Book Marketing: Finding the Right Hashtags for Instagram & Twitter

How do you find the right hashtags to get engagement on Instagram and Twitter? Instagram is especially…interesting because you’re encouraged to use a lot of hashtags. They’re important. Your reach will be limited if you don’t use them.

Google Search
If you don’t know anything about hashtags, the first thing you should do is search Google. You’ll find articles listing all the hashtags authors need to know. Most of these lists will be Twitter-specific. Some hashtags, like #amwriting, are popular everywhere. Generally, what works on Twitter doesn’t necessarily work on Instagram.

Hashtags for Authors and Book Marketing Pros

51 Best Instagram Hashtags for Writers to Build Huge Brands

 Wonder why there aren’t many Instagram-specific lists for authors?

Examine Influencers

When I first started Instagram, I did random searches for things like books and writing and then made a list of all the hashtags people used.

Here are some that work for me:

#indieauthors #paranormal #darkreads #writingcommunity #writersofig #amwriting #igreads #writerproblems #bloggerlife #bloggersofinstagram #horror #darkfantasy #romance

Since most authors share scenery pics, here are the non-writing hashtags that work for me:

#archtecturelovers #loves_world #canon_photos #fotocatchers #photographysouls #blackandwhite #treemagic #best_skyshots #fiftyshades_of_twilight #fiftyshades_of_nature #landscape

Alway Monitor

For Instagram, Websta will tell you your most popular hashtags. For Twitter, share the same post multiple times using different hashtags and see which one gets the most engagement. 

Try Hashtag Search Sites

Certain sites will give you hashtag suggestions and statistics like exposure and retweets per hour. 

I use RiteTag and search by topic not keyword. This way, I get more suggestions.

There’s also Hashtagify. Websta has a search and suggestion tool for Instagram.

Your Official Instagram Hashtag Guide for Photographers: A List Of The Best Hashtags

How to Use Hashtags on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram