Week 7 - Instagram hashtags

 When I first started using Instagram back in 2014, hashtags were the key to gaining visibility. At the time, they were a quick and easy way to categorize content and connect with a broader audience. I grew my followers significantly through the strategic use of hashtags—something that was almost a necessity for success on the platform. However, as the Instagram algorithm has matured, it's become clear that hashtags aren't the powerhouses they once were.

Today, Instagram’s algorithm is far more sophisticated, prioritizing content relevance, user engagement, and even personalized preferences over simple keyword tags. As a result, businesses still clinging to outdated hashtag strategies risk looking out of touch with current marketing trends. It’s no longer about trying to reach the broadest audience through a sea of hashtags; it's about creating meaningful, keyword-driven content that resonates with your target demographic.

In fact, continuing to rely heavily on hashtags can make a brand seem lazy or even desperate. Instead of focusing on quantity, businesses need to refine their approach—focusing on high-quality content, building genuine relationships with followers, and using SEO techniques to increase discoverability through meaningful keywords and smart content optimization.

So, while hashtags had their moment, they're no longer the marketing cornerstone they once were. It’s time for businesses to evolve and embrace more effective strategies that reflect the way people actually interact with content today.