Social media marketing is paramount for businesses of all sizes today, with hashtags among the most effective content components available.
With this in mind, hashtags are keyword phrases spelled out without spaces and include a hashtag (#) or pound symbol preceding them.
Be that as it may, hashtags can help build your audience and brand, categorize your messages, and increase engagement when used correctly and strategically.
However, an ever-growing list of hashtag options can make knowing how to choose and use them challenging.
Thus, in this post, we'll explore the best ways to use hashtags for social media to help maximize your marketing campaigns.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Setting aside the time necessary to research appropriate keywords for your hashtags helps ensure they will appear natural and relate to the content you're sharing with your audience.
Use Specific Niche-Related Hashtags For Social Media
When creating hashtags, it is best to use specific, niche-related hashtags, even if they are popular.
Notably, many people follow specific hashtags, so if you use the popular ones – even in a saturated niche – your content can appear in search results, thus benefitting from the keyword hashtag's popularity.
Check Out Related Hashtags
Researching related hashtags is advantageous when implementing your social media marketing strategy.
However, it is best to exercise caution when using related hashtags, as you want to ensure the keywords genuinely pertain to your niche and the content you share before deciding to use them.
Notably, you can use tools on Instagram to find related hashtags to consider or use a third-party service like Hashtagify.
Avoid Using the Same Hashtags Repeatedly
If you are unaware, excessive repeating of keywords, known as keyword stuffing, is unhealthy for your website SEO.
In reality, the same is true for hashtags.
Thus, using the same hashtags repeatedly in your content will appear unnatural or even spammy when reviewed by search engines.
Instead, mixing things up by regularly using new hashtags is considered best practice.
Use Hashtag Data to Track Trends
You can use the data within social media platforms to assess the performance of your hashtags.
Accordingly, after determining that specific topics are performing well, you can discover related hashtags, create more content, and gain additional views.
Add Hashtag Links to Your Bio
A fantastic yet overlooked way to employ hashtags is by adding one in your bio that links to a landing page providing comprehensive information related to the keyword in that hashtag.
Use An Adequate Number Of Hashtags For Social Media
People sometimes complain about the sheer number of hashtags used, but the fact is, on Instagram, using nine hashtags, for example, often leads to more views than using three.
Correspondingly, you can use as many as thirty hashtags on a regular Instagram post and ten on an Instagram Story.
Search for the Best Hashtags For Social Media
When considering which hashtags to include in your content, you should avoid making them up on the spot.
Rather, set aside sufficient time to conduct keyword and hashtag research and then use data to help ensure that your chosen hashtags perform well.
Learn How To Hide Hashtags When Appropriate
It is worth noting that you can add hashtags but then hide them from viewers on multiple platforms.
Consequently, it is advantageous to research and learn how this process works.
Regardless, hiding your hashtags helps prevent viewer distraction, meaning they will pay greater attention to your message and content.
Yet, search engines can still help them find your brand.
In conclusion
In the final analysis, hashtags are an invaluable tool for marketers looking to increase the visibility of their social media posts, connect with prospects, and track industry trends.
Moreover, understanding them will motivate you to employ hashtags in your social media marketing campaigns.
Again, whether using hashtags on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms, you must choose them wisely, keep them relevant, and alter them as needed.
As shown above, the correct use of hashtags for social media marketing campaigns will ensure the desired results from their use.
So, get started today. #HashtagSuccess
Talk Soon,
Erik
We implement creative, results-based digital marketing strategies for local business clients.
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