Using the right hashtags on Instagram can dramatically increase your visibility, drive engagement, and attract more followers. Whether you’re running a restaurant in Las Vegas or managing a brand’s digital presence, mastering hashtag strategy is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use Instagram hashtags effectively to grow your audience and boost your posts’ performance.
What Are Hashtags?
Hashtags are keywords or phrases preceded by the pound sign (#) used to categorize content on Instagram. When users click on or search for a hashtag, they’re shown a feed of public posts using that tag. This means your content can reach people beyond your followers — if you’re using hashtags the right way.
For example, if you run a brunch spot and post a photo of your best-selling dish with #LasVegasBrunch, it may show up in searches by foodies looking for brunch recommendations in your area.
Hashtags are one of Instagram’s most powerful tools for organic reach, giving your restaurant or brand a chance to get discovered by people genuinely interested in what you offer.
Choosing Effective Hashtags
Using the right hashtags is more than guessing what’s trendy. To increase reach, your hashtags need to be intentional, relevant, and aligned with your content and audience.
Popular vs Niche
There’s a big difference between using popular hashtags (like #foodie or #love) and niche hashtags (like #VegasSushiSpots or #VeganTacosLV). While popular tags have massive visibility, they are highly competitive. Your content may get lost in the noise.
Niche hashtags, on the other hand, target a smaller but more engaged audience. They’re ideal for restaurants, bars, or food trucks looking to connect with a local or specific community. For example:
- Popular: #InstaFood, #DinnerTime
- Niche: #VegasEats, #HendersonHappyHour
Combining a mix of both can help you reach a broader but still relevant audience.
Ideal Quantity
Many wonder how many hashtags to use on Instagram posts. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should max out every time.
The sweet spot tends to be between 9 and 15 hashtags per post. This number keeps your content organized and discoverable without appearing spammy. Test different amounts and analyze engagement data to find what works best for your audience.
Tip: Add hashtags in the first comment or space them out in your caption to keep the post looking clean.
Best Practices
Let’s get practical. Here’s how to use Instagram hashtags effectively for reach and engagement:
- Be specific: Instead of #restaurant, use #LasVegasRestaurant or #SushiLoversLV.
- Use branded hashtags: Create a custom hashtag for your business, like #StrattzSocial or #TacosByTito. Encourage customers to use it.
- Avoid banned or broken hashtags: Using them can suppress your post’s visibility.
- Keep it relevant: Don’t use hashtags that have nothing to do with your post. It hurts your authenticity and may reduce engagement.
- Rotate your hashtags: Don’t copy and paste the same set every time. Instagram’s algorithm might consider it spammy behavior.
- Track performance: Use Instagram Insights or a third-party tool to monitor which hashtags are driving reach and engagement.
By consistently following these best practices, you’ll learn exactly how to use Instagram hashtags to grow your following and connect with more potential customers.
Conclusion
Using hashtags on Instagram isn’t just about throwing #love and #foodie at every post. It’s about strategy, testing, and refining your approach to build real, lasting reach. Especially for restaurants and hospitality businesses, hashtags can be a powerful (and free!) marketing tool.
If you’re looking for help developing a smart hashtag strategy or running a full-scale Instagram campaign, Strattz Restaurant Marketing is here to help. Our social media team specializes in creating customized, growth-driven strategies for Las Vegas restaurants looking to stand out.
