterns will emerge, helping you identify your most successful tags.
• Competitive Hashtag Monitoring: Use tools or manual checks to see what new hashtags your competitors are adopting and how their content performs. This can give you ideas for new hashtags to test.
• Regular Review Schedule: Make hashtag performance review a regular part of your content strategy, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly. This ensures you’re always adapting to changes in the algorithm and user behavior.

By consistently monitoring and adjusting your hashtag strategy, you ensure that you’re always using the best hashtags to promote your business on Instagram, maximizing your organic reach and audience growth.

Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid on Instagram

Even with the best intentions, businesses can fall into common hashtag traps that hinder their growth rather than helping it.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do when it comes to leveraging the best hashtags for business on Instagram.

Overstuffing and Irrelevant Hashtags

One of the most detrimental mistakes is using too many hashtags or using hashtags that have no direct relevance to your content. App to check instagram feed

This practice can actively harm your reach and brand reputation.

• The “More is Better” Fallacy: While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, stuffing your caption or comments with every possible tag especially generic ones like #Love or #Happy is often counterproductive. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes quality and relevance. If your content appears under a hashtag where it doesn’t truly belong, it signals low relevance, potentially decreasing your visibility. A post about handcrafted furniture tagged with #Travel or #Foodie will quickly be ignored by users searching those terms, and the algorithm will learn that your content isn’t relevant for those tags.
• Irrelevance Breeds Low Engagement: Using irrelevant hashtags brings your content to an audience that isn’t interested. This leads to low engagement rates likes, comments, saves from those impressions, which Instagram interprets as a sign that your content isn’t valuable, further reducing its reach. Aim for quality over quantity to ensure your hashtags are truly effective in helping your business growth on Instagram.
• “Shadowbanning” Myth: While Instagram has denied “shadowbanning” where your content is hidden from non-followers for using specific hashtags, using too many irrelevant or broken hashtags can indeed limit your reach. The algorithm aims to show users relevant content, and if your hashtags consistently mismatch your content, it won’t be shown widely.

Focus on a smaller, highly relevant set of hashtags that genuinely describe your content and target your specific audience.

A study by TrackMaven found that posts with 9 hashtags performed best, highlighting that there’s a point of diminishing returns.

Using Banned or Broken Hashtags

A less obvious but equally damaging mistake is unknowingly using hashtags that Instagram has banned or restricted. These can severely impact your visibility.

• Banned Hashtags: Instagram bans certain hashtags, usually due to their association with inappropriate content, spam, or community guideline violations. If you use a banned hashtag, your post may not appear in any search results, essentially making it invisible to non-followers. Examples of previously or currently banned hashtags they change, so always check: #streetart, #brain, #beautyblogger some variations, #newyears. Always verify popular hashtags you plan to use.
• Broken Hashtags: Sometimes, a hashtag becomes “broken” or has limited visibility for technical reasons or a temporary crackdown by Instagram. These are often not explicitly banned but simply don’t perform.
• How to Check: Before consistently using a new hashtag, search for it on Instagram. If it’s banned, you’ll see a message like “Recent posts from # hashtag are currently hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s community guidelines.” If you don’t see this message, but the hashtag has very few recent posts despite a high post count, it might be broken or heavily filtered.
• Impact on Visibility: Using banned or broken hashtags essentially means those particular tags provide zero reach. If you use a mix of relevant and banned/broken tags, the relevant ones might still work, but you’re wasting valuable hashtag slots. This is a critical consideration for what hashtags to use on Instagram for small business to ensure your efforts aren’t wasted.

Regularly auditing your go-to hashtag lists for any potential issues is a smart practice to ensure your strategy for the best hashtags to promote your business on Instagram remains effective. 1080 4×5

Leveraging Location and Community Hashtags

Beyond general and niche industry tags, hyper-local and community-specific hashtags are powerful tools for businesses, particularly small and local enterprises.

They connect you directly with your immediate audience and foster a sense of belonging.

Harnessing Local Hashtags for Geo-Targeting

For brick-and-mortar stores, service providers with a local clientele, or even online businesses targeting specific regions, location-based hashtags are indispensable.

They help you reach users actively searching for businesses in their area.

