Gain Followers & Engagement on IG TODAY!

Chances are you are probably using Instagram and hashtags but have you been using them effectively? Are you building and growing your following? If not, this is the training for you! Ready, set, go!

What Are Hashtags and Why Should I Use Them?

Hashtags turn any words (or group of words) into a searchable link; allowing you to target content and track topics. When using hashtags, you allow people to find relevance in your business and posts. Essentially, hashtags are just like keywords on Google, but with social media.

If you want to find a post relating to a topic, you can use hashtags on Instagram to see posts relating to the topic. For example, if you want to find posts relating to ‘new entrepreneurs’, you can search #newentrepreneurs to find posts linking to the hashtags.

To attract people to your Instagram account, use hashtags that relate specifically to the people you’d like to attract.

To attract new followers and gain attention on Instagram, its imperative that the hashtags you use are specific to your business and the audience you are trying to reach. Target a smaller group of people as opposed to a huge group of people. For example, instead of using a basic hashtag like #entrepreneur (nonnected to 40 million posts), use a more descriptive hashtag like #femaleentrepreneur (connected to fewer posts, 2 million), or even #blackwomanentrepreneur (connected to just over 2,000 posts). The more descriptive your hashtags are, the better reach you’ll gain. Your post is more likely to be seen and noticed using a hashtag connected to less posts, than a hashtag related to MILLIONS of posts. Didn’t know that huh?

Hashtag Tips

1. Don’t rely on hashtags as a marketing strategy. However, hashtags can help increase your reach (allowing more people to see your posts) and promote awareness for your business.

2. Instagram allows you to use a maximum of 30 hashtags at a time. When first starting with using hashtags, use around 4-6 hashtags at a time to determine which hashtags bring more followers to your Instagram account and which hashtags help to increase your engagement and impressions.

3. Use a mix of both personal and business hashtags.

4. See what your competitors and other businesses in your industry are using. Search hashtags on Instagram and browse related hashtags.

5. Do some research. Browse through your followers list to see which hashtags your followers are using and following.

On the next pages is a list of hashtags for businesses. Some of the hashtags listed are BASIC, and GENERIC and that’s because each business in the same industry will have a different TARGET audience. It’s your job to reach your audience. As a business owner, you should know your niche audience like the back of your hand. Customize the hashtags by adding an adjective, verb, or noun either before or after the hashtag. The more specific and detailed the better!

Don’t make it hard to get seen or be noticed. Hashtags are a free alternative and easy way to reach new people while creating visibility for your business.

6. Get great at targeting your audience. Each business in the same industry will have a different TARGET audience. It’s your job to reach your audience. As a business owner, you should know your niche audience like the back of your hand. Customize the hashtags by adding an adjective, verb, or noun either before or after the hashtag. The more specific and detailed the better!

Don’t make it hard to get seen or be noticed. Hashtags are a free alternative and easy way to reach new people while creating visibility for your business.

Customize hashtags by using an adjective, noun, or verb.

Adjectives are descriptive, quantitative, and demonstrative.

Nouns are a person, place, or thing.

Verbs are an action or state of being.

Before

#childcare #business #makeup #assistant #designer #catering

Add an adjective, noun, or verb

#(noun)childcare #(adjective)business #(adjective)makeup #(verb)assistant #(noun)designer #(noun)catering

After

#floridachildcare #economicalbusiness #veganfriendlymakeup #travellingassistant #atlinteriordesigner #glutenfreecatering

Hashtags For Business

Female Entrepreneur

#womeninbusiness #bosslady #womenempoweringwomen #bosschick #chasingdreams #womenwhohustle #businessowner #ceochick #smallbiz #femaleentrepreneur #beyourownboss #bossbabes #hustlehard #dreambig #businessowner #savvybusinessowner #workonthego #designyourlife #documentyourdays#bossbabe#smallbusinessowner #femaleentrepreneur #shemeansbusiness #livingmybestlife #instasuccess #instaentrepreneur #beyourownboss #solopreneurn #buildyourtribe #setyourownhours #momsonthego #mompreneur #buildyourtrube #goaldigger #bosslady #networktonetworth #womenincharge #smallbusinesssaturday #ladyboss

Inspirational

#stayinspired #mondaymotivation #aspiretoinspire #fuelthesoul #instaday #motivationalquote #pursueyourpassion #keepgoing #stateofpositivity #endlesspossibilites #joyfuljourney #makeithappen #gratefulday #allforfun #instafunny #quoteoftheday #goodvibrations #positivethinking #timetoshine #feelinggood #documentyourdays #laughteristhebestmedicine #funnymoment #ithoughtitwascool

Network Marketing

#networkmarketing #success #motivation #makemoney #residualincome #passiveincome #homebusiness #beyourownboss #postivemind #mlmtips #mlmsuccess #moneywhileyousleep #internetmarketing #mlm #homebiz #prospecting #directsales #startup #affiliatemarketing #businessminded

