300+ Hashtags & Battling the Hashtags FAQs
If you’re reading this— chances are, you’re looking to hit the reset button on some VII (very important info)—hashtags. Session after session, my coaching clients want to know what the “secret” is to battling the hashtag bear we all vigorously avoid. And—as you may have guessed, session after session, I tell my clients there is NO one secret. (Funny enough, no one really ever believes me).
However, there are tools and techniques you can use to help guide you along the way.
More than just yes or no answers- I help my clients to understand the psychology behind my techniques and why they work (and it’s not because some algorithm “course” said so). At the end of the day, great use of hashtags can results in massive exposure and account growth. Although, a typical hit or miss- using hashtags is like playing the lottery—if you don’t play, you don’t win and—the more you play, the higher your changes are of winning (ie, getting exposure)
Before I dive in and spill some great tags for you to use, I wanted to answer some frequently asked questions.
Where should the hashtags go? Comment section or in caption?
This is completely up to you. There is NO evidence that proves one placement or another results in a different amount of exposure. Some people place their tags in comments simply for aesthetics reason, other prefer to keep everything nice and neat in the caption. I have even experimented with splitting them up, and the results were about the same.
How many should I use per post?
I get this question A LOT— mostly because there are so many different controversial answers to this. Let’s look at it from a mathematical POV. Every tag gives you an opportunity to be seen. Using only 10 hashtags could mean you lost out on 20 other chances to gain exposure. The trick here is to diversify your tag reach—meaning, using a combination of small, medium and large (how many times the tags have been used) tags per post. My final answer— 30. Use all 30 available hashtags slots the IG allows. Caution to not go over 30 or your post/comment won’t publish.
Don’t see big influencers using that many? Oh yeah! Check out how Jen from @TheRamblingRedhead manages her hashtags.
The formula I use (and give my clients) is this—
First 10 should be post SPECIFIC. Tags directly related to your post (ie. #pregnancyanncouncment)
Next 10 should be pillar specific — covering tags that mention and focus on the three pillars of your account (it’s ok if they don’t match your specific post, we already covered those and we are looking for a broader spectrum now)
Not sure what your three pillars are? Learn about them here!
Last 10 should be broader niche — these tend to be the biggest and most popular tags that still align directly with YOUR niche. (ie. #motherhoodunited #boymom #letthembelittle)
Remember you always want to stay true to YOUR platform. There is zero reason you should be using #targetmom just because it trends well and you’re a mom in Canada with no access to a Target (my sincerest condolences). This is a surefire way to get shadow banned and quite possibly, even get called out.
What is Shadow-banning?
Shadowbanning is the act of blocking a user's content on social media sites, in such a way that the user might not even know it's happening. If you're shadowbanned on Instagram, your content won't appear on anyone's feed unless they already follow you. Shadow-banning can happen for several reason—
The biggest reason being, you're using too many of the same hashtags in back to back posts. Alternating your hashtags and refreshing them is crucial to avoiding getting blocked— and to maximizing your exposure.
Using unrelated tags - this is pretty self explanatory. IG manages its algorithm through computer based analysis and if you get caught using hashtags outside your related content field, it could mean real trouble for you account overall. This is the reason some hashtags (like #dogsofinstagram) are blocked all together— the popularity of the tags are being used only for exposure reason and outside their scope of content.
The down falls of getting banned (or any type of action block) can be incredibly frustrating and leave you feeling hopeless. In some cases it lasts 24-48 hours, in others (like mine) it can last as long as a full month. And if you’re wondering if it affects your overall engagement— it sure, does. So, do what you can to protect your account and stay within IG terms and conditions at all time.
Follow Your Most Used Hashtags!
Another great way to see what people are posting with the hashtags that you use is by following that specific tag on Instagram. You can do this by clicking the “Follow” button on the main search page of that hashtag. This method is great if you want to connect with others in your niche as well.
For example, I follow the hashtag “#motherhoodunscripted” & can connect with and engage with accounts in my niche that I normally would not have access too otherwise. Engaging outside your normal scope of followers and audience is KEY to brand exposure and account growth!
Alright— if you made it through the educational course, you deserve the goodies. To use these hashtags, simply copy and past them into a notes section in your phone or wherever you currently store your hashtags.
