There are countless ways to express yourself on social media. And one short but sweet and yet long-lasting way is- #Hashtag. Do the hashtags really make a difference on social media? Yes, they do! Whether you’re just start-up or a reputed name, using hashtags effectively can be a game-changer for your brand visibility and engagement.
Here are some easy but insightful guidelines to using hashtags smartly on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
What is the objective of hashtags?
Think of hashtags as digital signboards. When you tag a post with something like #OrganicFoods or #PuneBakeries, it becomes discoverable to users searching for those topics. Hashtags help your brand connect with the right people, and increase brand awareness.
How does your brand benefit from a hashtag?
Though content is the king, posting great content isn’t sufficient. With the ever-changing algorithms of Facebook and Instagram, hashtags give your posts that much-needed push to reach beyond your existing followers. Hashtags give you
- Larger Reach
- Better Engagement
- Higher number of Clicks & Follows
- More Conversations Around Your Brand
How to make effective use of hashtags?
Be specific and creative
Don’t exaggerate with more but useless hashtags. It’s not about quantity, it’s about relevance. For example, if you’re a fitness brand, go for #FitnessFundas instead of the generic #Health.
Mix and match creative words
Make use of crisp, creative, imaginative and apt words, that will appeal to the target audience. Ensure you are on the right track of expressing yourself your brand or services.
Create a branded hashtag to strengthen your brand
This one’s important. Think of a hashtag that aligns with your brand image or brand philosophy. It builds identity and makes tracking conversations around your brand easy.
Do research before you derive a hashtag
Use the search bar to see how many posts exist under a hashtag. Instagram even shows how active a tag is. This helps you pick active but not overcrowded hashtags that increase engagement
Make smart use of social media platforms
Make a smart use of social media platforms to promote your hashtag. Expressed yourself on a balanced media mix- Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and so on. Keep in mind that every platform has its own strengths.
Stay relevant and keep up with the trends
Trending hashtags can boost your visibility but only if you are relevant. Study the latest trends. Look what your competitors are using. Explore the hashtags used by renowned brands.
Originality and consistency are the key
In the usage of hashtags, consistency is the key. Use original and genuine hashtags consistently in stories, posts, and reels to stay in the game. The more you’re discovered, the more you engage, and the better your brand performs on social media.
In a nutshell, your hashtag is your brand’s voice in the cluttered digital space.
So next time you post, don’t just type. Hashtag. Need help crafting the perfect hashtag strategy for your business? At 3 Dots Design, we empower your brand to stand out of the clutter, creatively and strategically. Get in touch.