Are you ever scrolling Instagram and you find an interesting post, read the caption, and click on read more? A list of hashtags pop up. Or maybe you want to search for a hot topic trending on X(former Twitter) and you just put a hashtag and all the related posts come up. What are these hashtags and why are they so important to be seen on social media?
It might be a little surprising but hashtags are not that old. In fact, in 2007, Chris Messina, an American blogger posted a tweet on Twitter saying that we should use #(pound symbol) to tag topics of interest and group them. And people have definitely not stopped using it ever since.
But hashtags are not just for your Friday night out posts or your wedding pictures, they serve a much bigger purpose when it comes to marketing. Want to know more about how to use this simple but amazing tool for 2024? Let’s find out!
What are Hashtags?
The internet is pretty massive with so many types of content zooming around. This is a tricky puzzle to solve if you don’t have something to group together similar topics. This is where hashtags come in as glue holding everything together while dividing it into neat sections.
Imagine you’re at a library, and every book has a label that describes what’s inside. Hashtags are like those labels for social media posts. They’re words or phrases marked with a # symbol, making them super searchable and helping people discover easily.
Here are some of the most common types of hashtags:
- Branded Hashtags:
These are like your own custom stickers. Let’s say you have a favorite cafe called BrewHeaven – their special hashtag might be #BrewHeavenAdventures. People use it to share their coffee moments or find others who love the same place. Remember the ice bucket challenge that you probably tried a few years ago? It was all the rage and even Shakira did it. This challenge blew up because the branding hashtag #icebucketchallenge went viral.
- Trending Hashtags:
Trending hashtags are like the cool parties everyone’s talking about. They’re the hashtags a lot of people are using right now. So, if there’s a buzz about #WinterWonderland or a fun dance craze with #GroovyMoves, joining in can get your posts in front of more eyes. If you heard about a new trend from a friend and you want to find out more about it then all you’re going to do is search the hashtag and all the related posts will come up.
Now these might come off as a surprise but here are some of the most trending topics of 2024:
- #Instagood.
- #Fashion.
- #Photography.
- #Art.
- #Beautiful.
- #Nature.
- #Picoftheday.
- #Happy.
- Campaign-Specific Hashtags:
Imagine you’re throwing a big party, and you create a special hashtag for it, like #SummerBlast2024. Companies do the same for their events or sales. It helps keep everything organized and lets people easily find posts related to that specific thing. Now here’s an example you might know very well. Coca-Cola came out with a new campaign called the #ShareACoke where every bottle had a name or title written on it. People absolutely loved the idea and they would take pictures of the bottle and upload it with the hashtag. As you can expect, the tag blew up and so did the sales for Coca-Cola!
4 Reasons Why You Need to Learn How to Use Hashtags
If hashtags didn’t have the power to make you seen in front of your audience then nobody would be using them. They bring that edge to your posts and people start to recognize your brand more. Here are some more reasons why it’s the most important thing for you to learn in 2024, especially if you work in marketing:
Get Your Brand Seen
You know how when you use hashtags, it’s like putting up a friendly signal on social media? Well, Twitter spills the beans – it’s not just about being trendy; it’s like a secret handshake that boosts your message association by a whopping 18%! Plus, your brand awareness? It skyrockets by 8%. Take a look at Lululemon, that cool athletic gear brand from Canada. They’re not just about selling leggings; they’re all about cheering you on to lead an active life.
Their tagline, “living #thesweatlife,” isn’t just catchy; it’s a whole vibe. And get this – thanks to their hashtag game, over 1.5 million people have jumped on board, sharing their sweat-worthy moments. Imagine your brand becoming a part of people’s daily stories – that’s the power of a well-placed hashtag.
Disclosing Sponsored Partnerships
Influencers and brands, this is for you! Both of you have to let the audience know if you’re marketing for a sponsored partnership. It’s not just a choice; it’s the law. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) laid down the rules in 2019, and it’s all about transparency. Influencers listen up – when you’re teaming up with a brand, you’ve got to make it crystal clear to your awesome followers that it’s a sponsored gig. No secrets here!
