Are you using hashtags in your social media posts?
Hashtags have become more than just a cool social media trend. They are an effective strategy to not only organise online information and stand out from the crowd but is also one of the best ways to connect with Millennials.
Hashtags can help your business differentiate itself from competitors, engage effectively with potential customers and establish a trustworthy brand.
Do you know how to use hashtags?
Whether you do or you don’t, one thing’s for sure, you’re in the right place.
So, settle in comfortably, because I am about to share with you a few effective tips and tricks for using your hashtags like a pro.
At the end of this article, you will be in on the hashtag trend. Let’s get started…
Hashtags 101
What is a hashtag?
A hashtag is a word or a phrase preceded by a hash sign (#). It is used on social media to identify or search messages on a specific topic.
In other words, the hashtag turns any word, or group of words, into a searchable link.
No punctuation or spaces – this is one of the rules of effective hashtagging.
[ctt template=”7″ link=”927jm” via=”yes” ]Tip: Keep your message clear by capitalising the first letter of each word in your hashtag. #SomethingLikeThis[/ctt]
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How can your business use hashtags to its own advantage?
Your business can use hashtags to #connect with followers and potential customers.
In other words, hashtags can help you reach out to both your faithful lot and people who’ve never heard of you or your business.
This is where it gets interesting…
Use hashtags to join conversations
This is one of the best and easiest ways to use hashtags in order to reach out to potential customers.
How can you identify the conversations you should join?
Simple. User intent.
Think about what words users are more likely to search for when looking for a topic that’s related to your business.
Another way is to take a peek at your competitors. Follow businesses similar to yours and keep track of what hashtags they’re using and how many they usually include in a social post.
How many are too many?
A good rule of thumb is: keep it simple!
The truth is every social media platform has its own share of unwritten rules when it comes to the acceptable number of hashtags you can use.
The best thing you can do is take some time to explore and test the acceptable number of hashtags on the social media channels you want to use for your business.
Tip: When posting on Instagram try to keep your hashtag usage at an average of nine hashtags per post. If posting on Facebook, limit yourself to using a single hashtag per post.
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Create unique hashtags to start conversations
Original hashtags can help you engage your audience in a conversation.
They can be used for promotions, contests, events, or general brand awareness.
Famous brands like Calvin Klein has managed to engage their audience effectively with the help of their unique hashtag #MyCalvins.
Another great example is Charmin toilet paper who came up with this catchy hashtag #TweetFromTheSeat to build social media momentum with their audience.
What are the secrets to finding your hashtag?
- It has to be unique and catchy
- Try to make it shorter rather than longer (a shorter hashtag is easier to type and remember)
- Make it memorable
- Be as creative as you can!
Find your hashtag and give your audience something to talk about.
Hashtags can help you connect with your faithful audience and potential customers. Now you know how to use them in an effective way.
Make your words matter!
I can help you find the right hashtags to increase your online business’ organic reach and get your brand the online presence it deserves. Let’s get in touch now.
