The Dos and Don’ts of Using Hashtags

John Nicol

Using Hashtags continues to evolve, with platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn enhancing their utility by allowing users to follow specific hashtags. This development has made it easier for social media content to reach a wider audience, even from accounts that users don't directly follow. Now is the perfect time to refresh your hashtag strategy to maximize your content's visibility.

Do Your Research

You don’t always need to create a new hashtag from scratch. Often, it’s more effective to use existing, relevant hashtags that are already popular within your industry. Conduct research to identify hashtags that are trending and pertinent to your content. Tools like Hashtagify and RiteTag can help you discover and analyze the most effective hashtags to use.

Don’t Simply Pick a Hashtag Because It’s Popular

Using overly popular tags might seem like a good idea, but it can actually dilute your content’s visibility. With millions of posts under the same hashtag, your content is less likely to stand out. Aim for tags with moderate usage, ideally between 100,000 and 500,000 posts, to strike a balance between reach and competition.

Do Make Your Hashtag Memorable and Easy to Understand

Complex or lengthy hashtags can be off-putting. Opt for tags that are simple, concise, and easy to remember. This approach makes it more likely that users will engage with your hashtag and associate it with your brand. Keep it straightforward, such as #BrandTips or #SocialMediaSuccess.

Don’t Use Unnecessary Hashtags

Refrain from using generic or irrelevant tags just to fill space. Using hashtags like #wow or #instagood are unlikely to attract the targeted audience you’re aiming for. Focus on tags that directly relate to your content and your audience's interests. For example, a post about social media marketing might use #ContentMarketing or #SMM instead of generic tags.

Leverage Hashtag Analytics

In 2024, analytics tools are more advanced than ever, allowing you to track the performance of your hashtags in real-time. Use tools like Sprout Social or Brand24 to monitor which tags are driving engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly. This data-driven approach will help you refine your hashtag usage over time.