Okay, so I’ve been posting content on Instagram and TikTok, mostly focusing on my love for plants and creating terrariums. I think my stuff is pretty good, I’ve got decent pictures and videos, but I’m just not getting the traction I feel like I should be. My engagement is pretty low, and my follower count is barely budging.

Right now, I’m using basic hashtags like #plants, #terrarium, #plantsofinstagram, #terrariumsofinstagram, #plantlover, and #indoorplants. I’ve tried a few specific plant names like #monstera and #snakeplant too, when applicable.

But I suspect those are too broad, and my content is getting lost in the noise. I’m trying to grow my audience organically. Are there more specific or trending hashtags I should be using? Or are there any strategies for combining hashtags to reach different niches within the plant community? Maybe even some relevant hashtags outside of the plant community that might still draw people in?

I’m really looking for actionable advice. Give me some specific hashtags I can try today and see if they make a difference. Also, is there a limit to how many I should be using? I’ve heard different things…

Answer

To reach a wider audience on social media, it’s crucial to use a mix of hashtags, balancing broad appeal with specific relevance to your content. Here’s a breakdown of hashtag categories and examples:

1. Broad, High-Volume Hashtags:

These hashtags have millions of posts, increasing the chance of initial visibility. However, your content can get lost quickly due to the sheer volume. Use these sparingly and only if they’re genuinely relevant.

• instagood (for Instagram, conveys a feeling of quality)

• photooftheday (for sharing good photos)

• beautiful

• love

• happy

• instadaily

• fashion

• travel

• food

• art

2. Niche-Specific Hashtags:

These are more targeted, connecting you with audiences interested in a particular topic. They offer a higher chance of your content being seen by the right people.

Example: If you’re posting about a recipe:

• veganrecipes

• glutenfreedinner

• easyrecipes

• healthyfood

• comfortfood

Example: If you’re posting travel content from Paris:

• ParisTravel

• EiffelTower

• VisitParis

• ParisianLife

• FranceVacation

Example: If you’re posting about digital marketing:

• DigitalMarketing

• SocialMediaMarketing

• ContentMarketing

• SEO

• MarketingStrategy

3. Community-Based Hashtags:

These foster engagement within specific communities, helping build relationships and increase visibility.

• Hashtags related to online challenges (e.g., #100daysofcode)
• Hashtags related to specific interests (e.g., #bookstagram for book lovers)
• Hashtags related to industry groups (e.g., #UXdesign for UX designers)

4. Trending Hashtags:

Monitor trending topics on each platform (Twitter’s "Trends," Instagram’s "Explore" page) and use relevant trending hashtags. This can give you a boost in visibility, but ensure your content genuinely relates to the trend, or you risk appearing spammy.

5. Branded Hashtags:

Create a unique hashtag for your brand. This helps you track mentions, run campaigns, and build brand awareness. Encourage followers to use it when sharing content related to your brand.

Example: #YourBrandName, #YourBrandCampaign

6. Location-Based Hashtags:

If your content is geographically relevant, use location hashtags. This is especially effective for local businesses or events.

Example: #LondonEats, #NYCFashion, #ParisianCafe

7. Industry-Specific Events or Conference Hashtags:

If you are at an industry event or conference, use its specific hashtag. This is particularly useful for networking and increasing visibility within your industry.

Platform-Specific Considerations:

• Instagram: Use a mix of all types of hashtags (broad, niche, community). Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. Experiment to see what works best.
• Twitter: Use 1-3 highly relevant hashtags per tweet. Overusing hashtags can make your tweet look spammy. Focus on clarity and relevance.
• Facebook: Hashtags are less crucial on Facebook, but they can still help with discoverability. Use sparingly, prioritizing relevance over quantity.
• TikTok: Trending hashtags are essential for visibility. Participate in challenges and use relevant niche hashtags.
• LinkedIn: Use industry-specific hashtags to connect with professionals in your field.

Finding Relevant Hashtags:

• Research: Look at what hashtags influencers and competitors in your niche are using.
• Hashtag Tools: Use tools like Hashtagify, RiteTag, or All Hashtag to find related and trending hashtags. Many social media scheduling tools also offer hashtag suggestions.
• Platform Search: Start typing a keyword into the search bar of the social media platform; it will often suggest related hashtags.
• Analyze Performance: Track which hashtags perform best for your content and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Best Practices:

• Relevance: Always prioritize relevance over popularity. Using irrelevant hashtags can alienate your audience.
• Mix it Up: Don’t use the same set of hashtags for every post. Experiment with different combinations.
• Don’t Overdo It: While Instagram allows 30 hashtags, that doesn’t mean you should always use them all.
• Stay Updated: Hashtag trends change quickly. Keep an eye on what’s current and adapt your strategy.
• Accessibility: Consider capitalization to improve readability (e.g., #SocialMediaMarketing instead of #socialmediamarketing).
• Monitor Results: Track which hashtags bring you the most engagement and adjust your strategy based on data.

By combining a strategic approach with careful research, you can significantly increase the reach and visibility of your social media content.