The consequence of not playing by the rules? Well, it could lead to hefty fines for both you and the brand. And we definitely don’t want that in 2024, right? So, when you’re posting those cool branded pics or videos, throw in those disclosure hashtags.
Growing Your Follower Count
If you think about it, everyone on social media has one real goal: seeing those followers’ numbers go up and never come down. Hashtags? They’re your helpers in this journey. Imagine them as magical signposts that lead interested folks straight to your content. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn even let users follow hashtags – it’s like having your own fan club for a specific topic.
Now, here’s the genius part: when you use trending and popular hashtags, your posts pop up in front of those who like what you’re sharing. If you love baking cupcakes and want the world to know about your new pop-up in the city, then slap on hashtags like #cupcakeideas or #cupcakeart, and suddenly, your sweet creations are going to pop up in front of cake lovers. And guess who grew new followers with this? You did!
Stand Out From the Crowd
How do you make your brand be seen in a literal sea of other brands on social media? Enter brand hashtags – these little gems make you stand out like red out of grey. When you use these special hashtags, you’re creating a filter that sifts through the content jungle, letting in the good stuff – your User Generated Content (UGC). And if you reshare this content, then you make your brand the most trusted source. Your followers see real people loving your brand, and that’s pure gold.
Now, what do you pick for these brand hashtags? Well, you can go classic with your brand name and tagline. But this doesn’t mean that you start adding a random chunk of hashtags that people get annoyed seeing every time they click on Read More. You have to think about a smart hashtag that tells a lot with just a few words.
How to Use Hashtags on Popular Social Media Platforms
Okay, now you know why these hashtags are important for your marketing game, but how do you even make one? And how do you know what kind of hashtags suit a platform?
Don’t worry, here’s a simple guide to help you. We’ll tell you how the algorithm works for each SMM platform and how you can make hashtags for it.
*Platform Overview:*
Instagram is like a photo and video wonderland. It’s where people share their lives through images, reels, and stories. The algorithm here loves engagement – the more likes, comments, and shares, the merrier.
*Creating Hashtags:*
Create hashtags that mirror your content and vibe. For instance, if you’re into fitness, go for #FitLife or #WorkoutWonders. Combine popular ones like #ThrowbackThursday with niche ones like #HealthyEats.
*Using Hashtags:*
Don’t go overboard; 5-15 hashtags per post is sweet. Mix it up with popular, niche, and branded ones. Talk to others using the same hashtags. For example, if you use #TravelDreams, check out and comment on posts from fellow dreamers.
Hashtag Tips for Instagram:
- When sharing your awesome post, drop your hashtags in the first comment. This way, your followers can fully enjoy your fantastic caption without having a huge chunk of hashtags in the way.
- If you have an Instagram Business account, use Instagram Insights. Check how many eyes found your profile through hashtags.
- Don’t play hide-and-seek with your hashtags. Avoid tossing them in the middle of your captions or comments – it might confuse text-to-speech readers. Keep it simple by grouping them at the end of your caption or in a comment.
Twitter or X
*Platform Overview:*
X is like a global chatroom. It’s all about real-time conversations, witty remarks, and breaking news. The algorithm values retweets, likes, and replies.
*Creating Hashtags:*
A good hashtag for X is something that completes your tweet with a few tags. For example, if you’re sharing a joke, throw in #LaughOutLoud or if it’s about tech trends, try #FutureTechFaves.
*Using Hashtags:*
Keep it concise; 1-2 hashtags per tweet is Twitter’s sweet spot. Join trending conversations by using popular hashtags. For instance, if there’s a #MondayMotivation trend, share your motivational quote and jump into the positivity stream.
Hashtag Tips for X:
- Technically, Twitter gives you the green light to sprinkle as many hashtags as you want within that 280-character canvas. But Twitter says to keep it short with no more than two hashtags per Tweet.
- If you’re thinking of leaving a hashtag in the Twitterverse, use Twitter’s advanced search to make sure your brainchild isn’t already taken. You don’t want to do something already done before.
*Platform Overview:*
Facebook is like a virtual living room. It’s about connecting with friends, family, and communities. The algorithm loves comments, shares, and reactions.
*Creating Hashtags:*
Stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags. If it’s about family gatherings, go for #FamilyTime or if it’s a business post, try #LocalBusinessLove.
