How to optimize your Instagram Hashtags

Your images might get buried under since as we all know, pictures on Instagram have a lifespan of about four hours to either cut it or lose out, with little viewership inadvertently leading to losing out. Your images may lose popularity not because they are not attractive, for not effectively using hashtags. Increase image viewership by targeting the right people.

Tagging your pictures on Instagram is the best way of ensuring you share your photos with more people and also to find new like-minded followers on Instagram. A while back, Instagram used the system of arranging uploaded pictures one after the other, according to the time of upload. Today, the new Instagram feed organizes images according to popularity, and seasoned players find themselves at a disadvantage. This new system of organization means that when your image viewership is low, it quickly disappears, together with the other several million uploaded pictures, into oblivion. You need your image frequently liked. Most of us use hashtags, but in vain, and there is a good explanation of why your hashtags do not work.

Although hashtags are the ideal way to describe and share images with more individuals, tagging can also be very tricky. To get the most benefit from the use of hashtags, you will always need to think about a few things before tagging.

Use popular tags but in a careful manner

Using the more popular hashtags might get your image more views and likes, and in case you are unsure of the popular hashtags relating to your image, a Google search should solve this issue. Be advised, though, popular hashtags might also obliviate your image. Since popular hashtags are widely in use, your image when tagged with a popular tag will be widely viewed, but for a shorter time. Chances are, you do not even get the four hours.

Keep your tagging simple and avoid cluttering your page

Please, do not overdo your hashtags. Simply put, a clutter of hashtags creates disinterest instead of generating interest; most viewers might skip over your image, having at the back of their minds decided that you are not aware of what you want, and your image must be irrelevant. Avoid getting passed over.

Be alert and attentive about the other tags

The other images similar to yours have tags, stay alert and pay some attention to what the tags are. You might get a pleasant surprise and learn the tag you are using is not the favorite tag describing images similar to yours. You may think the tag-line you are using is popular, and it might as well be, but there might be a more popular tag. Imagine this; a majority of your target audience might be missing your image just because of your tag-line choice. Such a simple change might get your images the attention you need.

Provide more specific information on your tags

Whenever you are trying to connect with people, your choice of tags is of significant importance. Specific hashtags go a long way towards informing possible viewers and followers of exactly what an image entails. Narrowing down to the detail in your tag choice means your image is easier to find by people interested in such a picture. For instance, when you are posting a photo of a car, please be a little bit specific and tag the make of the car, #BMV goes a long way towards informing people who like the BMW about your photo, without having to sift through the countless pictures of cars uploaded, as opposed to #car.

For relevance, tag a description of your image

After tagging your image as per what type of car it entails, you could always go a step further and make the tag more relevant. As much as you are already particular about the kind of car, you must also be aware of the differences in tastes relating to your type of car, different models of the BMW will interest different people. Tag your image accordingly; which will ensure your photo gets the right audience, increasing the chances of your image being viewed and liked tenfold.

So please, do not lose hope. Keep sharing, but mind your tags.