Updated: Why we use hashtags
There is a major debate in the digital space if adding hashtags is effective or not. The short answer is yes! Hashtags should be a part of your social media strategy, along with writing a caption, adding geotags and more.
Adding hashtags to your business page will help get your page found and keep track of any branded posts. However, you do not just want to use random hashtags in order to get your page found. You need a strategy. Our Denver social media marketing services team wants to share how hashtags can benefit your brand.
What is a hashtag?
A hashtag is a word or phrase that follows the pound symbol (#). In social media, it is used to categorize and keep track of posts from users. Users can add hashtags to Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest. The main purpose of hashtags is to organize a social media user’s experience. That way, users can click on the hashtag and find similar or related posts and videosto that hashtag.
Why should you use hashtags?
Hashtags have become a powerful tool for marketers to use when growing a brand’s presence online. Here are just a few benefits that using hashtags can offer:
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Increases social media engagement
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Makes it easier for people to find your brand
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Attracts more followers
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Allows for feedback
Tips for using hashtags
Create a branded hashtag
If you want to keep better track of your brand, then you need to use a branded hashtag. This kind of hashtag will help increase visibility, clicks, mentions and reach. Sit down with your team and create a hashtag that fits or includes your brand’s name. Then make sure to use it consistently on all social media.
Only use relevant hashtags
Although it could be tempting to add a lot of hashtags to your posts, using too many can cause damage. Using irrelevant hashtags or adding too many hashtags can cause social media platforms to think your account is spam.
The best thing to do is use an appropriate amount of hashtags or describe your posts. Each platform has its own rules and guidelines about hashtags. Here are the general hashtag regulations for each platform:
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Facebook uses 2-3 hashtags
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Instagram uses 10-12 hashtags
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LinkedIn use 3-5 hashtags
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Pinterest uses 2-6 hashtags
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Twitter uses 1-2 hashtags
Do not use shadowbanned hashtags
To protect users, social media platforms have banned certain hashtags. Using these hashtags will cause your account to be shadow banned. Before you start adding hashtags, be sure to do some research and make sure it is not banned. Here is a list of some hashtags that are banned in 2023.
Monitor your hashtag performance
If you created a branded hashtag, you want to monitor it. You want to see who is using it and how many times it has been used. You can use marketing automation tools like Sprout Social and Monstrous.Digital to keep track of those hashtags. These tools will even let you answer directly if you see someone using your hashtag to ask a question.
Do you need Denver social media marketing services?
Let Denver Media Group help you out. We can help you create and manage a social media strategy that is designed to help your brand reach your KPI goals. Do not hesitate to contact us about our social media management services.