Instagram Hashtags: Everything You Need To Know in 2022

Francesca Alexander • Mar 29, 2022

2022’s Instagram Hashtags Update

Despite many updates and returning features that Instagram has brought in already in 2022, one thing that remains solid is that using hashtags is still one of the most effective ways to get more visibility and engagement on your posts.

Later has looked into how hashtags work on Instagram and the best way to use them, so we’ve put together a quick guide with the most significant bits for any small business.

How do hashtags actually work?

We know that everyone throws around hashtags as a term, but what does it mean, and how do they work IRL? Hashtags are used to label and categorise your content; Instagram then takes these hashtags and serves the posts to users it believes your content will be revenant. This could be simply using hashtags to channel the search results on the explore page or as complicated as being a reference for the algorithm and what Instagram suggests to users it believes will be highly interested in.

Are hashtags still relevant in 2022?

Hashtags have been around for a while now, and many features of Instagram are now long gone, so are they still effective? The short answer is yes. Instagram is slowly pivoting towards semantic keyword search. This will open up a whole new debate on the possibilities of making your content as discoverable as possible – potentially letting copy in your captions or video topics be searchable too. But for now, hashtags are still crucial in a strong content strategy.

How many hashtags should you use?

Okay, so this one is a little more complex; we previously wrote a blog post on Instagram’s recommendation of using 3-5 hashtags per post, but Later’s research on 18M+ Instagram feed posts showed that using more hashtags gave better results. “Reach rate increases by 11% (from 24% to 35%) as the number of hashtags grows from one to 30.”

To get more personalised, Instagram will need to accurately categorise the content, which it needs hashtags to be able to do. Their theory is that using fewer hashtags will mean more accurate self-categorisation – for instance, if you have to cut down, you’re more likely to get right to the point instead of including miscellaneous popular hashtags. So, use as many hashtags as you like, but you might want to give using 3-to 5 particular hashtags ago to see what it does for your engagement.

How to find the best hashtags for your social media strategy

So now you know that you can add 20-30 hashtags to your posts to increase your reach and engagement, but that is harder to build a list than just 3-5. Here are three tactics to use to develop your hashtags:

#1: Use Later’s Hashtag Suggestion Tool and save captions/first comments

#2: Research posts on Instagram Explore Page

#3: Review Hashtag’s Post Volume Using Instagram’s Tag Search Tool on the explore page

Where to use hashtags on Instagram.

Instagram has confirmed that it is effective to use hashtags in both your post caption and the comments section, so you can choose where you want to post them depending on how “clean” you’d like your posts to be. One key thing is timing; you should always add hashtags in the comment section as soon as your correspondence is published, as this makes a real difference.

Using Later to save time on your hashtag strategy

Later has a free saved captions tool that you can use to curate a list of 20-30 hashtags that align with your content pillars that you can add to each post or schedule the first comment too. These are easily adapted and edited for relevant content pillars.

Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can analyse the results and set up some new tests on others. Later’s hashtag analytics tool will let you track things like which hashtags are driving the most likes, saves, comments and overall reach on your posts.

If you’d like a little help researching and implementing your social media hashtag strategy for your business, reach out to Francesca@socialglobalgrind.com , or book a discovery call below.

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Financial Growth Hacks Revealed: How CMOs and CFOs Are Winning Big with Social Media

By Francesca Alexander • 18 Jan, 2024

Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth: A Strategic Guide for CMOs and CFOs Every year, we see an upward trend in social media's impact on small and big businesses. The relationship between your brand and your social media audience is impactful. Companies are now using social media to predict trends, brand awareness and the likely engagement to potential customers. Social media has emerged as an indispensable tool for business development in today's digital landscape. As CMOs and CFOs, understanding its value is crucial for aligning marketing strategies with financial outcomes. Social media enhances brand awareness and serves as a barometer for forecasting market trends, making it a vital component in marketing and financial planning. Powerful Business Development Tool: Social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with customers, creating a feedback loop that was previously unattainable through traditional marketing channels. This direct engagement boosts brand visibility and fosters customer loyalty, driving both short-term gains and long-term growth. Key Takeaways for Setting KPIs: To harness the full potential of social media, it's essential to set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with business objectives. These KPIs should include metrics such as engagement rates, follower growth, and conversion rates. For CFOs, linking these metrics to financial outcomes like ROI and customer acquisition cost is vital. Brand Awareness: Social media's role in amplifying brand awareness is undeniable. Through targeted campaigns and consistent messaging, brands can establish a strong online presence, reaching a broader audience than ever before. CMOs should leverage analytics tools to track brand mentions and sentiment, providing insights into brand health and perception. Forecasting Trends: Social media is a treasure trove of data, offering real-time insights into consumer behaviour and market trends. Businesses can anticipate market shifts and adapt their strategies by analysing social media trends. This proactive approach enables CFOs to allocate resources more effectively, maximizing the impact of marketing expenditures. What we know for sure: Social media is not just a marketing tool; it's a strategic asset that intersects with every aspect of business development. For CMOs and CFOs, leveraging social media effectively means aligning it with broader business goals, ensuring every post, tweet, or update contributes to the company's financial health and market position. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of social media in shaping business strategies will only grow. CMOs and CFOs who embrace this tool will find themselves at the forefront of innovation, driving their companies to new heights of success. To structure KPIs or want more information contact us for a consultation. Located in Auckland, New Zealand and worldwide on Google Hangout.

New Year Now What: The top 5 things you need to know to get activated!