• City/Neighborhood Specifics: Use hashtags that include your city, state, or even specific neighborhoods. Examples: #SeattleEats, #DowntownLA, #BrooklynCoffee, #LondonDesign.
• Local Events & Landmarks: If there’s a popular local event, festival, or landmark, incorporate relevant hashtags. #SummerFestNYC, #GoldenGateBridgeView, #PikePlaceMarket.
• “Near Me” & “Local” Variations: While not direct hashtags, consider phrases your audience might search for that can be turned into tags: #LocalCoffeeShop, #SmallBusinessNewYork, #ShopLocalUSA.
• Geo-Tagging Posts: Always combine location hashtags with Instagram’s built-in geo-tagging feature. This puts your post on the location page, which is highly discoverable for local users.
• Impact on Foot Traffic: For physical stores, using local hashtags directly correlates with increased foot traffic and brand awareness among your immediate community. According to a Forbes article, 78% of location-based mobile searches result in an offline purchase. This highlights the power of local discovery on platforms like Instagram.

When choosing what hashtags to use on Instagram for small business with a local focus, prioritize those that are specific enough to attract genuinely interested local customers. Instagram trending keywords

Engaging with Community-Specific Hashtags

Community hashtags bring together groups of people with shared interests, values, or demographics.

Engaging with these can help your business connect with a highly passionate and loyal audience.

• Shared Interests/Hobbies: Identify communities relevant to your products or services. For a brand selling eco-friendly products, hashtags like #SustainableLiving, #ZeroWasteCommunity, or #EcoFriendlyTips can connect you with like-minded individuals.
• Professional Communities: If you offer B2B services, seek out professional community hashtags. #DigitalMarketingCommunity, #WebDesignersOfInstagram, #StartupLife.
• Support Movements: Many communities rally around specific movements or causes. #SupportSmallBusiness, #WomenInBusiness, #ShopLocalMovement.
• User-Generated Content UGC: Encourage your audience to use your branded hashtag, but also explore community hashtags where your audience is already sharing content. If your audience is using #MyHomeDecor, and you sell home decor, engage with those posts and perhaps use that hashtag if relevant on your content.
• Authenticity is Key: When engaging with community hashtags, be authentic. Don’t just spam them with promotional content. Participate in conversations, offer value, and genuinely connect with members of the community.

By thoughtfully integrating location and community hashtags into your strategy, you can significantly enhance your brand’s relevance and discoverability among highly targeted audiences, ultimately leading to more meaningful business growth on Instagram.

Developing a Consistent Hashtag Workflow

Consistency is key to success on Instagram.

Having a streamlined workflow for managing your hashtags ensures that you’re always using optimal tags without reinventing the wheel for every single post. Trending keywords instagram

This systematic approach is essential for any business aiming to implement the best hashtags for business on Instagram.

Creating Hashtag Sets and Categories

One of the most efficient ways to manage your hashtags is by organizing them into pre-defined sets or categories.

This saves time and ensures you’re always using a diverse and relevant mix.

• Identify Core Content Pillars: What are the main themes or types of content you regularly post? e.g., “Product Launches,” “Behind the Scenes,” “Educational Tips,” “Client Testimonials”.
• Develop Hashtag Sets for Each Pillar: For each content pillar, create a list of 10-15 relevant hashtags, drawing from your tiered strategy broad, medium, niche, branded.
  • Example for “Product Launch” Eco-friendly Skincare Brand:
    • #NewProductAlert Tier 1
    • #EcoSkincare Tier 2
    • #CleanBeautyRoutine Tier 2
    • #SustainableBeauty Tier 2
    • #VeganSkincare Tier 3
    • #NaturalIngredients Tier 3
    • #EthicalBeauty Tier 3
    • #SkincareLaunch Tier 3
    • #MyBrandNameSkincare Branded
    • #ShopSmallBeauty Community
• Create Variations Within Sets: Don’t use the exact same set every time. Create 2-3 variations for each pillar. For instance, for “Product Launch,” you might have Set A, Set B, and Set C, each with a slightly different mix of hashtags, to avoid appearing spammy to the algorithm.
• Categorize by Popularity/Competition: You can also categorize your main list into high, medium, and low volume hashtags to easily pick a balanced mix for each post.
• Store Them Safely: Keep these sets in an easily accessible place:
  • Notes App: Simple and convenient on your phone.
  • Google Doc/Spreadsheet: Great for more extensive lists and collaboration.
  • Social Media Management Tool: Many tools allow you to save hashtag groups. Tailwind, for instance, offers a ‘Hashtag Finder’ and the ability to save lists for easy re-use. This makes it incredibly efficient to find and deploy the best hashtags for business growth on Instagram.

By pre-planning your hashtag sets, you streamline your posting process, ensure consistency, and reduce the chance of using irrelevant or ineffective tags.

Incorporating Hashtags into Your Content Calendar

Integrating hashtag planning directly into your content calendar ensures that your hashtag strategy is a proactive part of your overall Instagram presence, not an afterthought.

