You know how hashtags are all over social media? They are everywhere, appearing in articles, comments, and captions. But let us take a moment to be honest. Are you really using them appropriately? They are not merely words you throw on a post at random. Using hashtags well may make them strong. They assist in getting the proper individuals to find your content.
What is the real process for using hashtags to increase the number of people who see your posts? Now let us explore it.
What’s The Deal With Hashtags Anyway?
Hashtags aid in content classification. People who search for that hashtag may find your post if you tag it with anything relevant. Therefore, everyone who follows or searches for #SunsetLovers will see your photo if you publish a picture of a stunning sunset with that hashtag. Quite easy, is not it?
Here’s the problem, however. Using the appropriate hashtags is essential. It takes more than simply putting words together and crossing your fingers.
Research is Key
Using hashtags at random might backfire. Do not choose the first option that comes to mind. Search for hashtags related to your content. Try using #FitnessMotivation or #WorkoutRoutine, for instance, if you are interested in fitness and sharing exercise advice. Do not stop there, however. Look farther. Choose specialized hashtags such as #FitnessForBeginners or #HomeWorkoutIdeas.
I have a buddy named Sarah who created a fitness account. She utilized hashtags like #BodyweightExercises and #FitnessAtHome that were relevant to the routines she shared. Her following increased from 100 to 2,000 in only six months. She found that niche hashtags were really effective.
Mixing Big and Small Hashtags
With millions of users using popular hashtags like #Love or #InstaGood, your post will be swiftly lost in the shuffle. You do not want that. For visibility, it is crucial to utilize certain well-known hashtags, but you also need smaller, more focused ones.
Use hashtags like #Foodie, for instance, if you are a food blogger, but also try more specialized ones like #VeganRecipes or #HealthyEats. In only one year, a food blogger I follow amassed 10,000 followers by posting simple recipes and using a combination of popular and specialized hashtags. Her postings were longer visible because of the smaller tags.
Keep It Relevant
You should avoid using a hashtag that is unrelated to the content. #FoodPorn will not assist if you are uploading a photo of your dog. It is just deceptive. Use only hashtags that are relevant to your content.
People should follow you because they like your posts, not because they were duped. Be truthful and genuine.
Create Your Own Hashtags
Want to make a big impression? Make a hashtag with your brand. Companies often employ this, such as Nike’s #JustDoIt campaign. However, you can accomplish it without becoming a brand. I know a photographer named Anna who began using #CapturedByAnna for her photos. Her customers soon began sharing her images with the hashtag. Just by encouraging people to use her tag, she received a great deal of publicity. It is a great method to create a community around your work.
Don’t Overdo It
Alright, so using thirty hashtags is attractive, is not it? The problem is that less is often more. Five to ten well selected hashtags will enough. It is not necessary to overstuff your post with irrelevant hashtags. Often, a short, clean caption with a few relevant hashtags is the best option.
Test and Adjust
It is OK if you do not do it properly the first time. Trial and error are the key to social media. Pay attention to the performance of your postings, particularly those that include hashtags. Make use of a hashtag again if it is effective for you. Try something else if it is not producing the desired effects.
With time, you will discover what appeals to your audience.
