When marketers and small businesses found out a few years ago, we could list up to 30 hashtags for the Instagram posts, we threw every hashtag in one post that we could think of.

What was revealed recently that is quite interesting on the Instagram creators released yet another recommendation that appeals to the algorithm and now recommends scaling back on the number of hashtags we use on our posts.

It used to be up to 30 hashtags.

Then it was 8-12 hashtags.

Now it’s even less!

What the !

Doing between 3-5 hashtags per post will define your niche and make you known faster for what you offer. 

Are Hashtags Important on Instagram?

Hashtags are the way we become searchable on Instagram and Google searches. Each social media platform are going forward with their version of a search engine feature.

How do I know what hashtag to use?

Keep it simple, keep it relevant:

1. Add your unique company name as a hashtag
2. Identify what you do or offer
3. Use a hashtag that represents the topic you are posting about
4. Well known hashtags work
5. Make it memorable or humorous.
6. Less wordy wins

You can also see what your competitor uses as their hashtags to help you identify within the industry. 

And finally…

Don’t use hashtags that are too popular.

If you use popular hashtags, the Instagram algorithm will identify you and your post as spammy.

Here’s what to avoid: