How to Do Competitor Keyword Research on Instagram

: A Guide for GitHub Tech Enthusiasts
If you are a developer or a tech enthusiast sharing your github projects on Instagram, knowing the right keywords and hashtags is essential for maximizing your reach and engagement. Competitor keyword research on Instagram helps you understand which keywords your rivals use to attract attention and how you can optimize your posts to compete effectively. This guide walks you through a clear, step-by-step approach to uncover the most impactful keywords on Instagram relevant to your niche.
Materials and Tools Needed for Competitor Keyword Research on Instagram
Tool/Material | description | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Instagram Account | Active Instagram profile | Access competitor profiles and hashtags |
Keyword Research Tools | Third-party tools like Keyword Tool, Later Hashtag Generator, or RivMedia | Discover relevant keywords and hashtags |
Spreadsheet Software | Google Sheets, Excel, or similar | Organize and analyze keyword data |
Instagram Analytics Tools | Instagram Insights or third-party apps like iconosquare | Measure engagement and keyword effectiveness |
Browser | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. | Browse Instagram and competitor profiles |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Conduct Competitor Keyword Research on Instagram
Step 1: Identify your Main Competitors
- Search instagram for popular GitHub or tech project hashtags like
#GitHubProjects
,#OpenSource
,or#techcommunity
. - Make a list of 5-10 active Instagram accounts posting content similar to your niche.
- Focus on accounts with high engagement rates and follower counts relevant to your goals.
Step 2: Analyze Competitor Profiles
- Visit each competitor’s Instagram feed and take note of the hashtags and captions they use.
- Identify common keywords and hashtags that appear frequently across multiple profiles.
- Pay attention to both branded hashtags (e.g.,
#GitHubTips
) and generic ones (e.g.,#Programming
).
Step 3: Use Instagram’s Native Search Features
- Type keywords or hashtags found in competitor profiles into Instagram’s search bar.
- Explore related keywords and hashtags suggested by Instagram in the search dropdown.
- Check the “Top” and “Recent” tabs to assess popular posts under these keywords.
Step 4: Leverage Third-Party Keyword Tools
- Input competitor keywords or hashtags into tools like Keyword Tool or Later to generate additional keyword suggestions.
- Export keyword lists and metrics (search volume, competition level) into your spreadsheet.
- Filter keywords based on relevancy and engagement potential.
Step 5: Organize and Prioritize Keywords
- Use spreadsheet software to categorize keywords (e.g.,branded,generic,niche-specific).
- Assign priority levels based on frequency of use by competitors and engagement data.
- Create a shortlist of 15-20 high-impact keywords/hashtags to test in your posts.
step 6: Test Keywords in Your Instagram Posts
- Integrate the shortlisted keywords naturally in your post captions and comments.
- Use a mix of high-competition and niche keywords to maximize reach.
- Track post performance via Instagram Analytics or tools like Iconosquare to identify which keywords drive better engagement.
Step 7: Refine Over Time
- Continuously monitor competitor profiles for new keyword trends.
- Update your keyword list monthly to stay current with Instagram’s evolving landscape.
- Adjust your hashtag strategy based on performance metrics and industry changes.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
- Balance Keywords: Use a variety of popular and niche keywords to avoid being lost in the crowd.
- Engage Actively: Liking, commenting, and following competitors can provide insights and boost your visibility.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Instagram penalizes posts with excessive hashtags — keep it relevant and limited to 10-15 per post.
- Use Instagram Stories and Reels: Keywords in captions and stickers on stories can improve discoverability.
- Localize Hashtags: If your project targets a specific geography,include location-based keywords.
Sample Keyword Tracking Table
Keyword/Hashtag | Competitor Usage Frequency | Estimated Reach | priority Level |
---|---|---|---|
#GitHubProjects | 8/10 Competitors | High (1M+ posts) | High |
#OpenSource | 7/10 Competitors | High (2M+ posts) | High |
#PythonDev | 4/10 Competitors | Medium (500K+ posts) | Medium |
#CodeNewbie | 3/10 Competitors | Low (200K+ posts) | Low |
Conclusion
Competitor keyword research on Instagram is a powerful strategy for expanding your GitHub project’s reach in the tech community. By carefully identifying competitor keywords, analyzing their use, and testing your own targeted keywords, you can improve your post visibility and engagement. Make keyword research a continuous part of your Instagram marketing approach to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Start exploring today,and watch your tech projects gain the attention they deserve!

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