Have you ever heard someone say hashtag this or that emphatically? Chances are you have unless you’ve been streaming under a rock. In the case of this Instagram NFC case scenario, I want to share a story with you. But first, what is a hashtag? A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the symbol # that classifies or categorizes the accompanying text. In this NFC case scenario #richeisenshow
While researching Dallas Cowboys videos on YouTube for clips to transform them into REELS & SHORTS on Canva I ran across Michael Irvin’s interview on The Rich Eisen Show. He shared he should have ATTACKED the ball more to potentially win another ring in a controversial “Pass Interference” no-call on Deion Sanders and the Niners in the 1994 NFC Championship game.
Im not here to debate that call, but rather the power of a HASHTAG. In the midst of my KEEP IT REEL campaign I chose “The Playmakers” interview and uploaded it to Instagram last year in December. Like all my REELS and content that I post on social media, I track their progress or the lack thereof daily.
The Instagram hashtag NFC case scenario
My follower count was climbing faster than normal today on Instagram. My view count on Playmakers interview was also climbing. Normally when I post REELS I like to use hashtags that are pertinent to the REEL itself. Since I clipped this segment on Canva from The Rich Eisen Show it’s a no-brainer to also use his unique hashtag in addition.
What is a unique hashtag? Here is where small businesses and personal brands need that extra creativity. To keep up with my REEL campaign I created #itsgot2breel. Therefore aggregating my REELS on Instagram. After researching hashtags not already created as a result. This is key for your small business and or personal brand for several reasons.
When I clicked on #richeisenshow and the results popped I was super ecstatic! Why? Not only do hashtags aggregate your content on social media platforms they also rank them in terms of engagement. Playmakers’ clip was TOP RANK! Here is a screenshot to help you get the overall picture.
When you have a piece of content on Instagram rank in the first position that means anyone following that hashtag will discover it. Two of the many payoffs is that you can accumulate NEW followers and views as a result.
The keys to ranking Instagram REELS using hashtags and mentions
Canva is my go-to tool when creating any type of content. Especially long-form video content that I can share as REELS on Instagram & Facebook. In addition, now SHORTS on YouTube. One video on three platforms is what I like to call efficiency. So what are the keys to creating content that ranks on Instagram anyway?
First, you need a cover image that POPS! In this case, I screenshot the actual play. The one Playmaker explains how he should have ATTACKED more, and he could have had a fourth Super Bowl ring potentially in ’94. Secondly using hashtags is key. I also decided to tag both Playmaker and Prime in the REEL. This really paid off.
A few weeks passed by as I watched the view count raise to over 20K views. A few days ago I noticed that Deion Sanders himself liked the REEL! I couldn’t believe my eyes so I had to verify the account for the blue check immediately. There it was COACH PRIME liked the REEL himself! Long story short, use a great cover photo, use hashtags, and tag those in the content. These all helped it rank #1 as a result!
In Conclusion
When posting content onto social media like Instagram you have everything to gain when using a hashtag. You can use up to 30 hashtags on any given piece of content there. In my case scenario, I only used five. All were pertinent to the REEL itself. The more hashtags you use the platform will help your content get discovered more for those who follow specific hashtags like #risheisenshow.
The next time you hear someone say “Hashtag this or that” you will now comprehend the actual meaning of the word itself. Lastly, why it is effective to use. Especially if you’re growing your small business or personal brand on social media. This blog post was organically created as a result. Not only to share but also to teach you the importance of being strategic with your content as a Fan Base Creator.
Did you learn something new today? Please be sure to subscribe to my blog when you submit your email below. Therefore all my future blog posts land directly in your inbox. In addition, check out my series of ebooks on Amazon directed at Fan Base Creators to help you grow your small business or personal brand.
After all, this play between Prime and Playmaker will be debated for years on both sides. This is exactly why I chose to create this REEL. Remember not all REELS attract views and new followers equally. Experience is the best teacher after all. I hope this experience helped you understand the importance of how to use a hashtag effectively.
Here is the final product. Be sure to follow me on Instagram where I post REELS like this daily for your enjoyment and example! In the words of The Playmaker himself;
“You’ll regret these moments if you don’t capitalize.” ~Michael Irvin
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