What Are Hashtags in Social Media?
Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the pound (#) symbol that categorize content on social media platforms. They act as labels that help users discover posts related to specific topics, events, or conversations. When you click on a hashtag, you’re taken to a feed of posts that include the same hashtag, allowing you to explore and engage with content from others who have used the same tag. Hashtags serve as a way to connect with like-minded individuals, join ongoing conversations, and increase the visibility of your own posts to a broader audience.
Why Are Hashtags Important for Brands?
Hashtags are important because they are a way to increase visibility, enhance engagement, and organically promote your brand through various social media platforms. By using hashtags, you make your posts discoverable to a wider audience beyond just your followers. They allow you to participate in conversations and connect with users who are interested in similar topics. For example, if you type in #socialmediatips into your search bar on Instagram, you’ll find that there are currently over 4 million posts related to that specific topic, along with related hashtags that can further expand your reach and engagement.
How to Use Hashtags Effectively in Social Media Posts
- Avoid using punctuation, spaces, and symbols in your hashtags. Otherwise, they won’t work!
- Use only relevant and specific hashtags that relate to your business. Make sure your hashtags directly relate to your content and are being used by others. If you use a hashtag that no one else is using, there will be no existing audience or community to engage with your content under that hashtag. On the other hand, if you use one that is too generic, there will be such high competition that your post will likely get lost in the millions of posts under it. Plus, it won’t target the specific niche or audience you’re looking for.
- Don’t make your hashtags super long. Try to make them easy and memorable as best you can.
- Restrict the number of hashtags you use. Excessive use can sometimes appear spammy and take away from your message.
- Remember, each social media platform has its own unique algorithm. A hashtag strategy that works on one platform may not be as successful on another. It’s important to stay informed on the latest algorithm updates so you can maintain visibility and engagement on your social media profiles.
How to Use Hashtags on Each Social Media Platform
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For optimum reach, we recommend using around 4-6 hashtags. Hashtags on this platform can be used after you’ve written your social media caption. It’s best to leave a bit of space between your caption and hashtags. You can also put the hashtags in your comments section if you prefer. Discover hashtag ideas by navigating to the Tags tab in Instagram’s Explore section or by typing hashtags into the search bar, where you’ll also find related suggestions.
The recommended amount of hashtags to use on this platform is 2-3. You can include hashtags in any part of your written Facebook post or in the comments section. To find related hashtag ideas on Facebook, you can start by typing a hashtag into the search bar. As you type, Facebook will suggest popular hashtags related to what you’re entering. Additionally, you can click on any hashtag in a post or comment to see other posts using the same hashtag. This can give you a sense of other hashtags that are commonly used alongside the one you’re interested in.
X (Twitter)
While the platform recommends sticking to 2 hashtags, you are able to use as many as can fit in their 280-character limit. The hashtags can be used in any part of the post. Trending hashtags can be found in X’s trending topics section or by typing a hashtag into the search bar, which will suggest popular hashtags related to what you’re entering.
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Tiktok
To maximize performance, we recommend using around 3-5 hashtags. The best way to go about this is by using a combination of niche and trending hashtags. Trending hashtags can be found on the Discover page on Tiktok.
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The optimal number of hashtags for this platform is 1-5. Hashtags can be used in any part of your LinkedIn post. Trending hashtags can be found in their News and views section on the homepage, as well as using the search bar.
Youtube
For best results, stick to 3-5 hashtags on your Youtube videos. These can be added in the description of the video or even in the video title (where it makes sense). Trending hashtags can be found by typing in “#” in the search bar.
Finding the Right Hashtags for Your Business
Now that you know how to use hashtags, you may be wondering how to find the right ones for your niche/industry. Here’s some tips on how to find the right hashtags for your business:
- Research Your Audience: Understand your target audience’s interests, behaviors, and the hashtags they use. This can give you valuable insights into which hashtags are relevant to your business.
- Competitor Analysis: Look at what hashtags your competitors are using. This can give you ideas for hashtags that are popular within your industry.
- Trending Hashtags: Keep an eye on trending hashtags and see if any are relevant to your business. However, ensure that the trending hashtags align with your brand and message.
- Create Branded Hashtags: Develop unique hashtags that represent your brand and use them consistently in your posts. Encourage your audience to use these hashtags when talking about your brand.
- Industry Specific Hashtags: Use hashtags that are specific to your industry or niche. These hashtags can help you reach a more targeted audience interested in your products or services.
- Location-Based Hashtags: If your business is location-specific, consider using hashtags related to your location or target area to reach local customers.
Overall, hashtags are a great way to improve your brand’s visibility. By using relevant and strategic hashtags, you can increase the reach of your content beyond your immediate followers, making it discoverable to a wider audience interested in similar topics. Hashtags also allow you to join conversations, engage with users, and build a community around your brand. Additionally, hashtags can help you track and analyze the performance of your social media campaigns, enabling you to refine your strategy and improve your overall visibility and engagement.
Interested in doing more with your social media channels and posting more consistently? Contact Faster Solutions and get started with a social media marketing plan. Our marketing team handles the entire process, from planning to publishing!