Motherhood
#momitforward #mytinymoments #mynameismama #stopdropandmom #heaventhrumylens #ourcandidlife #mumsofinstagram #motherhoodlens #momcommunity #motherhoodrising
#sahm #momlife #wahm #sahmlife #motherhood #boymom #stayathomemom #parenting #momblogger #workfromhome #momsofinstagram #mom #bossbabe #parenthood #momboss #toddlermom #mompreneur #motherhoodunplugged #workingmom #selfcare #wfhm #mumlife #momof #girlmom #family #toddlerlife
#stayathomemomlife #honestmotherhood #workingmoms #fitmom #goals #wahmlife #skincare #mommemes #womeninbusiness #metime #mommylife #shopsmall #letthembelittle #motivation #momlifeisthebestlife #fashion #crueltyfree #workfromhomemom #makeup #thankful #entrepreneur #teachersofinstagram #homeschool #kids #momlifebelike #postpartum #handmade
#momentsinmotherhood #lifeasmama #igmotherhood #motherhoodinspired #storytellingmama #featuremama #messy_motherhood #memoirsofmotherhood #mumswhostyle #ohmamamoment
#ohheymama #mommystatus #momdotme #mommylifestyle #instamamagang #joyfulmamas #vscomom #motherlove #clickinmoms
#acupofmotherhood #momlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #uniteinmotherhood #unitedinmotherhood #honestmotherhood #honestlymothering #myhonestmotherhood #momhub #socialmediamom
#momsofig #themotherhoodcorner #wellwateredwomen #motherhoodunplugged #morethanmama
#motherhoodrising #children #instagood #mommylife #childhood #mommyblogger #babylove #motherdaughter #boymom #letthembelittle #momtobe
#babybump #parents #photooftheday #instababy #postpartum #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #breastfeeding #toddlerlife #instamom
#familytime #momblog #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mummy #mommyandme #blessed #HereWeGrowAgain
General Lifestyle
#lifestlyle #lifestyleblogs #lifestyleblogger #bloggerlifestyle #lifestyledesign #homedecor #roominspo #lifestyleguide #lifestyleinspo #lifestyleblog
#lifestylephotographer #lifestyleclothing #lifestylebrand #lifestyleshop #lifestyleinfluencer #lifestylefitness #adayinthelife
#LifestyleMom #LifestylePhotography #AMomentInTime #DayByDay #RememberingTheseMoments #HowILive #CreatingALifestyle #BloggingMyLife
Fashion / Motherhood Fashion
#FashionLifestyle #MotherhoodAndFashion #MommyOOTD #LifeOfAFashionBlogger #OOTDLooks
#Fashion #OOTD #Style #InstaFashion #Vintage #FashionBlogger #Fashionista #StreetStyle #Stylish #MensFashion #WomensFashion #InstaStyle #LookBook #WhatIWore #FashionDiaries
#StyleInspo #FashionBlogger #LookBook #WIWT #FashionWeek #FashionStyle #StyleBlog #Blog #StyleBlogger #StreetFashion #OutfitOfTheDay
#ShoeGame #ShoeGram #ShoesOfTheDay #ShoeSelfie #ShoesOfInstagram #FootwearFashion #ShoeSwag #ShoeLoveIsTrueLove #ILoveShoes#Instaheels #ShoePorn #Sneakerhead #KicksOnFire #Kickstagram #Sneakerfiles #TodaysKicks #Solenation #ShoutMySneakz
Mental Health
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #depression #selfcare #selflove #love #health #mentalillness #therapy #wellness #mentalhealthmatters #motivation #mindfulness #recovery #fitness #healing #psychology #ptsd #wellbeing #life #loveyourself #inspiration #meditation #positivevibes #happiness #bipolar #positivity #support
#PostpartumDepression #PPD #RaiseAwareness #RaiseYourVoice #MentalHealthMatters #MomsWhoSuffer #PostpartumLoss #PregnancyLoss #MentalHealthAndMotherhood #WeMatter #SpeakUp
There you have it! And although we can go on and on searching for the best hashtags, we know that there are millions out there! Remember that the key is to always refresh and recharge your hashtags!
Looking for some extra one-one-one help? Check out all my Business & Consulting Services to see if it might be a great fit for you and your future!