A Guide to Mastering The Art of Hashtags
Each day, 95 million photos and videos are shared on Instagram alone. Hashtags (#) have emerged as a powerful tool to optimise your content and expand its reach in what has become a vast sea of online content. The good news, they’re simple enough to get the hang of once you know how, why and where to use them…
Hashtags…what do they mean?
Originally popularised on X (formerly Twitter), hashtags are now ubiquitous across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and even TikTok. They are words or phrases preceded by the "#" symbol to categorise content and make it easily discoverable. When a user includes a hashtag in their post or message, it becomes a clickable link that leads to a feed of other content using the same hashtag.
So what’s their purpose, exactly?
Hashtags serve multiple purposes in the realm of social media. They facilitate content discovery, enhance searchability and visibility, encourage engagement, and categorise content around specific topics, themes or events. When used effectively, hashtags can connect your content with a wider audience and boost your overall social media strategy.
Putting them into practice
Let’s take a look at how to use them effectively on each individual channel, for they are all different and each have their own algorithms that affect how hashtags work…
While Facebook may not be as hashtag-centric as some other platforms, using them strategically can still benefit your content. It is recommended to use 1-2 relevant and concise hashtags per post on Facebook. Overloading your posts with hashtags can make them appear spammy and may deter users. Focus on incorporating hashtags that resonate with your audience and the content of your post.
Instagram is much more of a hashtag haven, allowing users to include up to 30 hashtags per post. However, the key is to strike a balance between quantity and relevance. Using a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags can help your content reach a broader yet targeted audience. We would recommend using approximately 5-10 on your posts. Why not consider creating a branded hashtag unique to your brand to foster community engagement, too?
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where hashtags play a crucial role in content discoverability. Aim for 3-5 relevant hashtags per post on LinkedIn. Industry-specific and professional hashtags can significantly boost the visibility of your content. Research popular hashtags in your niche and incorporate them thoughtfully to enhance your professional presence.
Twitter (now known as X)
X is where hashtags first gained popularity, and they remain an integral part of the platform's culture. Including 1-2 relevant hashtags per tweet is recommended. X's trending hashtags can be a goldmine for visibility, but ensure they align with your content. Crafting concise and catchy hashtags can also contribute to the discoverability of your tweets.
Choosing the Right Hashtags
Selecting the right hashtags requires a thoughtful approach. Research trending and popular hashtags within your niche, analyse competitors, and consider the interests of your target audience. Strive for a mix of broad and specific hashtags to maximize visibility and engagement. Tools like Hashtagify, RiteTag, and Trendsmap can aid in hashtag selection if you are struggling to come up with ones that are suitable for your content.
Tailoring your hashtag strategy to the nuances of each platform and understanding your audience's interests will better position your content for success. Next time you post, remember to include the recommended number of hashtags to help you amplify your online presence, foster engagement, and optimise your channels!