• Plan Hashtags Alongside Content Creation: When you brainstorm content ideas for the week or month, also consider what hashtags would be most relevant for each piece of content. This helps reinforce the content’s purpose and target audience from the outset.
• Allocate Time for Research: Dedicate a specific time slot in your content planning process for hashtag research. This could be weekly or monthly, depending on your posting volume and the dynamism of your industry. Use this time to discover new trending hashtags or analyze the performance of existing ones. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead in determining where to find the best hashtags for Instagram.
• Assign Hashtag Responsibility: If you have a team, clearly define who is responsible for hashtag research, selection, and performance monitoring.

By integrating hashtag planning into your broader content workflow, you create a systematic approach that maximizes your organic reach and contributes significantly to your overall Instagram success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hashtags for business on Instagram?

The best hashtags for business on Instagram are a mix of broad, niche-specific, community, branded, and location-based tags. They should be highly relevant to your content, audience, and industry. Examples include #SmallBusinessOwner, #YourIndustrySpecificTerm, #ShopLocal, #YourBrandName, and #CityNameBusiness.

What are the best hashtags for business growth on Instagram?

For business growth, focus on a strategic mix that balances reach and relevance: broad industry tags e.g., #DigitalMarketing, medium-volume niche tags e.g., #ContentStrategy, hyper-niche tags e.g., #BespokeJewelryDesign, and trending hashtags if relevant.

What are the best hashtags for small business on Instagram?

For small businesses, prioritizing local and community hashtags is crucial, alongside niche-specific and branded tags. Examples: #SupportSmallBusiness, #ShopLocal, #Handmade, #SmallBizLife, #EntrepreneurJourney.

What are the best hashtags for Instagram business reels?

For Reels, aim for 5-10 highly relevant and concise hashtags that capture attention. Include trending hashtags related to audio or challenges, broad tags like #ExplorePage, and your niche-specific product/service tags.

What are the best hashtags to promote your business on Instagram?

To promote your business effectively, use a tiered approach: popular industry tags, specific product/service tags, problem/solution tags, and strong calls-to-action within your caption that complement your chosen hashtags.

What are the best hashtags on Instagram for a reel business account?

A Reel business account should use hashtags that are discoverable and relevant to trending content.

Focus on a blend of trending audio hashtags, industry-specific terms, and tags that highlight the unique value proposition of your business or products shown in the Reel.

How to use Instagram hashtags for business?

To use Instagram hashtags for business, research relevant tags using Instagram’s search or third-party tools, create tiered sets broad, niche, branded, use 5-15 relevant hashtags per post, place them in the caption or first comment, and monitor their performance through Instagram Insights.

What hashtags to use on Instagram for small business?

For a small business, use a combination of:

1. Local tags: #YourCityLocal, #Shop
2. Industry niche tags: #HandmadeJewelry, #CustomCookies
3. Community tags: #SupportLocalBiz, #SmallBizCommunity
4. Branded tags: #YourBrandName
5. Problem/solution tags: #GiftIdeasForHer, #HomeDecorInspo

Where to find the best hashtags for Instagram?

You can find the best hashtags on Instagram by:

1. Using Instagram’s native search Tags tab for related hashtags.

2. Analyzing competitors’ and industry leaders’ posts.

3. Utilizing third-party hashtag generator tools e.g., All Hashtag, Tailwind.

   

4. Checking Instagram Insights to see which hashtags perform best for your content.

Should I put hashtags in my caption or first comment?

Both methods are viable.

Placing hashtags directly in the caption makes them immediately visible.

Placing them in the first comment keeps your caption clean and focused on your message.

There’s no definitive algorithmic advantage to one over the other for discoverability.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram for business?

While Instagram allows up to 30, most experts recommend using 5-15 highly relevant hashtags for optimal performance. Quality and relevance are more important than sheer quantity.

Do hashtags work on Instagram Stories?

Yes, hashtags work on Instagram Stories.

You can use the clickable hashtag sticker one per Story for full functionality or type up to 10 hidden hashtags by shrinking them or matching their color to the background.

Can I use the same hashtags for every post?

No, it’s not recommended to use the exact same hashtags for every post. Instagram’s algorithm may view this as spammy.

Vary your hashtag sets, rotate them, and continuously research new ones to keep your strategy fresh and effective.

How do I know if a hashtag is banned on Instagram?

To check if a hashtag is banned, search for it on Instagram.

If it’s banned, you’ll typically see a message stating that posts from that hashtag are hidden due to community guideline violations.

