Social Media Hashtags: The Complete Strategy for More Engagement (Tips + Examples)

Struggling to get noticed on social media? Find the perfect hashtags to boost engagement, reach new audiences, and push your social media presence. Discover the secrets to hashtag success!

(…The more hashtags the more you get confused)

Whenever you sit to post some photo/video to social media accounts you take minutes to choose between many. Is a hashtag that much important for social media posts? Should you even use them or not? 

The right answer is: YES!

Hashtags are one of the social media essentials. They assist you in getting discovered by your targeted audience and even boost your account engagement. Social media hashtags are a great way to search for topics on social networks with common themes. Not just this, hashtags also help to make people aware. (#trending)

Similar reads: How To Use Twitter Hashtags For Your Business Effectively

In this social networking world, hashtags are no longer mere afterthoughts. Brands recognize them as powerful tools, strategically deployed to propel social media content towards specific goals. Whether it's igniting a viral product launch or harnessing the power of data-driven hashtag analytics, these tiny symbols hold immense potential.

Forget the days of randomly sprinkling generic hashtags like #love or #instagood. Forward-thinking brands are crafting targeted hashtag strategies that deliver impactful results. 

What are Hashtags?

These are labels or keywords preceded by the "#" symbol used on social media platforms. They categorize content and make it discoverable by other users.

Think of them like filing tags in a library. When you add a hashtag to your post (like #travelphotography or #baking), it's like adding a label to a book. People searching for that specific topic can then find your post amongst others who share the same hashtag.

Create your personalized hashtags for your brand/business use Hashtag; An ultimate tool to craft catchy social media hashtags and manage them in one place.

How can you find perfect Hashtags for your social media handles?

Let me first clear a misconception here! A popular one doesn’t always be your social media presence's perfect fit. That’s a fact. 

Just because #xyz is trending on social media networks doesn’t mean your brand can digest it. 

Your choice of social media hashtags should reflect your brand image or your presence on platforms. So, before finalizing anything, first set your objective for using that particular hashtag like an increase in engagement. (You know the answer better)

The frequency of selected hashtags on Instagram (Source: author’s compilation as of 4 June 2017)

Maybe the hashtag for your social media with the lowest frequency be the perfect fit. 

There isn't a single "perfect" hashtag, but there are ways to find the best hashtags to reach your target audience and boost engagement on your social media posts.

Research relevant hashtags:-

a) Look at Influencers: See what hashtags influencers in your niche are using. This is a great way to discover popular hashtags that are relevant to your content.

As social media influencers have marketers to assist, they can be an amazing guide for you. 

b) Social media platform tools: Most platforms have built-in hashtag research tools. For example, on Instagram, as you type a hashtag in the caption, it will suggest similar and related hashtags.

You can also use Google for in-depth research and clarification. 

c) Hashtag research tools: There are many free and paid tools available that can help you find relevant hashtags. These tools can also tell you how popular a hashtag is and how many people are using it.

Using free tools like Hashtag will give you beneficial results for your social media presence. 

Suggested Readings: Top 10 Hashtag Tools.

5 Tips to master the art of using Hashtags

How to use Hashtags on Social Media strategically?

This is the most asked question from social media marketers even today. 

Despite you understand the benefits of hashtags and how they help to push your social media account’s each post? If you aim to reach a specific audience you need to focus on popular hashtags like #instagood. 

To master the art of using hashtags for social media you need to follow these 5 essential steps:-

a) Do your research: Don't just throw random hashtags on your post. Take some time to identify hashtags that are relevant to your content and target audience. Look for hashtags that are popular but not oversaturated, aiming for that sweet spot where people are searching for them but there's not too much competition

#ShareACoke - This creative campaign encouraged users to share photos with personalized Coke bottles, sparking a massive social media movement.

b) Mix it up: Use a combination of popular and niche hashtags. Popular hashtags will get your content in front of more eyes, while niche hashtags will target a specific audience that is more likely to be interested in what you have to say.

Starbucks (#Starbucks, #PSLseason). The #Starbucks leverages its brand recognition. Its niche #PSLseason is a trending hashtag during fall when pumpkin spice lattes are popular, creating a seasonal buzz.

c) Embrace your brand: Consider creating your own branded hashtag. This is a great way to establish a unique identity and build a community around your brand. Encourage user-generated content by using your branded hashtag in campaigns and contests.

Nike - #JustDoIt: This timeless tagline translates perfectly into a hashtag. It captures the essence of Nike's brand identity and inspires users to share their athletic achievements and stories.

d) Think local: If your content is location-specific, incorporate location-based hashtags. This is a great way to connect with people in your area or target a specific geographic audience.

For example; Boutique: A vintage clothing boutique named "Threads of Time" could target their city's fashionistas with #LAVintage (# if referring to Los Angeles) or #LondonStyle (# if referring to London).

e) Track and analyze: Don't just post and forget! Keep an eye on how your hashtags are performing. See which ones are generating the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly. There are amazing tools available that can help you track hashtag performance. Like Analytics, a free tool to track your social media hashtag’s performance. 

