Cracking the IG Hashtag Code: How I Skyrocketed to 10K Followers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Starting on Instagram
3. The Importance of Hashtags
4. Research and Learning
5. The Frustration of no Results
6. Comparing Yourself to Others
7. Expanding to Other Social Media Platforms
8. Developing a New Strategy
9. The One-Month Rule
10. Understanding the Green Spots
11. The Power of Long-Term Benefits
12. Identifying Yellow Spots
13. Avoiding Short-Term Strategies
14. Conclusion

The Power of Long-Term Strategy on Social Media

In today's digital age, social media has become an essential platform for artists to showcase their work and gain recognition. With millions of users and endless possibilities, it can be both exciting and overwhelming to navigate the world of social media as an artist. However, many artists find themselves stuck in a cycle of frustration, constantly seeking new strategies to increase their followers, likes, and engagement. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success on social media. It requires patience, perseverance, and most importantly, a long-term strategy.

Starting on Instagram

A couple of years ago, I embarked on my journey as an artist on Instagram. Eager to gain visibility, I began posting my artwork with various hashtags such as #contemporaryart, #watercolorart, and #acrylicart. However, my initial excitement quickly turned into disappointment as my posts received a mere two to three likes. It felt disheartening and made me question the worth of my art. I felt like Instagram was using me, and I was appalled.

The Importance of Hashtags

Determined to find a solution, I delved into extensive research and devoured countless YouTube videos from art influencers like Hey Dominic, Natalie Alex, Gary V, and Vanessa Law. To my astonishment, they all emphasized the importance of hashtags when used correctly. Intrigued, I decided to unravel the mystery of using hashtags effectively. I experimented with different strategies, including using hashtags with high views but low competition, stacking hashtags, and maintaining an optimal number of hashtags per post. I even invested thousands of dollars in Instagram courses dedicated to hashtags.

The Frustration of no Results

Despite my efforts to crack the code of hashtags, my hard work seemed futile. I was still grappling with minimal engagement on my posts, which left me feeling even more disheartened. I found myself sinking into a state of depression as I realized the precious time and money I had wasted on my profile. It seemed as though I was squandering my 20s like a drug addict. Furthermore, witnessing artists less talented than me garnering better results only intensified my sadness. The relentless act of comparing my journey to others' highlight reels became a recipe for self-destruction.

Expanding to Other Social Media Platforms

Unable to break free from my addiction to social media validation, I decided to explore other platforms beyond Instagram. I created additional social media pages and channels, hoping to replicate the success I had seen others achieve. However, the path to popularity continued to elude me. It seemed as though I was caught in an endless loop of trial and error, desperately searching for a breakthrough.

Developing a New Strategy

Years later, when I finally achieved millions of views and tens of thousands of likes on some of my posts, I questioned what had brought about this change in my hashtag strategy. What type of hashtags was I utilizing, and what could others learn from my approach to attain similar results? The answer lay in the development of a new strategy—a strategy that would revolutionize my social media game.

The One-Month Rule

I developed what I refer to as the "one-month rule." This rule became the guiding principle of my social media journey. It states that any competitive market advantage that takes less than one month to acquire is not worth the investment of time and effort. This principle forced me to reassess my entire approach to hashtags and social media growth.

Understanding the Green Spots

To fully grasp the concept behind the one-month rule, it is crucial to understand the difference between "yellow spots" and "green spots." Yellow spots represent short-term strategies that offer quick results but lack long-term value. These tactics promise small, meaningless victories that ultimately hold no significance in the grand scheme of building a sustainable social media presence. On the other hand, green spots symbolize long-term plans that may require extended periods of time and effort but yield substantial, lasting benefits.

The Power of Long-Term Benefits

When it comes to maximizing your social media growth, it is imperative to prioritize long-term benefits over instant gratification. Instead of fixating on the latest hashtag trends or other short-term strategies, dedicate your energy to areas that will have a lasting impact. Focus on improving your art, studying and incorporating humor into your posts, or investing in educational resources to enhance your skills. Although these endeavors may be more challenging, they hold the potential to propel your journey forward for the next 40 years, establishing a solid foundation for sustained growth.

Identifying Yellow Spots

Recognizing the yellow spots within your social media strategy can be a complex task. It often takes months before realizing that certain activities, despite yielding some results, are depleting your creative journey's essence. This may include engaging in strategies solely for their immediate benefits, even though deep down, you understand their draining nature. To truly make progress, you must identify and eliminate these obstacles that hinder your long-term growth.

Avoiding Short-Term Strategies

In an environment saturated with yellow spots, it is crucial to resist their allure and remain focused on green spots. While it may be tempting to pursue strategies that promise quick wins, the reality is that these tactics are short-lived and diminish in potency over time due to their widespread adoption. By embracing long-term thinking, you allow your accomplishments to compound, resulting in exponential growth surpassing the fleeting gains offered by yellow spots.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving realm of social media, it is essential to approach it with a long-term mindset. Building a successful artist's presence requires dedication, perseverance, and the wisdom to choose sustainable strategies over short-term gains. By adopting the one-month rule and diverting your focus towards green spots, you open yourself up to a world of potential growth and lasting artistic impact. So, instead of falling prey to the allure of yellow spots, embrace the power of long-term strategy on social media and watch your creative journey flourish.

Highlights:

• The power of a long-term strategy on social media for artists
• The fickle nature of instant gratification and short-term gains
• Recognizing the difference between yellow spots and green spots
• The importance of priorities, such as improving artistic skills and incorporating humor
• Long-term benefits versus the allure of quick results
• Identifying and avoiding short-term strategies hindering growth
• Embracing the one-month rule for sustainable success

FAQ:

Q: How long did it take for the author's social media strategy to start yielding results? A: The author struggled with their social media strategy for years before finding a breakthrough.

Q: What is the difference between yellow spots and green spots? A: Yellow spots represent short-term strategies that offer quick but insignificant results, while green spots symbolize long-term plans with lasting benefits.

Q: How can artists identify yellow spots in their social media strategy? A: Recognizing yellow spots requires reflection and honesty. Artists must assess activities that provide immediate gratification but hinder long-term growth.

Q: Why should artists prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains? A: By focusing on sustainable strategies, artists lay a solid foundation for growth and establish a lasting impact on their social media presence.