What is a branded hashtag?

A branded hashtag is a unique hashtag created specifically for your business, campaign, or event e.g., #YourBrandName, #YourProductLaunch. It helps build brand recognition, track campaigns, and encourage user-generated content.

How often should I update my hashtag strategy?

You should regularly review and update your hashtag strategy.

Ideally, monitor performance weekly or bi-weekly through Instagram Insights and conduct a more comprehensive review and refresh of your entire list quarterly to adapt to trends and algorithm changes.

Are popular hashtags always the best?

Not necessarily.

While popular hashtags offer broad reach, they also come with high competition.

Often, a mix of popular, medium-volume, and niche-specific hashtags yields better results by targeting both a wide audience and highly engaged users.

Do Instagram business accounts get more hashtag reach?

Instagram business accounts and Creator accounts gain access to Instagram Insights, which allows them to track hashtag performance.

While the algorithm doesn’t inherently prioritize business accounts in hashtag reach, the ability to analyze performance helps businesses optimize their strategy, leading to better results.

Can I hide hashtags on Instagram?

Yes, you can hide hashtags in the first comment by simply posting them there.

In Stories, you can type multiple hashtags, then shrink them, cover them with stickers/GIFs, or change their text color to match the background, making them invisible to viewers but still searchable.

What’s the difference between broad and niche hashtags?

Broad hashtags are general, high-volume terms with wide appeal e.g., #Fashion, #Travel. They offer high reach but also high competition. Niche hashtags are highly specific, lower-volume terms targeting a very particular audience or interest e.g., #SustainableFashionTips, #VeganTravel. They offer less reach but higher relevance and engagement.

Should I use trending hashtags?

Yes, you can use trending hashtags if they are genuinely relevant to your content and brand.

Leveraging trends can significantly increase visibility, especially for Reels.

However, forcing an irrelevant trending hashtag can backfire and harm your reach.

How do I find relevant niche hashtags?

Find relevant niche hashtags by:

1. Searching for broad industry terms and then looking at “Related” suggestions on Instagram.

2. Observing what hashtags your ideal customers or micro-influencers in your niche are using.

3. Using hashtag generator tools and filtering by relevance or volume.

4. Brainstorming specific problems your product solves or specific interests of your target audience.

Do hashtags help with SEO on Instagram?

Yes, hashtags are Instagram’s primary form of SEO.

When users search for keywords on Instagram, content tagged with relevant hashtags and keywords in captions/bios is more likely to appear.

They help categorize your content and make it discoverable within the platform.

What is the ideal number of hashtags for an Instagram Reel?

For Instagram Reels, aim for 5-10 highly relevant hashtags. Reels are designed for quick consumption and discovery, so concise, impactful hashtags that clearly categorize your content are more effective than a long list.

Can using too many hashtags harm my reach?

Yes, using an excessive number of irrelevant hashtags beyond 15-20 can harm your reach.

It can make your content appear spammy to the algorithm and users, leading to lower engagement rates, which Instagram interprets as a sign of low-quality content.

What analytics should I check for hashtag performance?

In Instagram Insights, focus on “Impressions from Hashtags” or “Reach from Hashtags” for individual posts.

Over time, track how different hashtag sets correlate with overall reach, engagement rate, and follower growth.

Is there a difference between hashtags for products vs. services?

While the core strategy is similar, the specific hashtags will differ. For products, use tags related to product features, materials, and benefits e.g., #HandmadeJewelry, #VeganSkincare. For services, use tags related to the problem you solve, your expertise, and the outcome e.g., #WebDesignServices, #BusinessCoaching, #MarketingTips.

What are some good general hashtags for any business on Instagram?

While niche-specific is always better, some general, relevant tags for businesses include: #BusinessTips, #EntrepreneurLife, #SmallBusiness, #SupportLocal, #InstaBusiness, #BrandBuilding, #MarketingStrategy. Use these sparingly and always combine with more specific tags.

How do I use competitor hashtags effectively?

Analyze competitor posts to see which hashtags they are using and which ones appear to be driving engagement for them.

Identify gaps or niche hashtags they might be missing.

Don’t copy directly, but use their strategy as inspiration for your own unique set of relevant tags.

What if my niche doesn’t have many popular hashtags?

If your niche has few popular hashtags, focus on creating hyper-niche, long-tail hashtags. Use a combination of descriptive terms e.g., #SustainableVeganLeatherBags. You can also create your own branded hashtag and encourage your community to use it. This indicates high relevance to a dedicated audience, even if the volume is low.