Do Hashtags Matter?

Do hashtags matter? This is a common question I get from my clients, and the answer is yes!

An Instagram post with at least one hashtag averages 12.6% more engagement than a post without a hashtag. So simply by including at least one hashtag per post you’re already increasing your engagement rate. Including relevant hashtags on your posts and in your stories is still one of the easiest ways to be discovered by new users on Instagram. This can morph into higher engagement, more followers and even more customers for your business.

Hashtags work by organizing relevant content. If you use the hashtag #foodie on an image of avocado toast, and click on the hashtag #foodie, you will be directed to a page of amazing foodie content on Instagram.

From there, users can choose to follow hashtags that interest them allowing that content to show up in their newsfeed. This will enable your brand to be discovered by an audience that is interested in your content based on using relevant hashtags they might be interested in. Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post and 10 per story. Need help getting your hashtag strategy started? Email merelychicsocial@gmail.com to get started.