Hashtags are an important tool in your social media toolbox to help you gain exposure for your brand. If the social media goal of “building awareness” is one of yours, a solid hashtag strategy will help you expand awareness and get in front of the people who are interested in learning and buying from you.
The algorithm is always on the search to connect the right content with the right people. Hashtags, which are readable words to the algorithm, will deliver your post to the people that are interested in that hashtag category!
For example, I often see businesses include the hashtag #ShopSmall in their posts. But to reach an audience that might actually see their posts and make a purchase, they should include their state, city or neighborhood in that hashtag. If Crystal Media owned a store, our hashtags would look like this: #ShopSmallSanDiego #ShopSmallCarlsbad
Some general hashtag strategy tips to apply to every platform:
- Every hashtag should be relevant.
- Use a mix of big, medium and niche hashtags.
- Add hashtags in your captions, not in the comments.
- Always add a space between each hashtag so they don’t read as one.
- Think of hashtags as a way to get discovered and attract your PCG (Perfect Customer Group).
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of each platform so you can reach the people that want to see you on their feeds!
Hashtags on TikTok
With space for only 150 characters in TikTok captions, you have to be strategic with hashtags. We’re finding that short captions and a lot of hashtags is what’s currently working on TikTok. TikTok’s algorithm is strong, so if you’re using your caption space to help the app determine who’s going to be interested in your video, you may have a higher chance of landing on a new viewer’s “For You” page as a recommended video.
Also, check out the “Discover Page” on TikTok to see which hashtags are trending. Choose a few relevant trending hashtags to add to hashtags relating to your location, as the geographical algorithm is very powerful on TikTok.
Hashtags on Facebook
Previously in the marketing world, hashtags were obsolete on Facebook. That couldn’t be more false in current times. It’s recommended to use 2-5 hashtags in all Facebook posts.
We’ve heard that specifically 2-3 hashtags on your Facebook post will perform best, but testing the amount for your content is recommended.
We also recommend placing all your hashtags at the bottom of your post. However, leave some space between your copy and your hashtags (i.e. several rows of dots, emojis in between the caption and the hashtags, etc). Hashtags on Facebook are used for discoverability, so you don’t want your viewers to accidentally click on them and leave your post.
Hashtags on Instagram
Surprise! The @Creators account, run by Instagram, recently shared that the correct amount of hashtags to use in an IG post is 3-5. Although there’s room for 30 hashtags on an IG post, choosing 3-5 specific hashtags—placed in the caption—is what’s recommended.
Experts’ recommendations range from using up to 11 hashtags to using a maximum of 3 hashtags. Hence, we believe testing hashtag quantity will help you determine what performs best for your store. Note: Never add a ton of hashtags to your post just for exposure. Be mindful of the number of hashtags used.
No matter the platform, find the best hashtags for your business by researching and re-evaluating quarterly. It’s best to use a mix of hashtag sizes while trying some trending, popular and niche tags. Too many extremely popular and highly-used hashtags on your post won’t help you get discovered. It’ll help drown out your content.
Remember, the algorithm is very intelligent. It can recognize if you’re using hashtags correctly or just for the sole purpose of clickbait.
Make your hashtags relevant to your content, your business, and your location!
What I Want You To Take Away From This Blog:
- Hashtags strategy is unique to each platform.
- Don’t litter your posts with too many hashtags.
- Hashtags should be placed in the caption.
- Be specific and relevant when choosing hashtags.
Okay, over to you…
Which hashtags have performed well for you? DM us on Instagram to let us know!
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