Instagram stories are taking the social media world by storm as more and more users are turning toward this feature to update their followers. Not only do these stories add some variety to a user’s profile, but help gain more traction through the use of hashtags and location tags. However, users should be cautious using these tools as some can make or break your social media brand.

What Does a Hashtag do for my Profile?

Hashtags are a combination of letters and numbers following a pound symbol that groups the same type of content together. You can include a hashtag for a specific place, thing, person or trend!

Users can search and follow their favorite hashtags to stay updated with certain topics or trends and hopefully find new accounts to follow as well. Using hashtags can help bring more traction to your profile by exposing your content to this new audience filled with potential followers.

Which Different Hashtags Can I Use?

First, you can use any hashtags that are currently trending across social media platforms. This shows that you are keeping up to date and increases your chances of your post going viral (isn’t that the point?). These hashtags can range from classics such as #OOTD or #TBT to one-hit-wonder hashtags such as the #TenYearChallenge. Choosing the correct hashtag to use, that fits your brand is the part that you need to put the real thought into.

Similarly, you can use a specific hashtag for a specific event that is taking place. Many users like to include hashtags related to certain award shows, tv shows, political debates, global affairs, etc. to have that live interaction with their viewers. It is not uncommon for social media users to even create hashtags for their weddings!

Hashtags can also be used to show partnerships with certain brands. Some social media influencers are lucky enough to be sponsored by a company and show that partnership through pre-decided promotional hashtags. Though most of us aren’t as lucky as these influencers, it is still helpful to include hashtags related to a company to possibly get recognized.

A user can also create a hashtag that is unique to their profile and brand. This helps promote the feeling of being an “insider” and spark up conversation within your audience. Having your present audience use this hashtag promotes your brand and helps build a community within it.

Though technically it is not a hashtag, Instagram’s location sticker acts the same way a hashtag would within your Instagram story. Users can click on that location sticker to see other posts from that location, which is where your story may end up. This can also be used when attending or hosting an event.

How Many Hashtags Should I Use in my Instagram Story?

Many users wonder what the fine line is between having too many hashtags or not enough. Typically, it is acceptable to use an excessive amount of hashtags with comedic content. Sometimes users use serious, inauthentic hashtags and making light of that could be entertaining for your audience. Plus, gaining new followers from those different hashtags doesn't hurt either (you may not keep around long though if your content is not relevant).

For some profiles, it makes more sense to use hashtags sparingly and in a more professional manner. Having a balance between stories with limited promotional hashtags, regular hashtags, and no hashtags at all gives your profile variety and more genuine content. Do your research and see what hashtags are trending and find out if they are relevant to your brand.

#QuickInstagramTips

Want the traction of a million hashtags without bombarding your followers? Make a group of hashtags the same color as something within your story to hide it. This makes the group of hashtags invisible to the user, whilst still gaining access to a pool of new users.

Also If you are unsure of what hashtags to use, try looking at your explore page. Instagram’s explore page lets you see what’s popular among your audience and stay on-trend. But, don’t stop there! Look at the business insights of your Instagram profile to see what did well with your audience. Then, save those hashtags for future use to stay consistent with your brand!

Need Help Choosing the Right Hashtag for Your Brand? We can Help!

Now that you have all of the info you need to make sure you are choosing the right hashtags to use for your Instagram stories and posts, what are you going to do next? If you are still unsure, Social Stamina is here to help. We can provide you with a FREE CONSULTATION and help you get the most out of your #socialmedia. If you are all set to do it all on your own, well, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get some exposure!