You might be wondering “Are hashtags even a thing still??” and the answer is yes! While their popularity may ebb and flow, hashtags are still an effective way to categorize content, increase discoverability, and join trending conversations. When used strategically, hashtags can help boost engagement, reach new audiences, and amplify the visibility of your posts across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Stay Relevant: When selecting hashtags, it's crucial to keep your content aligned with your brand and the interests of your target audience. Think about the main theme or topic of your post and choose hashtags that reflect it. For example, if you're sharing a recipe for vegan tacos, relevant hashtags might include #VeganRecipes, #PlantBasedFood, or #TacoTuesday. Hashtags won’t do you any good if they’re reaching an audience that isn’t interested in your content.
Size Matters: Hashtag popularity can vary widely, and it's essential to strike a balance between using tags that are too broad and those that are too niche. Broad hashtags with millions of posts may result in your content getting lost in the noise, while overly specific tags with only a handful of posts may limit your reach. Aim for hashtags with a moderate level of engagement, where your posts have a chance to be seen by your target audience without being overshadowed by larger accounts. Tools like Later.com’s Instagram hashtag generator or Hootsuite’s TikTok hashtag generator can help you gauge the popularity of hashtags and choose the right ones for your posts.
Get Creative: While popular hashtags like #ThrowbackThursday or #MotivationMonday can be effective for joining trending conversations, don't be afraid to inject some personality into your tags. Consider creating custom hashtags that reflect your brand identity or specific campaigns. These unique tags can help you stand out and encourage user-generated content from your audience. For example, if you're a coffee shop launching a new latte, you might create a hashtag like #CaffeineChronicles to encourage customers to share photos of their coffee adventures. Remember to keep your custom hashtags short, easy to remember, and relevant to your brand to maximize engagement.
Pro Tip: Keep your recurring hashtags readily available for copying and pasting by keeping a document or note on your computer or smartphone, and just add any new/unique ones at the end.
Whether you're promoting a brand, sharing content, or participating in online communities, hashtags continue to play a significant role in maximizing your social media presence.