Hashtags for #Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
At this point in time, it is nearly impossible to effectively post on popular digital platforms without using hashtags. Previously known as the hash symbol or pound sign, hashtags are one way for business owners and creators to share their messages far and wide. With this key piece of data, you can ensure that your content is cross-referenced by a platform so that it can find its way to your target audience. Let’s explore what they are and how they work.
What Is a Hashtag?
A hashtag is, in its simplest form, a tag. These tags are used and referenced within platforms, like social media websites, to help organize content. When a tag is applied to content, it helps the system to understand where it needs to go and who might be interested in it. This makes it easier for algorithms and users to find your content when they are looking for something similar to what you have posted.
A Short History of Hashtags
The modern hashtag was first introduced in 2007 by Chris Messina, a prominent blogger and product consultant who suggested these tags for Twitter use. His idea was that, by using these tags, users could find messages and groups that matched their interests. Though the tags were initially ridiculed, following a few natural disasters and major events, it became clear that hashtags could connect us with one another—and they could even save lives. With time, hashtags gained prominence on every major platform and are now being used to broadcast messages to millions of people.
Why Do We Use Hashtags?
Today, we use hashtags as a way of preemptively grouping our content. While algorithms can pick and organize data using other methods, hashtags are active and deliberate. More importantly, they are often community-based, allowing you to connect with your audience and explore common trends.
How to Find the Right Hashtags for Your Business
Finding the right hashtags takes time, effort, and research. You can find hashtags by looking at similar posts, exploring common tags within online communities, and even by investing in software. The best way to find top-performing hashtags that will suit your specific brand is to work with a team that specializes in finding the right tags for your content.
Proper Use of Hashtags on These Platforms
Though hashtags often serve the same purpose across platforms, the correct ways to use them to provide the best results can vary in some cases. Let’s explore how to use hashtags on these platforms.
· Look for trending tags and post content under these tags
· Use keywords pertaining to the topic of your content
· Be deliberate when choosing hashtags and avoid picking random words
· Create a hashtag that can be shared with your community
· Use trending hashtags after your content to increase content visibility
· Pick hashtags that allow you to enter community discussions
· Use hashtags at the end of your posts
· Add up to 30 relevant hashtags
· Avoid using unrelated or “spam” hashtags
TikTok
· Add hashtags at the end of content
· Choose dedicated tags that are related to your community
· Jump on hashtag trends
YouTube
· Avoid overusing hashtags and never go over 60 hashtags per video
· Never use hashtags that do not relate to your content
· Think of hashtags as a way to label your content
· Use relatable and popular hashtags that pertain to your content
· Avoid unnecessary hashtag use and keep it simple
· Focus on trends and short-term strategies
· Follow related hashtags to find new options
· Choose hashtags that are a “personal interest” for your audience
· Keep it simple and only apply necessary and relevant tags
Let ACM Digital Marketing Create a Hashtag Strategy for Your Company
Don’t have time to perform in-depth hashtag research for your company? We can help! Our team of experienced digital marketers can research your company’s best hashtags and create a custom strategy for your brand. Click here to request a free proposal.
