What are Hashtags?
Hashtags are essential for social media today. They’re keywords or phrases without spaces, preceded by a hash (#) symbol. Examples include #picoftheday, #happyhour, and #shoppingaddict. Hashtags can be placed anywhere in your social media posts, helping to collate public conversations into a single stream. You can find these streams by clicking on a hashtag or searching for it. Looking to elevate your digital presence? Keep reading to find out more about successfully utilising hashtags for business.
Why Should Your Business Use Hashtags?
Hashtags are ubiquitous, appearing on television, in stores, and in restaurants. Furthermore, they invite people to join conversations on various topics, from new product launches to trending TV shows. For marketers, hashtags are a powerful tool to expand reach and participate in popular conversations, making them indispensable for your social media strategy.
How to Use Hashtags for Business Effectively
1) Choosing the Right Hashtags: Using hashtags is simple: just include them in your post. However, choosing the right ones is crucial. A good hashtag should be relevant to your message, memorable, and straightforward. Avoid using popular but unrelated hashtags, as this can confuse and disengage your audience. Research relevant hashtags in your industry using tools like Hashtagify to find popular and related hashtags. Ensure that any business-specific hashtags are not already being used for something inappropriate.
2) Optimal Number of Hashtags: The number of hashtags to use varies across social media platforms. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, while Twitter’s 280-character limit means fewer hashtags are better. Research shows tweets with one hashtag perform better, and the same applies to Facebook posts. On Instagram, however, posts with about nine hashtags see the highest engagement.
3) Monitor the Conversation: Once you’ve started a conversation with a hashtag, monitor its performance closely. Respond to queries, complaints, and feedback from users to build momentum and foster a community around your hashtag. Track whether the hashtag is being actively used and if your engagement or following has increased as a result.
Conclusion
Hashtags are a simple yet powerful way to boost your business's social media presence. By choosing the right hashtags for business, using the optimal number, and monitoring the conversation, you can effectively engage with your audience and expand your reach.
References:
PR Week: How to Use Hashtags in Social Media Posts
https://www.prweek.com/article/1412824/hashtags-use-social-media-posts