Week 8 Part B: Your Instagram Hashtag Use

 As a wedding and event florist, Instagram is one of my most valuable tools for showcasing my work and connecting with my audience. Over time, I’ve refined my strategy for using hashtags and timing my posts to ensure they reach the right people. Here’s what I’ve learned from my journey:

What hashtags did I use on my posts?

I rely on a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags. Some examples include:

• Popular: #WeddingFlorist, #EventDesign, #LuxuryWeddings
• Niche: #SanDiegoFlorist, #NorthCountyEvents, #CaliforniaWeddings
• Branded: #MadeForYouFlowers, #MadeForYourEvent

This combination helps me target brides and businesses looking for curated floral experiences while still keeping my posts discoverable to a broader audience.

How did I find the hashtags I used?

I started by researching hashtags my competitors and industry leaders were using. Then, I explored Instagram’s search function to discover related hashtags and their popularity. 

 I tested hashtags to see which ones generated the most engagement and reached my ideal audience. Over time, I built a list of go-to hashtags that work well for my posts.

Did I use or create any hashtags specific to my business?

Yes! I’ve created branded hashtags like #MadeForYouFlowers and #MadeForYourEvent to make my posts easily recognizable and cohesive. These tags are not only unique to my business but also help clients and followers quickly locate my content.

What time did I add my posts? What times or days do I feel are most effective?

I’ve experimented with different posting times and analyzed insights from my Instagram account. For my audience, the most effective times are:

• Evenings: Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM when people are unwinding after work.
• Weekends: Particularly Saturdays and Sundays, when brides-to-be and event planners are more likely to browse for inspiration.

I typically avoid posting during weekday mornings, as my audience tends to be less active then.

What did I learn from this exercise?

1. Consistency is Key: Using hashtags consistently ensures my posts remain discoverable to the right audience.
2. Test and Adapt: Not all hashtags or posting times work equally well. Testing and adapting based on analytics is essential.
3. Engagement Matters: Hashtags help with visibility, but authentic engagement—liking, commenting, and responding to followers—helps build lasting connections.
4. Niche Over Popularity: While it’s tempting to use the most popular hashtags, niche ones often bring more relevant and engaged followers.

By using hashtags strategically and posting at the right times, I’ve been able to grow my following and connect with clients who truly value what I offer.