Using Hashtags Effectively On Social Media Platforms

Using hashtags is key to raising brand awareness and recognition.

Hashtags are words or numbers following the # symbol that help track content across social media platforms. 

The # symbol helps group similar conversations and searches together to help consumers find content that matters to them. 

Think of treating hashtags as a hyperlink. 

Adding hashtags to your social posts and comments directs your audience to more information regarding that topic or industry. 

Once you publish a hashtag, users can click and search that link for more information.

Hashtags can be used across all social media platforms to increase engagement with your followers. 

It’s important to make sure you choose simple and specific wording that consumers can remember easily.

You don’t want to use several words in one hashtag because chances are, the consumer won’t be able to remember that hashtag and most likely, it’s not a popular one.

For example, if you own a hair salon, you want to use relevant wording such as #(salon name), #haircut, #localsalon, etc.

By doing this, you’re tagging your content with those keywords, helping people find you on other social media pages. 

But avoid being too “hashtag happy” in your posts. 

Overusing them can make your content look cluttered, or even be viewed as spam. Experts say it’s best to use two to eight words at most. 

Another rule of thumb, no spaces should be used when using hashtags. 

Experts say the hashtag only tracks the words or numbers immediately following the # sign, not those separated by spaces or punctuation. 

Overall, hashtags can be a powerful social media tool if done the right way. 

Using them strategically will help your brand become discovered and stand out above your competition.