Hashtags Are Not Dead, But the Strategy Has Changed
Instagram now recommends 3 to 5 highly relevant hashtags per post instead of the old 30-hashtag approach. The algorithm has gotten better at understanding content, so relevance matters more than volume.
Platform-by-Platform Guide
Instagram: 3 to 5 targeted hashtags. Mix niche-specific tags with a few broader ones. Put them in the caption, not comments.
Facebook: 1 to 3 hashtags maximum. Facebook hashtags help with searchability but do not drive discovery the way Instagram's do.
LinkedIn: 3 to 5 hashtags. Use industry-specific tags. LinkedIn hashtags are genuinely useful for content discovery.
TikTok: 3 to 5 hashtags including trending ones relevant to your content. TikTok's search function relies heavily on hashtags.
How to Find the Right Hashtags
Search your primary keyword on each platform. Look at what similar businesses use. Check the post count (avoid hashtags with millions of posts where your content will get buried). Aim for tags with 10K to 500K posts for the best visibility.
Local Hashtags Matter
For local businesses, always include location-based hashtags: #PrescottAZ #PrescottSmallBusiness #ArizonaBusiness. These connect you with nearby customers actively looking for local services.
The Bottom Line
Use fewer, more relevant hashtags. Test different combinations monthly. Check your analytics to see which tags drive the most reach. If you want a data-driven hashtag strategy, our team builds that into every content plan.