Hashtags to Up your Instagram Game

Instagram may easily be my favorite platforms.

If you have been using Instagram for any amount of time, you know that hashtags are a necessity when trying to build your following and create community. Hashtags provide a way for users to easily navigate to topics of interest and find others that they can relate to. There are a variety of ways you can use hashtags and I recommend playing around a bit at first. In full disclosure, it took me a little while to get the hang of using hashtags. Even now, I am still sometimes forgetting when I am in a rush. But I can tell you, there is a dramatic difference in my engagement when I do use them. I now keep a running list of hashtags in my phone and on my computer, so I can copy and paste them when I post a photo.

Again, play around with some of these. If a hashtag doesn’t fit you and your brand, please don’t use it. You want to create natural engagement and followers you can relate to. It is NOT just about the numbers! Create a community you want to be part of. More on that in another post…

My Favorite Creative Hashtags

1. #thatsdarling

Created by Darling Magazine, this is one I use in most of my photos. I love searching this hashtag, the images are so beautiful and crisp.

2. #mybeautifulmess

Created by the A Beautiful Mess team, this hashtag is for every creative out there! Their Instagram account is dedicated primarily to regraming their followers’ photos, and I am obsessed. They also have #abmsummer #abmtravelbug #abmlifeissweet #abmpatternlove #abmmurals #abmlifeiscolorful.

3. #flashesofdelight

This hashtag was started by the Glitter Guide account. Anything fun and girly fits well under this hashtag. This is another account that regrams a lot of photos.

4. #TNChustler

One of my favorite bloggers, Melyssa Griffin created this one. Share your bright, colorful photos for a chance to be featured on her account. Obviously, this is a great one for all creatives and bloggers.

5. #bandofun

This hashtag was started by the Band.do company. Use this for a chance to get your photo regrammed as well. They look for bright, colorful, fun photos.

6. #theEverygirl

Another one that is super fun to use for creatives and creates a lot of community is from The Every Girl. They have a new challenge every month as well #teg30daychallenge and that tends to be very interactive. I gain a handful of new followers with this hashtag every time.

7. #pursuepretty

Created by Jemma Craig, I use this hashtag often, because I love what it stands for- anything beautiful, feminine, soft, floral.

8. #thehappynow

Created by The Happy Hunters, this works for any photo that…makes you happy! I think their feed is just beautiful and peaceful.

9. #livethelittlethings

Created by RunStyleRun, this hashtag can be used for anything classic, pretty, clean, beautiful…beaches, cooking, pets, flowers.

10. #morningslikethese

Created by Joy at Mornings Like These, this can be used to showcase what your morning looks like. I love this, because it is so interesting to peek into other people’s life when they start their day.

Unless you have been using them for awhile, using hashtags can be a little overwhelming at first. It bears repeating – do not feel you NEED to use all or any of these. You know yourself and the kind of community you want to create. Play around with them and find some that work best for you. Be careful though, it can get addicting! I love Instagram…it’s how I built my first real community using social media. You just need to be you and find your voice.

What are some of your favorite hashtags? Have you found any that have significantly helped you grow your own community