The Biggest Mistake People Make While Trying to Grow on Instagram – And How to Avoid It
Hello friends! Namaste!
Hope you’re all doing well.
In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about something very important — a common mistake people make while trying to grow on Instagram.
Understanding this mistake and correcting it can open the doors to going viral and gaining real followers on Instagram.
What is This Big Mistake?
When people post Reels or content on Instagram, most of them don’t use hashtags properly.
They either choose the wrong tags or just copy whatever is trending — without understanding their content or niche.
This is one of the main reasons why your Reels don’t go viral, and your follower count doesn’t increase.
Hashtags – Not Just a Trend, But a Strategy
Hashtags on Instagram work like a search engine.
If you use the right tags, Instagram shows your content to people who are interested in that specific niche or topic.
Let’s Understand With an Example:
Suppose you’re making Reels about travel, but you use hashtags like #Love, #Fashion, or #Dance,
your content will reach the wrong audience — people who have no interest in travel.
As a result, they won’t like, engage, or follow.
How to Choose the Right Hashtags?
1. Define Your Niche First
Before anything else, identify the niche of your content:
- Travel?
- Food?
- Fitness?
- Motivation?
- Education?
Once your niche is clear, you can choose relevant and effective hashtags.
2. Use Only Niche-Specific Hashtags
If you’re posting travel content, your hashtags should be:
- #TravelIndia
- #Wanderlust
- #BackpackersLife
- #MountainsCalling
- #TravelVlog
- #NatureLovers
These tags will ensure your content reaches people who actually want to see travel-related posts, increasing your chances of getting real engagement.
3. Use a Mix of Big + Medium + Small Tags
- Use a few popular hashtags (e.g., #Travel, #IncredibleIndia)
- Some medium-level ones (e.g., #ExploreHimachal, #BudgetTravelTips)
- And some niche-specific ones (e.g., #SoloTrekkingLadakh)
This combination helps maximize your reach on multiple levels.
4. Change Hashtags With Every Post
Don’t use the same list of tags for every Reel.
Customize hashtags based on the theme and topic of each individual post.
Why Are Hashtags So Important?
- Increase Visibility – Your content reaches more people
- Target the Right Audience – Which leads to genuine engagement
- Helps Instagram Algorithm – Understand what your content is about
- Better Discoverability – People search using hashtags too
The Right Strategy for Growth – Step by Step
Step 1: Fix Your Niche Before You Create Reels
Think clearly about your target audience before recording any video.
Step 2: Align Captions and Tags With the Niche
Use relevant keywords and niche-based hashtags in your captions.
Step 3: Keep Your Tag List Updated
Update your hashtag list at least once every 15 days based on current trends.
Step 4: Monitor Performance Using Insights
Use Instagram analytics to track which hashtags are performing the best.
One Big Rule – Avoid Unrelated Tags
Never use irrelevant or unrelated hashtags, even if they are trending.
It sends your content to the wrong audience, lowering your chances of engagement.
Conclusion – Tags, Niche & Strategy Are the Key
Growing on Instagram isn’t about luck — it’s about smart and consistent planning.
When you understand your niche clearly, and build your content, tags, and captions around it, growth becomes natural.
Key Takeaways:
- Choosing the right hashtag is as important as making good content
- Niche clarity is the biggest factor in attracting the right audience
- Tag every Reel with purpose — not just randomly
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