Social media baffles me in so many ways. It can either be a huge time sink, or it can be a lifeline. Sometimes it’s both at the same time. If it weren’t for this blog, and my silly desire for people to read it, I would probably know nothing about social media at all. As it is, I try to be selective in how and when I use social media, with the exception of Pinterest (Oh how I love that little round red P!) and Instagram. Why Instagram? I could go on and on about reader engagement, expanding my reach, and finding new followers, but really I just love it. It’s like eye-candy. And it’s so simple and easy, compared to the bloated Facebook, cryptic Twitter, and behemoth Google+. (No offense guys, please don’t shut down my accounts!)
Instagram is a bit like what the baby of Pinterest and Twitter would look like. It’s photo-driven, with a bit of space for a caption or message, and the ability for readers to comment and/or like. Pretty simple and sweet. And for a visual person like myself, that’s all I want. Also, big bonus here: no ads. That’s just nice.
Instagram has found a way to share inspiration and foster conversation without leading you down the rabbit hole and forgetting what you turned on your computer for. Plus, it’s phone-based, rather than computer based, so it’s really best used on your phone, which lends itself to checking in while waiting in the doctor’s office, rather than sitting down and getting lost for hours at a time at your computer. (Tell me I’m not the only one who does that!)
In the short period of time that I’ve been using Instagram, I’ve learned to love hashtags. They are hands-down the best way to find other people who share your interests, and they’re quite useful for speaking the same language as other bloggers. If you’re wondering what is the point of hashtags, think of them as the links that act as little synapses connecting brain cells to each other. If you click on a hashtag in Instagram, it will take you to a list of other photos with that tag, which is a great way to find new people to follow, or people who are sharing similar experiences. They also act as a form of shorthand, saving time while you are writing your post. But to use them effectively, it’s helpful to know what a few of them mean.
Five Instagram Hashtags You Need to Know:
#WIDN – What I’m Doing Now. I see this hashtag a lot, and it used to confuse me. But the more I understand Instagram as a behind-the-scenes look into people’s (and brands’ and bloggers’) lives, the more it makes sense. Most of the time when you’re writing about something on your blog, it’s all polished and pretty by the time you show it to your readers. But when someone tags you with #WIDN, you’re supposed to stop what you’re doing, take a picture, and show people what’s going on in your life at that moment. Sometimes it’s funny or messy, or just a fun glimpse into a project you’re working on. This has become one of the hashtags that grabs my attention the most as I’m scrolling through my feed.
#FF – Follow Friday. This one is great for finding new inspiring Instagrammers to follow. It’s also a really nice way to give a shout out to other bloggers that you admire. It’s usually followed by a few Instagram handles that are preceded by the @ sign. Putting the @ before another person’s handle makes their name clickable, so people can easily look at their profile.
#WAHM – Work At Home Mom. This hashtag has come to represent a whole slew of women who work from home. If you have ever tried working at your computer while your toddler is asking for multiple snacks and simultaneously throwing toys at her baby sister, you feel the pain of every WAHM out there. We must band together, ladies! Also related is #SAHM, or Stay At Home Mom.
#WCW – Woman Crush Wednesday. This is a great way to praise another person publicly. If you have a friend or blogger who’s really inspired you, you can write a short ode to them, tag them in the post, make them feel really great, and possibly gain them a few new followers. Closely related but including a Y chromosome is #MCM, or Man Crush Monday.
#LinkInProfile – This one’s pretty self explanatory. Bloggers use this one to remind people to click on their website link in their profile page to learn more about a project or article they are posting. Closely related is #OnTheBlog. I like to search this hashtag when I’m looking for new bloggers to follow.
Two Bonus Hashtags for Bloggers:
If you are a blogger, and trying to make your way on Instagram, you should also pay attention to trending hashtags such as holiday names. Let’s say you’ve just created a post on Easter decorations for kids. Look around and see what other hashtags are trending at that season. When you type #Easter in your caption, it will tell you how many other posts have that tag. If you want to get more specific, rather than trying to compete with the several million other posts with #Easter in their caption, you could try #Eastercraftsforkids or something similar.
Also, consider hashtagging (Is that really a verb now?) your blog name when you share your posts. This makes it easy to find all your posts, and lets you check to see if other people are talking about your fabulous ideas.
Bonus tip: Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post. #But #don’t #be #that #guy. Always remember that at the end of the stretch of cable or Wi-Fi connecting your computer/tablet/phone to all the other devices out there, a real person is reading your post. Talk to that person in normal language and treat them like you would like to be treated in real life, not just cyberspace.
I’d love to connect on Instagram, so leave me a comment below with your insta-handle if you are following me from here. I’d also love to hear what hashtags you like and use the most. I know I’ve missed some, so tell me what I need to know!
suzannebagheri2014 says
Great tips! I am pretty clueless with the hashtags so this helps!
Meredith says
I was too, Suzanne! I think we’re all learning together…
Jacqueline Gum says
I no nothing from Instagram yet! Laugh! I suppose partly because I still use a Blackberry and I haven’t even checked to see if the app is available. Maybe partly because of my social media fatigue, too:) I will get on the ball soon…I promise!
Meredith says
I know what you mean, Jacquie! I was having social media fatigue too, but this one seems different to me somehow.
Sandey says
Thanks for the tips! I’ve had an instagram account forever, but I never log on. You’ve inspired me to revisit it.
Meredith says
It was so fun to see you pop up in my notifications, Sandey! 🙂
Biz W (Dandelion Discoveries) says
Hi Meredith! Found you via the Pretty Pintastic Party.. thanks for linking up with us this week! I love this post. I’m totally with you on your description of Instagram vs Facebook/Twitter/G+! These hashtags are great. It’s been a real learning process for me over the past few months, but I love the community I’ve found on Insta! Heading over to follow you now 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks for stopping by! Always fun to meet another IG enthusiast. I’m just staying the learning process, but I already love it!
A.K.Andrew @artyyah says
Great post Meredith. While I have an Instagram account, I never use it – It’s just a time thing rather than not enjoying the medium, as I find I get more readers through twitter. But maybe its time to experiment a little more. Thanks for the hashtags – there were a few I didn’t know. 😉
Meredith says
Thanks A.K. I figured some of these translate to twitter too, which I know a lot of folks use more, so hopefully it helps them too.
Anke - Patterns & milk says
I love the paragraph about WAHM! Yes! We must band together! 🙂
Meredith says
Yes we must! So nice to meet you Anke, and thanks for stopping by!
JcCee says
Great post Meredith! Instagram has been going slow for me so I am always looking for more hashtags to use to increase my reach on there. Thanks so much for sharing.
Meredith says
Thanks! I definitely agree it’s a slow process, but if you look at it as a fun way of meeting new people, then it becomes less about the numbers and more about the interaction. And more fun!
Sheena says
I love Instagram too!! My handler is @sheenalynnanderson. Right now I am big on using #asantbsummer2015. Its my family summer adventures!!
Meredith says
I love using tags for things like that! Then it’s easier to go back and look through all the pictures that relate to that particular subject. It’s like making a little photo album!
Aliza B says
i have seen the #WIDN one a lot, but had no idea what it meant! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board. Hope to see you next week!
Meredith says
Me too – that was the one that started me on this journey to figure out what these hashtags mean. Thanks for stopping by!
Erlene says
Never knew what #WCW was…learned something new! Pinned.
Meredith says
Thanks Erlene! That was a new one to me too!
Phoenicia says
I have not yet ventured onto Instagram – at the moment, Facebook and LinkedIn are more than enough for me!
I do have a Pinterest account but rarely use it.
Who knows. I may change my mind one day soon.
Meredith says
I know what you mean Phoenicia! I think it really depends on what you personally enjoy. Otherwise the whole social media thing gets to be too much of a chore.
Donna Janke says
I am still a relative beginner with Instagram. I use it but sporadically. I like being able to post pictures from it to Twitter and Facebook as the same time I post to Instagram. I use hashtags but not sure how effectively I’m doing that.
Meredith says
I like that too, Donna. Except then I forget to go over to facebook and see what people are saying about whatever I just posted! I’m really terrible at social media!
Jeri Walker (@JeriWB) says
I love hashtags, but mainly use them for Twitter, but sometimes on G+. Oddly enough, I’m an Instagram holdout. I think I decided I was involved in too many social media sites to even think about devoting more attention there, but if I ever do more with my photography, I’ll be sure to explore it more in depth.