This is your sign to create your own personalized Hashtags and run them on social media like Instagram.

Important steps for using Social Media Hashtags on different platforms

Adding hashtags to your different social media platforms doesn’t mean to give similar to everyone approach. Maybe it’ll not workable for the other. 

You have to alter your social media hashtags as per the platform.

Before that:  How to create a YouTube Channel?

How to create a Facebook Page?

How to create Instagram Page?

Adding Hashtags to Instagram

Instagram's Creator Community emphasizes hashtags as a way to spark connections and reach new audiences. They act like tags or labels, giving your content context and helping people discover it who are interested in similar things.

• Use just 3-5 relevant hashtags per post. Think of them as keywords describing your content.
• Include hashtags in your posts, comments, and even Stories for maximum reach.
• Only use hashtags relevant to your community and brand. Avoid generic hashtags that don't resonate with your audience.

Adding Hashtags to Facebook

While Facebook hasn't provided official best practices since launching hashtags in 2016, these steps can help you leverage them effectively:

• Stick to 1-2 highly relevant hashtags per post. This keeps your content focused and avoids overwhelming your audience.
• Don't limit hashtags to just posts. Include them in comments and Stories to broaden your content's discoverability.
• Capitalize on trending hashtags related to news and events. This positions your brand as engaged and attracts users actively following those topics.

Adding Hashtags to Twitter

Hashtags are like filing cabinets for Twitter conversations. They help users discover interesting content and connect with others who share their interests. Here are some tips to sprinkle some hashtag magic on your tweets:

• Don't overdo it! Stick to 1-2 relevant hashtags to keep your tweet focused and readable.
• Include hashtags in your replies and retweets to expand your reach.
• Use hashtags for events, conferences, or holidays to tap into a specific audience.
• Trending hashtags can be a great way to participate in current conversations, but make sure they align with your brand or message.

Adding Hashtags on LinkedIn

Hashtags can be a great method to find relevant people on LinkedIn. These help us as users to discover professional content under our niche and connect with people fast and accurately. Here are some ways to decide the best LinkedIn hashtags:-

• Identify and use hashtags relevant to your industry or niche. This increases the chances of your content being seen by the right people.
• Create and promote your own branded hashtags. Encourage colleagues to use them as well to build brand awareness.
• Stick to 2-3 hashtags per post for optimal readability. Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags to cast a wider net while staying relevant.
• Use hashtags within your posts or your company page's "Hashtags" section. Avoid using them in comments, as they won't be displayed in feeds.

Adding Hashtags for YouTube

Hashtags are like magic keywords that help viewers find your awesome videos on YouTube. They not only boost searchability but also organize your channel, keeping viewers engaged and coming back for more.

Here's how to strategically use hashtags to supercharge your video views:

• Focus on 3-5 highly relevant hashtags per video.
• Include 1-2 hashtags within your catchy video title to grab immediate attention.
• Add the remaining hashtags in your video description for a more comprehensive reach.

Adding Hashtags for Pinterest

Want your amazing Pins to find the perfect audience? Hashtags are your secret weapon! Unlike other platforms, Pinterest doesn't give a hard and fast rule on hashtag numbers.

• Quality over quantity! Don't overwhelm your description with tons of hashtags. Choose a few relevant ones that accurately describe your Pin's content.
• People flock to Pinterest for seasonal inspiration. Include timely hashtags related to holidays, events, or current trends to grab attention.
• Don't go overboard with generic hashtags. Use niche hashtags that target your specific audience. Think "muscle car restoration" instead of just "cars."

Conclusion on Social Media Hashtags

In conclusion, hashtags are a powerful tool for social media engagement. By understanding how to research and use relevant hashtags, you can reach a wider audience, increase brand awareness, and boost engagement on your social media posts. Remember, the key is to use a mix of popular and niche hashtags, track your results, and adapt your strategy accordingly. By following the tips in this blog post, you can master the art of using hashtags and take your social media presence to the next level.

Further Readings on Social Media Hashtags: - 5 Quick Tips For Getting Started With Creatosaurus

Top 10 Social Media Management Tools!

FAQs for Social Media Hashtags

1.Is the Hasgtag tool free to create new and traffic-orientated social media hashtags?

Ans: Yes, the Hashtag tool is free to be creative and craft innovative hashtags for your social media. 

2.How can I find trending hashtags for social media?

Ans: Browse the Explore Page for trending topics and see what hashtags are being used.

Start typing a hashtag on Instagram and see what suggestions pop up.

Websites and apps like Hashtagify or Brand24 can help you discover popular hashtags.

3.Are Social media hashtags worth using?

Ans: Yes, hashtags are worth it if used strategically. They help people find your content and increase engagement. But avoid irrelevant or overly broad hashtags.