instagram hashtags - Crystal Media

As we creep closer to the holidays (Thanksgiving is only 4 weeks away!), more people will be turning to social media to get inspired on everything ranging from the perfect gifts to the decorations on their Christmas trees. Which is why implementing a hashtag strategy can help you get discovered by more people across the Instagram platform.

Here’s a quick guide on how to target more people (and increase those sales!) through your Instagram posts this holiday season:

Use product-specific hashtags. Shoppers search product hashtags to find items and see what other people are saying about them. You can also include the names of the consumer-known brands you carry in-store (i.e. #verabradley, #alexandani, #pandora). Pro-Tip: Never tag the brand in your picture because it gives customers a way to purchase from them over you.

Use hashtags related to gifts people are looking for. Shoppers are always looking for help when it comes to finding the perfect gift for friends and family. Creating gift guides that include hashtags like #hostessgifts, #giftsforteacher or #giftsforcoffeelovers can be extremely helpful to potential customers.

Use location hashtags. Shoppers search local hashtags to find places to eat, spots to shop, and things to do in areas they’re visiting. This tried and true hashtag strategy helps you increase exposure and get in front of potential customers that might not know your area well (i.e. #carlsbad, #downtowncarlsbad, #northcountySD, #sandiego).

Instagram Hashtags are still an effective way to get more eyes 👀 (and engagement!) on your Instagram posts. From following hashtags to adding them into your Instagram Stories, I’m sharing with you 3 hashtag best practices you can use to grow your brand and ensure you’re using hashtags strategically to meet your business goals!

Ready to learn how to strategically step-up your hashtag game? Let’s get started!

✅ Use Hashtags That Are Relevant to Your Business

Instagram users have the ability to follow hashtags related to their likes and interests. This is good news for you because it means your content could show up automatically in the feeds of tons of potential new customers. It’s also something to note that users can mark content as not interesting or not relevant enough, and having too many posts marked can negatively affect the rest of the content you share on the platform.

✅ Include Hashtags In Your Instagram Bio

The ability to add hashtags to your bio makes it even more functional. It’s another way to add a clickable “link” to your bio because when you tap on the hashtag users can see all the posts that include that hashtag. It’s a smart and strategic way to increase engagement and increase your searchability. If you have a branded hashtag you use to gather user-generated content or to promote an upcoming contest this is a great place to showcase it.

NOTE: Always make sure your most important business information is listed first before including a branded hashtag.

✅ Add Hashtags to Your Instagram Stories

There are two ways to add hashtags to your Stories. You can use the text tool to type them out (which lets you include up to 10) or use the hashtag sticker to add a single hashtag of your choice. By adding hashtags to your Stories you now become searchable on the Explore Page and anyone searching those hashtags can see your story.

Pro-Tip: If you don’t want to clutter your Stories with a bunch of hashtags, hide them! You can do this by making the text smaller and hiding them underneath a GIF or sticker. Or, use the color dropper tool to match the color with the background and watch them disappear.

Get Discovered by More Holiday Shoppers with Hashtags

3 Instagram Hashtag Best Practices