For those who have been around since its launch in 2010, much has changed about the landscape in regards to Instagram. Where hashtags used to run into the dozens and delve into the most minute of minutia have now given way to 4-5 hashtags per post at maximum, when used at all, and are more generic and organizational in nature. On other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, their use has also dwindled, if not disappeared entirely.
However, savvy marketers and influencers have still been able to leverage social media platforms, their use of hashtags and tags, as well as their respective abilities to track/monitor trends as they occur in near real-time. Furthermore, influencers still continue to drive engagement and create awareness, which can be useful in certain Instagram marketing strategies, as long as they’re mindful that Instagram may now punish overt hashtag usage.
Still curious how you can get the most out of Instagram in 2022? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
How to Monitor Trending Hashtags
The Instagram Explore page is where trending tags within the app are listed, with a search bar available to search for specific hashtags. This is how users are able to find content they are interested in easier, so proper hashtags are necessary on your part to attract users who are most likely to engage with your content.
In the past, Instagram marketing shills would encourage their users to use up to twelve hashtags in a single post. With hashtag usage not in as heavy rotation as it used to be across platforms, it has been recommended by recent research that marketers keep the hashtags on their marketing posts to 2 content type hashtags (article, podcast, etc.) and 2-3 content subject matter hashtags to increase readability.
Reusing the same hashtags over and over again, and/or using irrelevant hashtags can get your content penalized by Instagram.
There are several tools available to help you monitor hashtag performance, and possibly help you compile keyword lists for later. These can range from free to paid, with some services only being available once a license has been purchased.
Social Blade
This is a free online analytical tool that tracks user growth and trends across YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, and Instagram.
Instagram Insights
Free in-app analytics tool within Instagram that requires a Business profile. Accounts engaged, content interactions, and more are provided here.
Iconosquare
Along with hashtag tracking, Iconosquare also offers tags and mentions analytics, as well as other in-depth engagement insights that go far beyond anything you would gain from the free tools mentioned above. While a free trial is available, a monthly subscription is required.
How Little Egg Solutions Can Help
Do you simply not have the time and/or patience to worry about what Instagram considers acceptable use of hashtags or not? Or feel like reviving your once lively account? We are white hat marketing specialists who have the knowledge and experience to help your little egg grow. We cover a wide range of digital marketing services such as social media management, content creation, and technical SEO that gets you results that last. Curious to see how we can help? Give us a call today!