By Francesca Alexander • 15 Jan, 2024

Reemerging from the end of the year holiday can be tricky. This is our first week back from Social Global Grind, and I decided (very quickly, I might add) that we needed to do our first week of reentry from our home office. Summer is here in New Zealand and our weather is starting to shine through finally. When you think about it, this is when everyone should be taking a break. With that said, I was just back home last week in Los Angeles and wondering if I still lived there, what I would do differently in incorporating Kate Northrup's philosophy of body first, business second with the corporate expectation. I was going to label this 'Corporate America', but sadly, this is now a global problem. In 2024 achieving "balance is out" and being "realistic" with mental health, mobility (moving your body), and meditation (Body First) is essential to prioritise so that you can structure your life and career by choice. It's not about being calm; the nervous system regulation is about being at choice. In the realm of business, the approach of 'doing less to achieve more', as championed by Kate Northrup in her book "Do Less", is revolutionary. This philosophy underlines the importance of quality rest and life balance as key drivers for enhanced productivity and creativity. The Power of Rest: Embracing periods of rest is not laziness; it's a strategic move. Quality rest rejuvenates the mind, fostering sharper cognitive abilities and innovative thinking. As Northrup suggests, resting isn't about stopping entirely but about integrating intervals of repose, allowing ideas to gestate and flourish. Shared Household Duties: Equitably dividing household responsibilities with your partner creates a supportive domestic atmosphere, which is crucial for a clear, focused mind. This practice echoes Northrup's emphasis on collaboration and support within personal relationships to bolster professional success. The Benefits of Daily Walks and Leisure Reading: Incorporating daily walks and reading for pleasure are more than mere leisure activities. They are essential for mental well-being and creativity. Walking offers a mental reset, aiding in problem-solving and strategic planning. Reading, beyond being a source of enjoyment, expands your worldview and inspires innovative ideas. In line with Northrup's insights, these strategies may seem unconventional in traditional business contexts. Yet, they are vital for a sustainable, creative, and balanced entrepreneurial journey. Adopting a 'do less' approach allows for organic growth in creativity and strategic thinking, proving that sometimes, less really is more. The Essence of Creativity: Northrup's philosophy highlights that creativity and strategic business insights often stem from moments of stillness and reflection. Instead of constant action, allowing oneself the space to breathe and reflect can lead to more profound, impactful business decisions. Embracing Flexibility: The modern entrepreneur should embrace flexibility in their schedule. This isn't about shirking responsibilities but about recognizing that rigid schedules can stifle innovation. Adopting a more fluid approach to work can enhance productivity, making space for unexpected bursts of creativity and insight. Final Thoughts: Kate Northrup's "Do Less" philosophy is a reminder that in the fast-paced world of business, taking time to slow down, share responsibilities, and engage in mindful activities is not just beneficial but necessary for success. In doing less, we find more space for growth, innovation, and a balanced life – key ingredients for long-term success in any entrepreneurial endeavour. Girl, you need to take this seriously, or you will quickly find yourself on the road to burnout.

Holiday self-care tips + How to Transform Your TikTok Scrolling into Social Activism!

By Francesca Alexander • 21 Dec, 2023

In these turbulent times, as 2023 draws to a close amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainties, 🍉 political upheavals, environmental crises, and social challenges, the role of social media, particularly TikTok, in driving social change is more crucial than ever. However, alongside advocating for change, it’s equally important to focus on self-care to ensure we remain resilient and effective. Using TikTok for Social Change 1. Educational Content: Addressing complex issues like climate change actions from COP28 or the recent escalation in mass shootings in the US, TikTok can serve as a platform for distilling and spreading vital information. Create concise, informative videos to educate your audience on these matters. 2. Awareness Campaigns: Initiating or participating in hashtag campaigns can significantly enhance the visibility of pressing issues. This could range from environmental concerns highlighted by ScienceDaily's report on CO2 emissions to advocating for mental health awareness. 3. Personal Narratives: Sharing personal experiences or stories can humanize and add depth to global and local issues, making them more relatable to a wider audience. 4. Collaboration and Networking: Team up with experts, activists, or influencers. Their expertise and network can be instrumental in amplifying your social change messages. 5. Actionable Steps: Encourage tangible actions, be it community engagement, supporting policy changes, or contributing to global relief efforts. 6. Creative Advocacy: Leverage the power of creativity - through music, art, or storytelling - to make a compelling case for the changes you advocate. 7. Interactive Engagement: Foster a community by actively engaging with your audience. This could involve discussions, feedback, or collaborative content creation. 8. Resource Sharing: Provide resources or information for further learning or action, guiding your audience towards meaningful participation. Incorporating Self-Care Amidst these efforts, self-care is paramount. As advocates and active citizens, maintaining our physical and mental well-being ensures we can continue making a difference without burning out. Here are some self-care strategies: - Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or any form of exercise that you enjoy. These activities not only improve physical health but also reduce stress. - Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices or meditation into your daily routine to help centre your thoughts and manage stress. - Digital Detox: Regularly take breaks from social media to avoid information overload and maintain a balanced perspective. - Hobbies and Interests: Pursue hobbies or interests that relax you and bring joy. Whether it’s reading, painting, or gardening, these activities can provide a much-needed respite. - Quality Time with Loved Ones: Spend time with family and friends. These interactions can offer support, laughter, and a sense of belonging. - Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep. Good sleep is crucial for rejuvenation and maintaining overall health. - Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you find yourself overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals. Evolving is painful and equality is not easy. In these challenging times, using platforms like TikTok for social advocacy can be a powerful tool for change. Simultaneously, prioritizing self-care ensures that we remain healthy and motivated in our endeavours to create a positive impact in the world. Wishing you inner peace this holiday and a thriving 2024. With love and adoration, xoxo Francesca