#HashtagsAreAmazing. What started as Twitter’s method of connecting tweets through keywords has now become one of the marquee tools of social-media marketing. Hashtags have been used to promote things as simple as the #MannequinChallenge, to full-scale campaigns like the #MeToo movement. For any entrepreneur attempting to improve their social media presence, hashtags are an invaluable asset. However, as with every tool, it has to be used strategically in order to be effective. To this end, we are pleased to share with our readers some helpful tips on how to maximize the effect of hashtags.
Know the Platform
Hashtags are commonly used on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook but each platform has a different set of rules. Tweets allow for a maximum of 180 characters per post, so one or two relevant hashtags is ideal. For Instagram, up to 30 hashtags can be included, however, for improved engagement, 12-15 tags is the suggested range. Facebook has no limit on post length but don’t overuse this by cluttering posts with tags. When in doubt just remember K.I.S.S. (Keep It Short & Sweet).
Avoid General Hashtags
When adding hashtags to your posts, do a quick check to see the posts that are associated with the tags you wish to use. General tags like #Success and #Business will have millions of posts associated with them. This means you have to compete with all these posts. As a result, businesses with small followings won’t gain much visibility. Using more hashtags specific to your business (e.g. #yourbusinessname, #yourtagline) will increase your reach and overall visibility.
Call to Action
If you want your own unique hashtags to gain traction, provide your followers with opportunities to use them e.g. to promote an upcoming event or as part of a contest. By prompting your followers to use your hashtags, they remain your active followers and promote your business on their individual profiles. Treat a hashtag as if it is a conversation starter, because that’s what it is effectively.
So to conclude, when hashtags are used effectively, they can give your business visibility well beyond your current engagement. Moreover, entrepreneurs need to master the celebrated hashtag in order to maintain a connection with their target audiences. #GoodLuck
