Using relevant, targeted hashtags in your posts or stories might be one of the best ways to get discovered by new audiences on Instagram. This attention translates into more engagement, an increased number of followers and therefore more customers for your business.

Using hashtags as a successful marketing tool has been one of the most popular topics among my clients. Instagram hashtags come in all shapes and sizes, and understanding these various types and their corresponding audiences is key to developing an effective Instagram marketing campaign. Stay tuned, for I’m about to guide you through the three main types of hashtags to build your marketing plan on!

Branded hashtag: a hashtag that’s unique to your company when using Instagram for business purposes. It can be as simple as just your company name, tagline, or the name of one of your products or campaigns. 

Community hashtag: similarly to branded hashtags, these connect like-minded users around a specific subject. However, unlike their branded relatives, community hashtags don’t need to be directly related to a business, they can be much broader, more inclusive and less focused.

Campaign hashtags: while the previously mentioned types are meant to last, campaign hashtags usually serve a short-term purpose, often running for only a few days, a season or a year. Because of their actuality, they are also perfect for use in Stories or Instagram Live.

Still confused about how a single hashtag could benefit your brand? Leave me a comment below and make sure to follow my guides on the most useful online marketing tips!