Hashtag Etiquette
Just like on Twitter and Facebook, you can include a hashtag (#) in front of any word or phrase. You may have seen posts #where #every #single #word #has #a #hashtag. Don’t do it. Please. While there is data showing a positive correlation between hashtags and post engagement, the key is to use them deliberately. When in doubt, ask yourself, “Will this hashtag mean something to my followers?”
Instagram has made hashtags searchable on its Explore tab, so it is easier than ever for users to find certain posts of yours. Use a combination of common hashtags that someone might search (#surfing, #outdoors, #biking) as well as hashtags that are specific to your tour or brand. The specific hashtags fuel the sense of community or identity with your brand, while the general hashtags allow new potential customers to find you—and hopefully visit your tour.
Instagram contests
Hashtags are also useful when running an Instagram contest. This involves users posting content that includes a unique hashtag (which you come up with and promote) in order to enter a contest for a promotion or prize. These photo challenge contests can be a great way for your company to spread brand awareness, and since the hashtag entrants are using is unique and specific to the contest, you can track the results. Here is a great example from CLIMB Works that successfully engages its customers.
While we’re on the subject of contests, here are a few others you might consider:
- “like” contests: simply ask users to like your post to enter
- comment contests: require users to comment on your post to enter
Park operators use contests to drive visibility. As a bonus, if enough people engage with your post, there is a chance you will show up on Instagram’s highly viewed Discover Tab.
PRO TIP: If you want more customer engagement with your posts, it’s important to include faces, brighten your images, and use no filter. Get more helpful hints like these at Agora Pulse.
