Did you know that there are three ways to gain followers by using our little buddy, the hashtag? Hashtags are the secret weapon to being found on Instagram.

We’ve been researching hashtags to use, making categories, but now it’s time for people to find you on Instagram. Here are the three engagement tips to get you noticed and get follows back:

Get Comfortable
You will want to hang out in the hashtags that you’ve researched and are currently using. Pick three to begin with. For example, maybe one is your ideal client and two is a location tag.

The $1.80 Strategy
Next, you’ll go to the hashtag area, then type in your specific hashtag, and comment on AT LEAST the first Top Nine and most recent Top Nine. Personally, I both like and comment on the first 30, if time allows. This method is not something that I came up with! You have Gary Vaynerchuk to thank. He calls it the $1.80 strategy.

Genuine Comments
You’re probably wondering what you should type in the comment section. I don’t recommend just dropping a like and an emoji. Make it meaningful, make it real and genuine. It’s simple! Read the post then answer the post. Use five or more words. Emojis do not count as words.

Action step: Block 15-30 minutes each day to engage to get followers to start noticing you and follow you back.