Ever spent a lot of time crafting the perfect social media post, only for it to get a mere 100 views? We have all been there. Now, you need a way to ensure your amazing content reaches the right audience and that’s where hashtags come into play.
Think of hashtags as little keywords for social media that categorise your posts and help people find exactly what they’re looking for. For example, if you are a makeup studio sharing pictures and videos of your excellent work, you might use hashtags like #mua, #instamakeup or even something as specific as #weddingmakeup. By using these hashtags, anyone searching for them can stumble upon your beautiful work.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand how to use hashtags effectively in 2024. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of hashtags!
Table of contents
- What are Hashtags?
- What are Hashtags?What are Hashtags?
- 10 Ways to Use Hashtags Effectively
- The 10 ‘Not To Do’s’ of Hashtags
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hashtags?
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s first understand what and why. So, what exactly are hashtags and how did they start?
Hashtags are words or phrases with the pound symbol (#) in front of them. They help organise content and make it easy to find. Originally, hashtags began in chatrooms as a way to categorise messages.
History of Hashtags
Back in 1988, people on Internet Relay Chat (IRC) started using the pound symbol (#) to sort messages. Fast forward to 2007, when social media platforms like Twitter were becoming popular. Chris Messina, a blogger, saw hashtags as a way to organise content on Twitter. At first, Twitter wasn’t sure about using hashtags, but they caught on during the 2007 San Diego wildfires. The hashtag #sandiegofire helped people share updates and connect during the crisis.
By 2009, Twitter officially adopted hashtags, making them clickable links. This made hashtags a key feature, allowing users to discover trends, join conversations and connect with others who share their interests.
Benefits of Using Hashtags on Social Media
But hashtags are more than just finding and connecting with your audience. They can be a powerful tool to increase engagement with your posts, sparking conversations and growing your following. Here are the benefits of using hashtags for social media marketing:
- Reach a wider audience: Hashtags help people who don’t already follow you discover your content. It’s like opening the door to a whole new world of potential customers!
- Boost engagement: Relevant hashtags can spark conversations and encourage people to like, comment and share your posts. Remember, engagement is what social media algorithm love.
- Build your brand: Using branded hashtags can help people recognise and remember your business. Think of it as free brand awareness!
- Track what’s trending: Popular hashtags can give you insights into what people are interested in, allowing you to tailor your content accordingly. It’s like eavesdropping on the trending conversations online!
10 Ways to Use Hashtags Effectively
Now that you know the power of hashtags, let’s explore some top tips to optimise your hashtag use and get the most out of them:
1. Find relevant hashtags
Don’t just throw random hashtags on your post. Research hashtags related to your niche and target audience. Remember, quality over quantity! Tools like Hashtagify. me or Later can help you discover the perfect hashtags.
2. Mix it up
Use a combination of popular hashtags (to get wider reach) and niche hashtags (to target specific audiences). Think of it as casting a wide net, but also dropping a fishing line in a prime spot.
3. Create a branded hashtag
Encourage people to use a unique hashtag associated with your brand. This is a fantastic way to build brand awareness and track user-generated content. Think #DominosLunchBreak or #NikesOfAdventure.
4. Keep it short and sweet
People are more likely to use shorter, easier-to-remember hashtags. Avoid long, complex ones. For example. #howtofindrelevanthashtagforyourbrand
5. Use location-based hashtags
If your business is local, use hashtags relevant to your city or area. This helps people searching for local services discover you. Here’s where it gets interesting! A digital marketing company in Ahmedabad can help you utilise location-based hashtags to target your campaigns to a specific audience. For instance, a restaurant in Ahmedabad could use hashtags like #AhmedabadFoodie or #AhmedabadEats to connect with local food enthusiasts.
6. Pay attention to trending hashtags
Jump on trending hashtags related to your niche, but be mindful not to force it. It should feel natural.
7. Track your hashtag performance
See which hashtags are driving the most engagement. This helps you refine your strategy and identify the hashtags that work best for you. A social media marketing company in Ahmedabad can help you track and use the data to provide valuable insights to your customers.
8. Encourage User-Generated Content
Prompt your audience to use your branded hashtags to create user-generated content and increase brand visibility.
9. Include hashtags in stories and bio
Utilise hashtags in your Instagram stories and bio to boost discoverability.
10. Have fun with it!
Don’t be afraid to use some creative and light-hearted hashtags to add personality to your posts.
The 10 ‘Not To Do’s’ of Hashtags
Here are 10 common ‘not to do’s’ of hashtag usage:
1. Using #ALLCAPS
Using ALL CAPS for hashtags is like SHOUTING AT PEOPLE online. It’s considered rude in the social media world, so keep it lowercase.
2. #Followed by numbers or symbols
Stick to letters and underscores. Crazy symbols and numbers just look messy and unprofessional.
3. Hashtag stuffing
Don’t try to cram every single hashtag you can think of into your caption. It looks spammy and distracts from your content.
4. Misspelled hashtags
Double-check your spelling! Typos in hashtags mean no one will find your post.
5. Overused generic hashtags
Avoid generic hashtags like #blessed or #likeforlikes. They’re oversaturated and won’t do much for your reach.
6. Jumping on unrelated trends
Don’t use trending hashtags that have nothing to do with your brand. It looks inauthentic and can damage your credibility.
7. Ignoring analytics
Don’t just post and hope for the best. Track your hashtag performance and see what’s working and what’s not. Adapt your strategy based on the data.
8. Neglecting engagement
Hashtags are a great conversation starter. Respond to comments and messages you receive through hashtags. Show people you care!
9. Forgetting the human touch
Don’t let hashtags become your entire social media strategy. Focus on creating high-quality content and building genuine connections with your audience.
10. Giving up too easily
It takes time and effort to find the right hashtag strategy for your brand. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight. Keep experimenting and refining your approach.
Conclusion
Hashtags can truly transform your social media presence in 2024. By following these tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you can utilise their power to reach a wider audience, boost engagement and achieve your social media goals. Remember, using hashtags effectively is like learning a new language – it takes practice, but the rewards are well worth it.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start hashtagging like a pro! If you need expert help in understanding hashtags, feel free to reach out to experts like us, a digital marketing agency in Ahmedabad. We can manage your entire social media presence, ensuring your brand shines online. Contact us at hello@florafountain.com and let us help you elevate your social media game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vasim Samadji is a partner at Flora Fountain, where he leads the Business and Marketing Strategy divisions. He is a seasoned professional with an MBA in marketing and over a decade of experience working with multiple MNCs. Vasim is a firm believer in the power of creation and he is...