Let me guess. You post your projects frequently. You make sure to get good pics, and you upload them at good times of the day. You even come up with cute descriptions, but for some reason, your posts aren't getting likes...

Did I get it right?

Well I've got an amazing, yet simple solution for you. 

Can you guess what it is??

USE HASHTAGS!

What are hashtags?

Hashtags categorize your content and help them show more easily in searches. For example, if I post a Sonic Cake Topper, I would use the hashtags #sonic #soniccaketopper #caketopper, and anyone searching for those hashtags would see my photo!

Why are hashtags important?

Instagram has very limited search capabilities, and one of the best ways to get discovered by new potential customers is to use hashtags. A post with at least one Instagram hashtag averages 12.6% more engagement than posts without a hashtag.

How do I use hashtags?

You can add hashtags in the caption or comments of your post. If you have a public account and add hashtags to a post, the post will be visible on the corresponding hashtag page.

To tag a photo or video with a hashtag:

1. Take or upload a photo or video.
2. Choose to add a filter, then tap Next.
3. Tap Write a caption... and type # followed by text or emoji (example: #partyfavors).
4. Tap Share.

If you want to add a hashtag to a post you've already uploaded, edit the caption, or include your hashtag in a comment on your photo.

After you tag your post with a hashtag, you'll be able to tap the hashtag to see a page that shows all photos and videos people have uploaded with that hashtag.

How to find the best hashtags for your brand:

While the most popular hashtags on Instagram have been used millions of times, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get a ton of likes and comments simply by adding #love, #pets, #amazing to your posts.

So, how do you find the best, most creative hashtags for your brand?

The best way is to check and see what Instagram hashtags your audience, and competitors, are already using.

For example, in the handmade party supply business, a few of the most popular hashtags being currently used are: #partyfavors, #customfavors, #womeninbusiness, #shopsmall.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Numbers are allowed in hashtags. However, spaces and special characters, like $ or %, won’t work.
• You can only add hashtags to your own posts. You can’t tag other people’s photos/videos.
• You can use up to 30 hashtags on a post and 10 on a story.