A hashtag the metadata tag prefaced by the hash (or pound) sign, #. Hashtags alive and well in microblogging, photo-sharing on TikTok, Twitter or Instagram as a form of user-generated tagging that enables cross-referencing of content by topic or theme.
The key, though, is making sure you're using them properly. The main reason why social media users, including businesses looking to boost their online presence, use hashtags is to increase visibility and support their branding efforts. But all that being said, you need to choose the “right” hashtag to REACH your brand’s most relevant audience. Sometimes using the most popular hashtags isn’t the right approach. in 2022 according to IG (Instagram) the top 10 hashtags were:
#love (1.835B)
#instagood (1.150B)
#fashion (812.7M)
#photooftheday (797.3M)
#beautiful (661.0M)
#art (649.9M)
#photography (583.1M)
#happy (578.8M)
#picoftheday (570.8M)
#cute (569.1M)
and on Linked in you can add 1. # investing 2. # personaldevelopment
BUT are these YOU BRAND’S NICHE?
To find hashtags that are specific to your brand, your industry, and your audience, you’ll have to do a little research. First gather intel about your competitors and any relevant influencers within your brand’s niche. Take note of which hashtags they use most often and how many hashtags they use in each of their posts. This will help you learn how your competitors are engaging with your shared target audience and which keywords they tend to use. Use some of the hashtag tools to help point you in the right direction.
Trending Hashtags: https://app.ritetag.com
Social Listening Hashtags: https://apps.hootsuite.com/apps/adview
Related Hashtags: https://kicksta.co/instagram-hashtag-generator
DON’T get hashtag crazy.
Be careful though, Instagram recommends only using 3-5 hashtags per post. Using over used hashtags can also hurt your reach as y9u will get lost in the sea of hash-tagging overuse. TikTok 3-5, Twitter 2, LinkedIn 1-5, Pinterest 2-5.
One big mistake many clients make is creating their own hashtag that has no pull.
Test your # before you commit to it. Did it pull up trending material that matches your brand? Did it pull up nothing? Did it pull up something you do not want to be associated with? Researching the right # hashtag is as important as your brand strategy.
Happy # hash tagging.
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