Typically I’m a “more is better” person, especially when you’re asking me if I want 1 cupcake or 2. However, with hashtags - more is NOT better.
I know it can be overwhelming to decide what hashtags, where to place them, and how many - so let me break it down for you!
Yes they matter.
Yes, use them.
But don’t just go willy-nilly and use whatever pops up and however many will fit. There is a science behind it.
Here's how to use them effectively:
Research Relevant Hashtags: Start with hashtags that are specific to your niche. Use social media platforms' search functions to find popular and relevant hashtags. This involves some detective work, but it’s worth the effort.
Use a Mix of Broad and Niche Hashtags: Broad hashtags get you on the map, while niche-specific tags draw in a targeted audience. For example, if you’re in the coffee business, #coffee is broad, but #singleorigincoffee targets a particular interest group.
Keep it Organized: Create a list of your researched hashtags. Keeping them categorized (by topic, platform, popularity) makes it easier to mix and match them for different posts. We keep ours in a spreadsheet with tabs labeled (and of course they ARE color coded - duh 😛).
Don’t Overstuff Your Posts: While it's tempting to add as many hashtags as possible, this can actually work against you. Each platform has it’s sweet spot. For instance, on Instagram, it’s recommended (now) to use between 3-8 hashtags per post.
Analyze and Adapt: Pay attention to which hashtags bring the most engagement to your posts. Platforms like Instagram provide insights for this purpose. Keep experimenting to find your golden set of hashtags.
Why This Hack Works
Hashtags increase the discoverability of your posts across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. They can significantly extend the reach of your content to audiences that don’t already follow you, making them essential tools in your social media arsenal.
Patience and persistence are key; with each post, you're one step closer to mastering the art of online engagement.
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