Curiosity Killed the Cat…Or Did It?
A check-in for creatives, #hashtag update and a reason to ride the carousel.
Ever feel like overthinking is slowing you down?
Same. I watched Instagram Presents: Ask It Anyway, a conversation with Tyler, The Creator and a group of NYC creatives, and it reminded me how valuable it can be to lead with curiosity and tap into a more child-like creative state.
From taking risks to believing in your ideas and letting go of fear, it's the kind of creative reset we all need from time to time—especially in the fast-paced, demanding world of events and yes, social media, too.
So this week, join me in giving your analytical adult brain a rest and give yourself permission to experiment, play, and share. Get it out there first and edit second. You might be surprised by the effortless “flow” of ideas and execution that come along with this practice. You can watch the whole thing here.
#confusednomore
Anyone else religiously tune into the Head of Instagram’s weekly AMAs on Stories? No? Maybe you’re doing something more exciting on Friday mornings? Don’t worry…I do it so you don’t have to!
That brings us to an important hashtag update: when asked if we still need to use hashtags on Instagram, he simply said, “no.”
Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a shift away from those long, potentially spammy lists of 30 hashtags toward a more keyword-based strategy. You might have noticed that you can’t even follow hashtags on Instagram anymore.
That said, hashtags can still be helpful as searchable keywords.
My rule of thumb: stick to 3-5 specific hashtags that align with your keyword strategy to boost reach and discoverability. Avoid using the same hashtags in every post. Repetition can flag your content as spammy. Instead, tailor your hashtags to the specifics of each post by essentially telling the algorithm exactly what your post is about.
Hop on the Carousel
I’ve been all about carousel-style posts lately. They’re the perfect format for storytelling. Compared to short-form video, carousels can feel like a lower-barrier way to create content. Plus, when paired with music, they’re showing up not just in the feed, but also in the Reels tab and sometimes even in Search and Explore.
Use text on each image to tell a story or solve a pain point. These posts tend to be more shareable, savable, and great for offering insight into your unique process, ultimately helping you build trust with your audience.
Check out how we used this strategy for a client recently:
“As the temps rise🔥 and influencer brand trips turn up the heat, here’s what you need to throw an epic desert pool party. Swipe left to see how we transformed a private estate into an unforgettable weekend at the BF Villa.”
Themes for your July Marketing Calendar
Add these key dates and themes to your marketing calendar! They might spark some fresh content ideas like a chance to lend your expertise (in carousel form) or offer a timely reason to repost a past event.
National Ice Cream Month
July 4 Independence Day
Outdoor events
Drone shows, concerts, and fireworks
Grilling season
Summer Fridays
Mid-year reset
Starting to think about Holiday Events
Event trends for 2026
Have social media questions you’d like me to cover next month? I’m all ears! Just hit reply to this email.
I’ll see you right here in your inbox next month.
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