Virtual Assistant

#virtualassistant #freelancer #virtualassistantservices #personalassistant #laptoplifestyle #onlinebusiness #executiecassistant #workfromhome #outsourcing #onlinecommunity

Social Media Marketing

#businesstips #businesscoaching #businessinvestment #brandstrategy #socialmediamarketing #onlinemarketing #emailmarketing #b2bmarketing #assistantbusiness #icanhelpyou #virtualassistantbusiness #b2bcontent #socialmediamarketing #onlinemarketer #onlinemarketing #smallbiz #socialmediagrowth #digitalmarketer #personalbranding #brandstrategist

Blogger

#newblogger #blogpost #ontheblog #bloggerlife #wfalifestyle #lifestyleblog #workfromanywhere #bloggervibes #problogging #fashionblogger #igdaily #fashionblog #bloggerstyle #beautyblog #traveldiaries #traveltheworld

Financial Education & Savings

#financialliteracy #financialfreedom #financialeducation #personalfinance #debtfree #financialplanning #creditrepair #financialindependence #moneytips #creditscore #financialadvisor #moneymanagement #moneygoals #generationalwealth #financialgoals #debtfreeliving #millionairemindset #creditrestoration #realestateinvestor #financialpeace #financialsuccess #investinyourself #debtfreecommunity #savemoney #personalfinance #wealthadvisor #couponing #couponcommunity

Tax Consultant

#taxday #instatax #taxreturn #incometax #taxation #taxaudit #taxexpert #accountingsoftware #quickbooks #taxconsultant #taxprofressional #taxoffice #taxseason

Public Speaker

#publicspeaker #keynotespeaker #inspirtationalspeaker #motivational #toastmasters #leadership #personaldevelopment #successtips #freelancelife #inboundmarketing #communication

Event Planner

#eventplanner #eventplanning #weddingplanner #corporateplanner #weddingbells #dreamwedding #budgetwedding #networking #venue #fundraising #conference #eventsdecor #eventdesign #tradeshow #catering #newvenue #planner #eventprofs #mettingprofs #eventtech #eventtrends #eventmanagement #b2bevent

Decor

#decoration #decor #interiordesign #exteriordesign #homedecor #weddingdecor #architecture #artproject #designinspo #inahome #luxurydecor #interiorstyling #intetedecor #bedroomdecor #moderndesign #contemporarydesign #handmade #homestyle #contemporaryart #livingroom #interiorinspo #luxurycondo #luxrydesign #luxliving #homemaker #instahomes #mancave #generalcontractor #contractor #houzz #basementremodel #houseremodel #decoratingideas

Hospitality

#hospitalitymanagement #hospitalityschool #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalitylifestyle #hospitalityprojectjob #hospitalitysector #hospitality101 #hospitalitydecor #hospitalitybeginsintheheart #hospitalitylife #hospitalitydesigner #hospitalityart #hospitalityindustry #hospitalitydesigner#hospitalitycheck

Bartender

#bartenderlife #mixologist #cocktailbar #cocktailtime #barternderlifestyle #happyhour #mixology #femalebartender #barman #bartenderslife #bartenderschoice #bartenderschool #bartenderskills #bartendersrock #bartenderswag #bartendersweekend #bartenderstogo #mobilebartender

Bakery/Sweet Treats

#glutenfree #dessert #cakedecorating #homemade #birthdaycake #instacake #sweettreats #patisserie #bakerylife #foodporn #foodcrave #foodlover #bakingadvice #localbakery #madewithlove #pastrychef #customcakes #dessertaddict #glutenfreebakery #cakeshop #bakeshop #foodoftheday #madefromscratch #foodforthought #foodism #foodforfoodies #fooddiary #foodisfuel #foodstyling #eatrealfood #dairyfree #partyfood #partytreats #sweettreats #sugarcrave #birthdaycake #catering

Fitness

#fitnessaddict #gethealthy #healthylife #eatclean #glutenfree #fitnessgols #healthyeating #fitnessmotivation #getfit #trainhard #noexcuses #workout #marathontraining #nopainnogain #getstrong #personaltrainer #gymlife

Photography

#photographyislife #photographyeveryday #photooftheday #canonphoto #nikonphoto #photographaddict #photographylover #portriatphotography #portraitmood naturalphoto #offguardphoto #weddingphotographer #fashionshoot #fashionphotographer #lightphotography #landscapelovers #urbanphotography #sharetravelpics #throughthelens #vscocam #instafocus #picoftheday

Childcare/Daycare

#childcare #privatedaycare #preschool #earlylearning #happylids #kidlife #childcareprovider #childhealth #earlychildhoodeducation #instamom #childdevelopment #keeplearning #freechildcare #affordablechildcare

Hair Extensions

#hairextentons #hairstylist #virginhair #virginhairbundles #virginbundles #balayageweave #balayagewig #behindgthechair #indianhumanhair #indianntemplehair #indiahair #brazilianhair #hairgoals #hairstyling

