If you’re grinding on Instagram, you know hashtags are like the secret sauce to getting seen. But manually researching them? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Let’s talk about automated hashtag research—your shortcut to blowing up your visibility without the headache.
Why automated hashtag research is a game-changer
Remember the days of copying hashtags from competitors or guessing what might work? Yeah, that’s like using a flip phone in 2024. Automated tools scan trends, analyze engagement, and spit out high-performing hashtags tailored to your niche. No more wasting hours on trial and error.
How it actually works
These tools (some free, some paid) use algorithms to track hashtag performance across Instagram. They check stuff like:
– How often a hashtag is used (too saturated? Skip.)
– The engagement rate (are people actually interacting?)
– Competitor overlaps (steal their best ones—ethically, of course).
Step-by-step: Setting up your automated hashtag strategy
1. Pick your tool
Options like Hashtagify, All Hashtag, or even Instagram’s own search can help. Pro tip: Some social media schedulers (Later, Planoly) bake this feature right in.
2. Seed with your niche keywords
Start by dumping 5-10 core keywords (e.g., « veganrecipes » if you’re a food blogger). The tool will expand these into hundreds of related tags.
3. Filter like a boss
Ditch hashtags with over 1M posts—they’re too competitive. Aim for a mix of:
– Big players (100k-1M posts)
– Mid-range (10k-100k posts)
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– Niche gems (under 10k posts).
4. Group them into clusters
Create 3-4 sets of 30 hashtags each (Instagram’s max per post). Rotate them to avoid looking spammy. Store ’em in your notes app or a spreadsheet—whatever keeps you sane.
Advanced hacks to level up
Track what’s working
Use Instagram Insights or a tool like Iconosquare to see which hashtags drive the most impressions. Double down on those.
Ride trending hashtags
Some tools alert you to viral tags in real-time. Jump on these fast—but only if they fit your content. No one wants a #WorldCup post from a skincare page.
Steal from your competitors (smartly)
Tools like Flick show which hashtags your rivals are crushing. Test their top performers in your own posts.
Common mistakes to avoid
– Using banned hashtags: Sounds obvious, but #deskchair is weirdly banned. Always check.
– Irrelevant tags: #Vegan on a steak pic? Instagram’s algorithm will bury you.
– Using the same set repeatedly: Mix it up or risk getting shadowbanned.
Bonus: Pair hashtags with DM automation
Found killer hashtags? Now automate your outreach to people engaging with them. Tools like Instant Flow let you slide into DMs of potential followers—without lifting a finger. (Yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds.)
Pro tip: Hashtags + DMs = Growth hack
Target users who’ve liked posts under your top hashtags. Send them a personalized DM (e.g., « Love your recent post about __! We’re into that too—check our page? »). Boom—warm leads on autopilot.
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