RIP Hashtags🪦
The algorithm has evolved — and so should your captions.
If your Instagram strategy still relies on a wall of 30 hashtags…we need to talk. Today’s feed is driven by what your content says (and shows), how people interact with it in the first seconds, and whether your caption helps search & discovery. Hashtags aren’t the hero anymore; they’re supporting cast. Your captions are the new SEO.
What changed (in plain English)
Platforms read your full caption to understand topic + intent.
They also parse your on-screen text, audio, and alt text to decide who might care.
Early engagement signals (watch time, comments, saves, shares) tell the algorithm whether to keep showing your post.
Hashtags help categorization, but they’re not the engine of reach anymore.
So what actually works now. . .
Write captions like micro-blogs. Clear topic, natural keywords, real value.
Front-load clarity. Put the promise, payoff, or keyword in the first sentence.
Hook → Value → CTA. Every time.
Match the media. If your video says “local marketing,” your caption should too—same language, same core terms.
Accessibility = discoverability. Use descriptive alt text.
Use fewer, smarter hashtags (3–5 max) as seasoning, not the whole meal.
Why it Matters?
The right caption builds trust, teaches something small, and invites action. That’s how the algorithm learns who you are and how your audience learns why you’re worth following.
At Lavender Consulting, we help brands and nonprofits craft captions that do both — grounded in SEO strategy, accessibility, and storytelling that converts. From nonprofit campaigns to small-business spotlights, our goal is simple: make your message findable and unforgettable.
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Ready to Retire Hashtags?
If you’re ready to update your content strategy for the algorithm that actually exists now, let’s talk.
👉 Book a Discovery Call to audit your captions and uncover opportunities to grow your reach — no hashtag spam required.
