If you’ve been constantly reading my blog, you should be more than aware by now what social media hashtags are, and what they’re actually used for. But for those who don’t know, the simplest explanation for it is that it works as a category link in which every post using that particular hashtag will be delivered into an archive filled with other similar posts that are using it. It’s a great means to market and get more exposure to your post on most social media platforms. However, some are doing it wrongly and thus getting negative results. So, check out the best and worst practices to improve your hashtag strategy.
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@1alexkhan”]Do you use hashtags? If you do, here’s what you really need to know. [/tweetthis]
Best and Worst Usages of Social Media Hashtags
Best:
- Always use relevant hashtags for your post, especially if you have a very minimalistic caption for a photo post. Refrain from using hashtags that simply do not describe or is very far from the point your post is trying to make.
- Use hashtags that are fairly recognized by the social media platform – of course, brand signature hashtags are exempted. Always search the hashtag first to see its popularity and if it is a familiar enough to be searched by users.
- In creating your brand signature hashtag, avoid using the whole brand name. Instead, be more creative about it. Just take me for example – I’m not using #1alexkhan, but I use #WeKhan which is more appealing and useful for others.
- Always use the suggested number of hashtags for the particular platform you’re in. Twitter, Facebook, and Periscope uses fewer hashtags to bring in more traffic rather than Instagram. Abide by them and you will gain promising result than being an unorthodox.
Worst:
- Spamming hashtags everywhere. Never put too much hashtags and just limit them to where they fit appropriately. Even if the hashtag you’re using fits the comment or post, it doesn’t mean you have to repeat it.
- Never use a four-or-more-word hashtag such as #Ilovethebeach as people don’t really type in that many characters for a hashtag. Instead, go with #beachlover or simply #beach, which is still on-point and easier to search.
- Don’t use hashtag on posts that do not need one. Just because hashtags can catch more attention and get you more traffic, it doesn’t mean you have to place it in your formal updates and messages. Doing so might make you lose your credibility.