Hashtag Hero: Using Instagram to Find and Connect with Potential Clients

SPONSORED BY NEEDTOBEMARKETING

HUSTLER'S HUB: THE SKILL SWAPPERS BARTER BOOTH
By Shelly Leroux · Apr 30, 2025

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Hashtag Hero:

Using Instagram to Find and Connect with Potential Clients

Hey there, fellow side hustler,

So you’ve got a killer skill, a product that solves problems, or a service that makes life better—and now you’re ready to find clients who need what you offer. Good news: they’re out there. Even better news? A whole bunch of them are probably scrolling through Instagram right now, double-tapping pictures of succulents, latte art, and DIY desk setups.

If you’re thinking, “Instagram? Isn’t that just for influencers, cats, and vacation envy?”—you’re not wrong. But it’s also an underrated client-finding goldmine for tech-savvy hustlers like yourself. When used right, Instagram can help you connect with potential clients, build trust, and grow your network like a social-savvy superhero. Cape optional.

Let’s dive into how you can become a Hashtag Hero—minus the spandex.

The Algorithm Doesn’t Hate You (But You Do Need a Plan)

Before we get into the magic of hashtags, let’s address the elephant in the feed: Instagram’s algorithm. It’s not out to get you—it’s just picky. To win its heart, consistency and clarity are key. That means showing up regularly, posting valuable content, and using tools like hashtags and geotags to get seen by the right people.

But we’re not here for influencer fame—we’re here to connect with potential clients, and that requires a slightly different strategy.

Step One: Define Your Ideal Client (Then Stalk Them. Politely.)

Grab your digital magnifying glass. Who exactly are you trying to reach? Entrepreneurs in need of branding? Small businesses that need web design help? Busy parents who’d love your custom meal plans?

Once you know who you’re targeting, go find them. Check out hashtags they might be using (#smallbizowner, #mompreneur, #fitnessjourney), and start engaging. Like their posts, drop thoughtful comments, follow accounts that resonate. You're not being creepy—you’re showing up in their world. Like a friendly digital neighbor with a helpful toolbox.

Step Two: Hashtag Like You Mean It

Ah, hashtags—the breadcrumbs that lead people straight to your profile. But there’s a trick to doing them right. You want to use a mix of:

• Niche-specific tags: These connect you with people in your industry or ideal client space (#freelancewebdesigner, #bookkeepingforcreatives).

• Location tags: Especially helpful if your service is local or hybrid (#atlantasmallbusiness, #nycevents).

• Problem-solution tags: Think about what your ideal client is searching for when they need you (#brandinghelp, #socialmediatips).

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post—but don’t just spam every popular one you find. Use 10–20 relevant ones with a mix of popularity levels (some under 50k uses, some in the 100k–500k sweet spot). This increases your chances of staying visible longer.

Pro tip: Save your best hashtag sets in your Notes app for quick copy-paste magic later.

Step Three: Use DMs Without Being a Weirdo

You’ve liked, you’ve commented, and now it’s time to slide into the DMs… respectfully.

This isn’t about cold-pitching. It’s about starting real conversations. Compliment someone’s work, ask a question about their latest project, or reference something they mentioned in a Story. Once rapport is established, it’s natural to mention what you do—only if it’s relevant and helpful.

Think of it like networking at a chill café, not speed-dating with a sales pitch.

Step Four: Optimize Your Profile for Curiosity

Your bio is your elevator pitch. In one glance, people should know:

• Who you help

• What you help them do

• How to work with you (link to your site, booking calendar, or lead magnet)

Throw in a clear profile photo, a story highlight reel that shows off your services or testimonials, and boom—you’re client-ready.

Final Thought: Connection Over Clout

Look, you don’t need 10k followers to get clients from Instagram. You just need the right eyeballs on your content and the confidence to engage like a human, not a bot.

Be generous. Be curious. Be consistent. When you approach Instagram like a networking event instead of a popularity contest, amazing things start to happen—clients find you, conversations start, and your hustle begins to grow.

You’ve got the tech chops. Now go use them like the Hashtag Hero you were meant to be.