Using hashtags properly is a crucial tactic to master in order to achieve Instagram success. Maybe Hashtags are not the biggest Instagram secret, but the real secret is knowing how to use them effectively… There are 3 different types of hashtags—general, specific, and trending—that can be implemented:
A general hashtag is something that is broad yet relevant for the image you are posting. For example, if you’re Starbucks and you post a picture of a latte, appropriate hashtags would be #coffee #mornings #happy. Using general hashtags is a good way to get new followers since users browsing the photos marked with these words will stumble upon your content.
Specific hashtags are ones that you devise and use in your marketing to make it easier for your fans to group and share your content. For example, if you want people to post images from an event, create a specific hashtag and promote it: #YourBrandEvent2014
Trending hashtags can be a great source of new followers due to the sheer number of people clicking on photos with these tags when something takes off on the platform of over 150 million monthly active users. The problem is that trending hashtags are rarely relevant for brands, often representing pop culture happenings and widespread news reports. If you decide to use a trending hashtag in your marketing, be sure to understand the true meaning behind the tag. Trending hashtags could have multiple meanings/uses or even indicate a strong opinion of values that may not align with your brand.