Meredith says
I thought so too for the longest time, Jeri, but then I realized that it’s actually a perfect fit for the visual artist in me. Not to talk you into even more social media, but it’s great for photographers! 😉
heraldmarty says
I have to admit I am (also) a holdout when it comes to Instagram and while your article provides a terrific overview Meredith it’s not enough to tempt me to jump in. For one thing I consider phones to be a necessary evil and I seriously do not get the whole “see me see me!” selfie thing which is why I’ve never even been tempted to check the site out. Good grief this makes me sound like such a curmudgeon! Just an Introvert happy to be living on top of my quiet mountain on an Island in the middle of the Pacific. 🙂
Meredith says
There’s a lot to be said for happily living in peace and quiet with no smartphones, Marty! No apologies needed!
lenie5860 says
I’m still learning about hashtags and how to use them effectively. I’m not on Instagram although the young lady who taught me about Paint and Etsy was and used it a lot so it is definitely something to add to my ‘must learn’ list. (This has become longer than my monthly grocery list. So much good stuff to learn.)
I love the way you referred to Instagram as the baby of Pinterest and Twitter – very cute description.
Meredith says
Thanks Lenie! Yes, there is so much to learn, and there will always be more! But that’s what makes life interesting, right? 🙂
Catarina Alexon says
Don’t use instagram but funnily enough read today that they are looking at adding ads. No surprise there. The kind of hashtags and abbreviations that are used online are sometimes so funny. In the Middle East SMS:ing is a way of life. Loved writing things like GMAB i.e. give me a break.
Meredith says
I’m always amazed at the language of texting. It’s funny to me that so many things can be said with just their initials, once you know the language!
Pamela Chollet says
I can not for the life me understand Twitter or Instagram. I’ve kind of given happen. I like Pinterest which makes me think I’d enjoy Instagram…I’ll take another look. I still don’t understand if you can access instagram online.Do you know anything about that?
Meredith says
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! You can access instagram online, but it’s hard to use that way. They’ve put most of the functions only available on their phone app. Sometimes I do a few things online, but then I get frustrated and move over to my phone.
Erica says
Instagram is the one of really stayed away from. It looks fun, but I take horrible selfies. Seriously, I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. The picture looks fine until I press click, and then the picture shifts and I look ridiculous. I also don’t take a lot of pictures, period. Ah, maybe I’ll give in eventually and if so, I will definitely reference this blog again for some advice!
Meredith says
I was a holdout too, thinking it was all about ridiculous selfies, but I’m glad I’ve come over to the dark side. 🙂 And I try to avoid selfies at all costs! But it definitely is better for people who are motivated by photos, so I’ll readily admit it’s not for everyone.
Ken Dowell says
I haven’t used Instragram because I don’t think I can deal with any more social networks. Why? Because you are not the only one who sits down and gets lost in their computer. In fact that is #WIDN.
Meredith says
Ha! Ken, that’s the best use of that hashtag yet!
Tim says
I have been accused many times of being swallowed whole by my monitor and even though I can still respond to questions I often have no recollection of them. It’s not a good thing and so hashtags have remained somewhat out of my social interactions. Good to know these few are there for reference from a reliable source.
Meredith says
I know what you mean! My family just rolls their eyes at me when I’m on the computer.
Jeannette Paladino says
I joined Instagram because I wanted to see how it worked. I’ve purposely not become active on that network simply because it will be one more time suck. You can also post to Facebook at the same time and most of my family and friends do that so I can catch up with them in my Facebook timeline. I occasionally look at my Instagram feed and see a lot of duplication. I know people who love Instagram but I’m going to stay a holdout as long as I can!
Meredith says
I can certainly understand that Jeannette! I think it’s just a matter of finding what you’re comfortable with…
William Rusho says
I just started using Twitter not to long ago. To promote my novel mostly. I hard to learn how to use hashtags. I am still learning. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Meredith says
It’s all a big learning curve to me too, William. And just when you think you’ve figured something out, they go and change it on you!
Beth Niebuhr says
I really don’t know much about Instagram but your post helped a great deal. I am reluctant to add another social media platform to my days though.
Meredith says
I can understand that – I had to make some adjustments to my other social media platforms so that I could find time for this one.
