7 Instagram Hashtag Mistakes Small Businesses Must Avoid

The use of hashtags has become a phenomenon in social media platforms. Most likely, there will be a hashtag in many posts that you see, especially on Instagram. Hashtags started in the 90s when they were used in categorizing different groups. With its popularity, many social media platforms adapted it so groups, topics, and categories can be easily searched. These days, hashtags are even used as an effective marketing tool in promoting a brand. 

Though hashtags are commonly used, they also must never be abused. Especially by entrepreneurs who are operating small businesses, hashtags can be of great help in boosting their products and services. Read on to learn more about common Instagram hashtag mistakes that must be avoided by small businesses.

1. The number of hashtags used

The use of numerous and random hashtags is one of the common mistakes many businesses make. There is no exact number when it comes to adding hashtags in a post. The use of a few hashtags can limit the number of an audience while using too much may not target the right audience. The good thing is that Instagram does not allow more than 30 hashtags in a post.

Although the limit may still be high, it is still important to research the right hashtags to add. This is to be able to reach the targeted audience as well as to connect with other users who are interested in the same niche. It is vital also to know and understand which hashtags work best for the benefit of your business.

2. Ignoring local hashtags

People love local things and when they need something, they always look for it from their neighborhood or city. This is why focusing on your localization strategy is very important.

Local hashtags are especially important for small businesses that are targeting specific location and consumers. When adding localization using hashtags, your brand voice must adapt the local reality, listen to what the community has to say and most importantly, show your clients your human side.

3. Poorly researched hashtags

Not properly researching hashtags can pose a big problem to your brand as this is one of the common Instagram hashtag mistakes. The reason for this is that your post would not get lost and reach other users who may not be interested in the content of your posts. This may be risky to many users, however, there are easy ways to do hashtag research.

For instance, there are a few useful tools like hashtag generators, Instagram analytics and data curating tool you can use to help you research and track the best hashtags for your industry. As such, time and effort may be saved so that you can focus more on the other aspects of marketing. 

4. Not trying new hashtags

Adding to the list of Instagram hashtag mistakes is not testing new hashtags. Conducting business is tedious and there are times that entrepreneurs will experience some trials and errors. Your commonly used hashtags may have targeted the right audiences, but it is also important to explore other options.

Trying and testing new hashtags from time to time can broaden the options. New hashtags may target a new audience and reach more users. As such, the engagement may also be boosted as these new audiences may also follow your page. Try to view the posts of other users of the same niche and take time to study the hashtags that they are using.

5. Ignoring related hashtags

Not using hashtags that are related to the hashtags that you are using is one of the biggest flaws you must avoid. This is to reach the audience who may be interested in the content of your post. In addition to these, using related hashtags can be linked to other related products or services.

To find related hashtags, first, find out who are the key influencers within your niche and try to connect with them. Next, prepare your starter list and head over to a hashtag generator like HashtagsForLikes to identify related hashtags. Finally, be sure to gauge the relevant of your hashtags using an optimizer.

6. Not keeping track of hashtags

Without tracking your performance, your marketing efforts are ineffective and useless. Using hashtags is one of the effective ways to keep track of your post. Analyzing hashtag performance is useful to see the ones that drive more engagements, measure campaign awareness and track down competitors’ hashtags.

With Instagram analytics lacking the ability to measure hashtag performance, using tracking tools are becoming more important. A good hashtag analytics tool can be useful to give IG users very detailed and complete hashtag lists.

7. Focusing Too Much Hashtags And Forgetting Content

While using hashtags is important to your small business marketing campaign, you should never forget that creating an engaging content can make a different to your hashtag strategy.

Just remember to limit the number of hashtags in your Instagram post caption copy and follow the 80%-20% graphics-content rule. You want to research interesting topics before your write, check what’s trending and think of something that will catch the attention of your audience.

Conclusion

Explore your hashtags and make the most of it. It’s one of the effective ways to grow your company. But remember, in order to succeed with your hashtag strategy, they must be well researched, carefully thought out and exceptionally engaging for your followers and your prospects. Finally, don’t make the above mistakes and you’ll do just fine.