Hashtags: Why you need them

Just like a paintbrush is essential to a painter, hashtags are crucial for artists in today's digital age. By using relevant and targeted hashtags, artists can expand their reach, attract new followers, and increase engagement on their social media posts. Think of hashtags as a way to connect your artwork to a larger audience and community. Without hashtags, your social media posts are like a masterpiece hidden away in a private studio - only seen by a select few. But with the right hashtags, your artwork can be discovered and appreciated by a much wider audience.

For example, if a visual artist posts a photo of their latest artwork on Instagram and includes relevant hashtags like #artforsale, #originalartwork, or #contemporarypainting, their post will be more likely to appear in search results when users are browsing those hashtags. This can lead to more likes, comments, and followers, which in turn can increase the likelihood of making sales.

Using hashtags can also help visual artists to establish themselves as part of a specific community or niche within the art world. By using hashtags that are popular among other artists, art collectors, or art enthusiasts, visual artists can connect with like-minded individuals and potentially gain more exposure for their work.

When you don't use hashtags, your content will only be seen by your existing followers, which can limit your reach and potential for growth.

Overall, using hashtags is an effective way for visual artists to increase their reach and visibility on social media, which can ultimately help them to sell more artwork and grow their brand.

5 Benefits to using hashtags.

  1. Increased visibility: Using hashtags allows your artwork to be found by people who are interested in similar art styles, mediums, or subject matters.

  2. Better engagement: Hashtags enable you to reach a more targeted audience who are more likely to engage with your content through likes, comments, and shares.

  3. Building a community: By using hashtags, you can connect with other artists and art enthusiasts, expanding your network and fostering relationships with like-minded individuals.

  4. Improving brand recognition: Consistently using the same hashtags over time can help establish your brand's visual identity and make it more recognizable.

  5. Staying up to date with trends: By staying on top of current hashtag trends, artists can stay relevant and make sure their artwork is seen by people who are interested in similar themes and styles.

Follow these 3 rules…

  1. Be Specific

Use hashtags that are specific to your artwork, like the medium or style you use, as this can help your posts get discovered by people looking for that type of content.

ie) #oilpainting #canvasart #smallartwork

2. Keep it relevant

Make sure the hashtags you use are relevant to your post and the message you're trying to convey. Avoid using hashtags just for the sake of it, as this can actually hurt your engagement.

You should AVOID hashtags that are overused, offensive or have negative associations.

3. Mix it up

Don't use the same set of hashtags on every post. Mix it up by using a combination of popular and niche hashtags to increase your reach and engagement.

Should you use popular hashtags?

It can be beneficial to use popular hashtags in your social media posts as they can help increase visibility and reach a wider audience. However, it's important to make sure that the hashtags you use are relevant to your post and your audience. Using irrelevant or spammy hashtags can actually harm your reach and engagement.

For visual artists trying to sell their artwork, using relevant and targeted hashtags can help attract potential customers who are interested in the type of art you create. It's important to research and choose hashtags that are specific to your niche or style of art, as well as popular hashtags related to the art industry, such as #artforsale, #artcollector, or #artgallery. Additionally, creating your own branded hashtag can help establish your online presence and make it easier for potential customers to find your work.

How do I know which hashtags will work best for my post?


Research: Do some research to find out what hashtags other artists or art-related accounts are using. Look at popular hashtags in your niche, including those used by influencers, galleries, and collectors. You can also use tools like Hashtagify or Tagboard to help you find relevant and popular hashtags.

Experimentation: Experiment with different hashtags in your posts and see which ones get the most engagement. You can try using a mix of broad and specific hashtags to see what works best for your content. Make sure to track your results and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Analytics: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your hashtags. For example, Instagram Insights will show you which hashtags are driving the most engagement and impressions. This information can help you refine your hashtag strategy and create more effective posts in the future.


Here are some popular hashtags related to visual art. 


#artofvisuals #artistsoninstagram

#painting #artcollector #art #artist

#artwork #fineart #artoftheday #artiststudio

#artlife #artworld #artstagram #contemporaryart

In conclusion, hashtags are a simple yet powerful tool that can help artists in our collective expand their reach, connect with their audience, and increase their visibility online. By using relevant and specific hashtags, our artists can attract the right audience to their content, build their brand, and ultimately increase their sales. Don't be afraid to experiment with different hashtags and to keep up with the latest trends in your industry. With the tips and tricks provided in this guide, you'll be well on your way to hashtag success. So, keep creating, keep posting, and keep hashtagging!