Sabrina Q. says
Thanks for sharing these hashtags for Instagram. I struggle with the hashtags on there. Not sure why, maybe because it is more casual environment. Anyway, I made a note if them and will start using them right away.
Meredith says
Yes, I just started trying to sprinkle in a few here and there and was surprised at how they boosted my engagement. It was worth the little extra effort!
Jason @ TheButlerJournal.com says
Hasthtags are interesting. Sometimes I think people get carried away with them. I also didn’t people still used the #FF tag. I haven’t saw that one in ages IG or twitter.
Meredith says
I agree Jason! Sometimes it can get a little ridiculous.
Arleen says
I don’t know if all social media is for everyone, myself included. I have not really gotten into hashtag or instragrams but I have say your post gave me food for thought
Meredith says
I know what you mean, Arleen. Sometimes I wonder if any of it is really worth it, but this is one I really enjoy, so I guess that makes it worth it!
Rachel Beach says
Just wanted to stop by to let you know I am featuring this tonight on Merry Monday! Congrats! I think this was so well written and I learned so much.
Meredith says
Thank you Rachel! I love Merry Monday!
Michelle says
Thank you for the great tips! I’m following you know cause you just ROCK!! 🙂
Meredith says
Awww, thanks Michelle, so nice to meet you!
Stacie says
Thanks for the great Instagram info. I’m learning new things every day thanks to my kind fellow bloggers. Just an FYI that I’m not sure you know or not, but from the many blog classes I’ve taken ELEVEN is the magical hashtag number for instagram. Stacie xo
Meredith says
Hi Stacie, thanks for dropping by! I agree about learning through fellow bloggers. Everyone I’ve met has been so generous with sharing their knowledge, and I don’t know what I’d do without every one of them! And yes, I’d heard that about 11 hashtags, but I’m never creative enough to come up with that many! 🙂
Kim says
Haha! I love your tips and your #don’t #be #that #guy…so funny! Pinning to remember what they all mean. My kids get tired of me asking.
Meredith says
Ha! Kim, I know what you mean about asking your kids. My 8 year old is the one who helped me set up my new ipad. How do they just know all this stuff?!?
Natasha In Oz says
Thanks so much for sharing your social media post at the #sundaysdownunder linky party. I LOVE Instagram and often incorporate hashtags with great results. Thanks for sharing your tips-I’ve pinned your post.
I really appreciate you and your support!
Take care and best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Meredith says
Thanks Natasha! I just got into IG recently and am loving it! Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you next Sunday at the party! 🙂
The DIY Homegirl says
Thanks for sharing this info! I’m still pretty new to IG, so this was helpful!
Meredith says
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Deb says
Hi Meredith! Thanks for the article as it is helpful for new IG folks like myself. I am debenr on IG. The reason I like IG is due to the fact I do not have a blog and it is an opportunity to share with a community of folks with same interests. Is great for small business (which I do not have) and learn more about the folks that own those shops. There will always be good/bad scenarios with social media for many people for many reasons. It has been positive for me for the time being and I have enjoyed sharing.
Meredith says
Hi Deb, nice to meet you! IG is a great platform for sharing, no blog needed!
Ali says
Hi! I love Instagram and have been trying to use it more as a “diary” to remember more things with my little one… I really would love to blog as well, but I need the time and have to put forth that effort lol.
I found your post looking up #WIDN, because I always see other people tagging each other and I feel left out haha. I think I’ll try using it with some friends! I’m going over to your page now, my IG is @arbudendorf
Thanks for the post!!!
Meredith says
Hi Ali, nice to meet you! I’m loving all the different ways people use IG to connect and share. It’s kind of like micro-blogging, without the commitment of a full blog. I’ll head over and find you there…
William Rusho says
I liked reading all your posts over the year.
I went back and read the instagram one again, and will read it again over the weekend. I am new to Instagram, and this will be very beneficial to me.
Thanks for sharing this with me.
Meredith says
Thanks William! Instagram is really fun, and I’m glad to be of help!
neveratalooseend (Lorna) says
So useful!
April J Harris (@apriljharris) says
Thank you for sharing these – I found this post really helpful! Following you on IG from here – I’m @apriljharris.
Meredith says
Thanks April! It’s great to connect with you!