*Using Hashtags:*
Connect with existing communities using your chosen hashtags. For example, if you use #DIYProjects, check out others sharing their creations, leave a comment, and build connections. It’s like attending a neighborhood block party.
Hashtag Tips for Facebook:
- Facebook is a bit like a closed book; not everyone’s pages are open for everyone to see. Brands might find it a bit tricky to track hashtag buzz because of this privacy vibe.
- To see who’s joining your hashtag party, use facebook.com/hashtag/_____. Just add your keyword at the end.
*Platform Overview:*
LinkedIn is your virtual office. It’s for professional networking, job hunting, and business updates. The algorithm values engagement, profile completeness, and connection quality.
*Creating Hashtags:*
Choose industry-relevant hashtags. For example, if you’re in marketing, go for #DigitalMarketingInsights or #CareerTips.
*Using Hashtags:*
1-3 hashtags per post is the LinkedIn sweet spot. Participate in industry-specific conversations. If you use #LeadershipTalks, comment on others’ insights and share your thoughts. It’s like joining a business conference.
Hashtag Tips for LinkedIn:
- Join trending conversations with relevant hashtags, but keep it professional.
- If you have a LinkedIn Business account, check your analytics. See which hashtags are giving your profile a boost.
Choosing the Right Hashtags For Your Content
Confused about where to start with all these hashtags? Read this first:
Setting Goals for Your Hashtag Campaign
Before you jump into the hashtag game, let’s talk goals – think of them as your destination on this social media journey. Are you aiming to make your posts reach more people and get them talking? Or is it about creating a community around a topic you love? Your goals shape the hashtags you use. For instance, if you want the world to know about your brand, toss in some branded hashtags like #MyAwesomeBrand.
Know Who You’re Targetting
Before you become a hashtag maestro on social media, let’s talk about your audience – the real stars of the show. It’s not just about choosing random hashtags; it’s about picking the ones that make you pop up in front of people you want to be seen by.
First up, get to know your audience. Ask yourself questions like:
- Who are you talking to?
- What makes them tick?
- Where do they hang out online?
- Are they into #TechTalks or more of #NatureExplorers?
Dig into demographics – think age, location, interests, and what keeps them up at night.
Explore the language they use.
Are they all about #AdventureTime or leaning towards #CozyNightsIn?
Know the social media playgrounds they frequent and the content that lights up their screens.
You’re not a mind reader, but surveys, market research, and the analytics tools on social platforms are your secret weapons. When you understand your audience, choosing hashtags becomes like speaking their language.
Know How to Hashtag
Let’s get back to the hashtag basics – they might start with a #, but there’s a bit more to the magic. First off, no spaces, punctuation, or symbols allowed in your hashtag game. Keep it clean and simple!
Now, open those gates – make sure your accounts are set to public. If they’re locked up, your hashtagged content will only reach the eyes of your followers. This way you won’t be able to get new ones.
When crafting hashtags, don’t go on a word marathon. Short and sweet is the golden rule. Think #TravelDreams over #MyUnforgettableEpicAdventureOfALifetime.
Here’s the secret sauce: stay relevant, and be specific. Your hashtags should be like a spotlight on your content. It should complete the post, the tweet, or anything you’re posting without being too random or ambiguous.
Quality over quantity, people! Limit those hashtags. More doesn’t equal better; in fact, it can look a bit spammy.
Find Related Hashtags
So, you’ve nailed down some solid hashtags that vibe with your brand – great start! Now, let’s talk about taking it up a notch with related hashtags. Think of these as your hashtag squad – a bit more specific, a bit more niche, and perfect for getting new people to like your brand.
Let’s say you’re the fitness guru rocking #FitLife. Dig deeper and find related gems like #HealthyHabits or #FitnessMotivation. When you’re generalizing the hashtag, you’re actually tapping into the audience of that hashtag.
On LinkedIn, it’s even easier. Click on a hashtag, and voilà! You’ll find a magical “Discover more hashtags” button after clicking on the ellipsis. Choose wisely, and suddenly, you’re mingling with an even more specific crowd that’s all about what you have to offer.
