When Instagram was launched in 2005 one thing was for certain, wise use of hash tags, or connectors, on the platform would be vital. These connectors are not just about informing. They are also about monitoring campaigns, telling stories and following trends.
Using hash tags well on Instagram is not easy. Here are some of our suggestions.
Create a hash tag which is easy to read and tells a story. We recently organised the social and traditional media campaign for McAuley Community Services for Women. The campaign was to encourage workplaces, individuals, community groups – anyone – to hold a high tea to raise funds for the charity’s safe house and refuges program. Using the hash tag #HighTeaAppeal every tweet, Instagram and Facebook pushed the fundraiser. Bloggers, high tea devotees and hotels were enlisted and the hash tag caught pn.
Be creative. Keeping with #HighTeaAppeal, the hash tag clearly aligned with the campaign, encouraged sharing and was closely connected to the collateral. It also inspired action. So much so that for the first year, around $30,000 was raised – on a budget of around $10,000 – with over 100 new donors contributing over half of the money raised ticked the boxes.
Don’t go overboard. How many instagrams have you seen with about six hash tags? Can you remember them? Use three at most and make sure they are all relevant but if you are running a campaign, stick to the campaign hash tag.
Make sure your followers use your hashtags. This sounds a no-brainer but we are constantly surprised by the lack of call out to supporters to use hashtags to spread the word. It costs nothing but amounts to a great campaign.
Monitor and track. Keep the conversation going, monitor who is picking up (and who is not) the hash tag and track all the time.
Otherwise what’s the point?