Mastering the Art of Hashtagging
Do you know how to use hashtags? How about how not to use hashtags? The strategic use of hashtags can play a pivotal role in elevating your brand’s presence on social media. Here’s what you need to know…
The hashtag was first brought to Twitter on August 23, 2007 by Chris Messina. Before this, the hash (or pound) symbol had been used in various ways around the web, which helped Chris in developing his detailed suggestion for using hashtags on Twitter.
Since then, hashtags have evolved to become a powerful tool in bridging the gap between your content and various social media communities. Let’s take a look through the essentials of employing hashtags effectively to showcase your topics and broaden your audience reach.
Understanding Hashtags
A hashtag is essentially a word or phrase preceded by the hash symbol (#), serving as a searchable link on social media platforms. Whether embedded in a post’s body or placed within comments, hashtags highlight your posts, aiming to foster interactions and attract potential followers. When phrasing a hashtag, ensure it is uninterrupted by spaces, for example, #OnimodGlobal. While numbers can be included, avoid symbols or punctuation.
The Significance of Hashtags
Using hashtags effectively is more than just making #ThrowbackThursday posts on Instagram. Hashtags are indispensable in ensuring your content reaches the intended audience, driving traffic, and enhancing engagement through increased views, likes, and shares. However, their impact is contingent upon strategic and thoughtful use.
Here are key hashtag strategies to enhance your social media presence:
Moderation is Key: The effectiveness of hashtags varies across platforms. For instance, on Twitter, one to three hashtags tend to be more impactful than a plethora.
Keep Hashtags Short and Memorable: Opt for concise and memorable hashtags. Take inspiration from trending hashtag campaigns like #ALSIceBucketChallenge which gained monumental traction in the summer of 2014 and remains prevalent today.
Avoid Obscurity: Steer clear of overly unique hashtags that are unlikely to be searched by users.
Crafting Your Hashtag Strategy
Developing a personalized hashtag strategy is attainable for anyone. Aim for specificity in your hashtag selection to attract a targeted audience. When you use hashtags that are pertinent to your audience and business, you increase the visibility of your posts among individuals who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
This not only boosts your engagement and follower count but also helps you establish credibility and trust within your niche. In contrast, using unrelated or generic hashtags can dilute your message and attract the wrong audience, leading to missed opportunities and a less effective social media presence.
Analyze your competitors’ hashtag usage to gauge their engagement levels and adapt your strategy accordingly. Remember, success in hashtagging stems from understanding your audience and the nuances of each social platform. Continuously refine your approach based on performance analytics and engagement metrics.
Final Thoughts
Hashtags are a potent tool for not only engaging existing followers but also for attracting new ones. Regardless of your familiarity with social media, delving into the strategic world of hashtags can yield significant engagement and reach enhancements.
At Onimod Global, we understand that the power of a well-implemented hashtag strategy can exponentially increase the visibility and engagement of your content across social media platforms. For comprehensive support in hashtags and other digital marketing domains, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