#hairtutorial #stylingtip #machineweftbundle #bundledeals #lacefrontal #laceclosure #celebrityhair #naturalhairextension #affordablehair #clipinhair #virginhairsupply #loosewave #tapehair #virginremy

Hairstylist

#mobilehaircare #goddesslocs #naturalblowout #naturalpress #silkpress #travellinghairstylist #hairstyling #haircolorist #hairstyles #hairandmakeup #hairdo #professionalhairstylist #protectivestyles #hairgoals #hairideas #hairoftheday #hairporn #naturalhair #naturalista #thecutlife #salonlife #hairtutotials #hairporn #hairoftheday #haireducation #fauxlocs #quickqeave #naturaweave #sewin #sewinclosure #gluelesswigsewin #quickweave #naturalweave #naturalhairinstall #quickweave

Natural Hair Care

#curlyhair #curls #naturalhairjourney #naturalhaircommunity #curlyhairdontcare #naturalhair #teamnatural #naturalhairstyles #kinkyhair #4chair #naturaltwistout #protectivestyles #naturalhaircare #mymane #naturalhairjunkie #hairgrowth #healthyhairjourney #naturalhairroutine #healthyhair #naturalchicks #silkpress

Natural Hair Products

#veganhandmade #growthserum #growhair #avacado #coconut #naturalhaircare #crueltyfree #naturalhair #naturalbeauty #rosemarymint

Natural Body Products

#veganhandmade #naturalskincare #skincare #organicskincare #healthyskin #naturalbeauty #skincareroutine #greenbeauty #skin #natural #crueltyfree #handmade #essentialoils #naturalproducts #veganbeauty #exfoliate #antiaging #selfcare #beautycare #parabenfree #freshskin #skincareaddict #glowingskin #organicbeauty #skincarejunkie #crueltyfree #ecobeauty #naturalbodyproduct #naturalcare #greenbeautyproducts #naturalbeautysupply #naturalbeautytips #healthyskin #healthylife

Online Clothing Store

#onlineshopping #instafashion #trendingstyles #smallbusiness #onlineshopping #onlineboutique #plussizeclothing #plussize #fashion #instaboutique #instashopping #affordableclothing #celebritystyle #celebrityclothing #shoppingday #fashionaddict #shopoholic #retailsales #currentlywearing #styleblogger #styleinspo #whatiwore #retailtherapy

Cosmetics & Beauty

#beautybasics #beautyblogger #dressyourface #makeupjunkie #instabeauty #instamakeup #makeupaddict #makeuplover #wakeupandmakeup #mua #beautyjunkie #beautyguru #beautyproducts #skincare #skincare #beauty #nofilter #naturallook #facebeat #veganfriendlybeautycare #animalcrueltyproducts #cheapcosmetics

Eyelashes

#lashextensions #lashartist #lashtechnician #lashesonfleek #naturaleyelashes #boldeyeyelash #volumelashextensions #lashtech #minklashes #humanhaireyelashes #softglamlashes #eyelashgrowth

Makeup Artist

#makeupartist #mua #makeuptutorial #beatface #weddingmakeupartist #weddingmua #makeupaddict #naturalmakeup #celebritymakeup #motd

Eyebrows/Microblading

#semipermanenteyebrows #microbladingeyebrows #3dhairstrokes #ombrebrows #ombreshadedbrows #flawlessbrows #perfecteyebrows #microbladingclasses #naturaleyebrows #microshading #microblading #eyebrowdarkening #eyebrowtint #eyebrowtinting #eyebrowgrowth

Final Tips

Don’t spam your Instagram captions with hashtags.

If you decide to use the maximum amount of hashtags allowed (30), add line spaces to separate your caption text from your actual hashtags. This way your caption is organized and looks neat.

Don’t use hashtags irrelevant to your post or business in hopes of trying to gain exposure. Doing so will make your business appear as desperate (an easy way to lose credibility from your followers).

Be specific. When using hashtags make sure that they’re targeting a niche audience. Vague and generic hashtags such as #blogging won’t be as useful as a more specific hashtag such as #tipsonblogging.

Keep things simple. Don’t use too many words in a hashtag, or don’t use the same hashtag more than once in a single post. For example, #newbloggerenteringtheentrepreneurshipworld is a no no!!!!

Use a variety of hashtags. Using the exact same hashtags on every post will limit your posts to reaching a new audience. Periodically search for new hashtags that you can incorporate in your posts.

Use hashtags on every Instagram feed post. Posts with hashtags generally see 12% more engagement than posts without hashtags.

Use hashtags in your Instagram Story & Instagram Bio.

Create a signature hashtag. For example my signature hashtag is #YouGlowGirl which is a nod to my business and my Facebook group.

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I hope this has been helpful to you in growing your Instagram audience and business. Be sure to follow me and I’ll follow back! While you’re here download my free planner to help you with goal setting and check out my 10 tips to Make 2019 Your _____!

Happy #Hashtagging,

Nerissa, the BizEMillenial

Nerissa is a wife and mom of 4 and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and helping women GLOW from the inside out!