#hashtag

Businesses often ignore hashtag etiquette, using hashtags recklessly and without a solid strategy. But should you be so carefree?

With so much content uploaded every second, it’s easy to see how competitive the social media world is. That’s why so many people and brands often turn to hashtags.

Hashtags are an excellent tool for increasing reach and engaging with new audiences; however, when hashtag etiquette is ignored, you have a potential disaster brewing.

Before you start throwing hashtags around like rice at a wedding, consider your goals, audience, strategy, and the social media platform you’re using.

Let’s take a closer look at hashtag etiquette 👇

Consider your platform

Hashtag usage can vary greatly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other social media platform.

Important: If you’re spending a lot of time posting on Instagram, you may want to reconsider where you post your hashtags.

Common hashtag etiquette

While the rules do certainly vary from platform to platform, there are some best practices to follow that will apply to hashtag etiquette and strategies:

Don’t string too many words together

While certain circumstances might require multiple words (#FirstWorldProblems), your hashtags should be punchy, concise, and easy to read. Your goal, especially if you’re creating branded hashtags, should be to make your hashtags easy to rewrite and repost. If you must use longer hashtags, then make sure you capitalise each word to make it easier for the reader. #ReallyNeedToThinkAboutShorterHashtags

Don’t tag every word

Tagging every word makes you look like you have nothing better to do with your time, and whilst you don’t, the world doesn’t need to know that.

Keep an eye on trending hashtags

Social media is all about trends. Whether you’re setting them or following them, being aware of what’s trending is essential for finding success in a fast-paced environment.

Tip: Most social media platforms have a trending page, so make sure you check in regularly.

Here are the most popular hashtags of all time:

#love
#instagood
#photooftheday
#fashion
#trending
#explorepage
#viral
#tbt
#like4like
#followme

Popular hashtags are great; however, they’re super competitive. Try and find some more niche hashtags that might help you cut through. Hot tip: Don’t uise the most popular hashtags of all time!

Proofread your hashtags

This should already be a no-brainer in your workflow, but you must proofread all your content, including your hashtags. Not only are misspelled hashtags bad hashtag etiquette, but they’ll also make your business look unprofessional.

Your hashtags must be relevant to your content

Let’s imagine that you’re a business that sells artisan honey. The goal of your hashtag strategy isn’t simply to reach as many people as possible, right? While you can certainly throw out as big a net as possible to catch the right fish, the better practice would be to throw your net into the ocean area where the fish you want spend their time.

A business selling honey has no place in #shoes.

Keep your hashtags fresh

Look, we know how easy it is to use the same hashtags for everything you post on social media, but this is bad hashtag etiquette. On the surface, consistency is nice. It’s clean. We get it. However, consistency can also be a bit boring, and after a while, you’ll start to notice a did in reach. Look for trends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different hashtags.

Do you have a hashtag strategy?

Like all things in social media, strategy is key. While trial and error certainly plays a part, it should still be part of your overall strategy.

When it comes to hashtags, you need to think about where you’re posting them, how many you’re posting, what you want them to achieve, and so much more. You can’t keep track of everything if you don’t have a plan and some form of analytics.

Your goal is to reach more people interested in your content, so you need to measure the effectiveness of different hashtags.

Final thoughts

Mastering hashtag etiquette remains paramount for businesses seeking to stand out amidst the digital noise. The allure of hashtags as a tool for amplifying reach and engaging audiences is undeniable, yet their misuse can swiftly lead to missed opportunities or even reputational harm.

Businesses can effectively harness hashtags’ power by embracing strategic thinking and platform-specific tactics. Remember, it’s not just about throwing hashtags around; it’s about crafting a cohesive strategy aligned with your goals, audience, and platform nuances.

So, before you embark on your next hashtag journey, consider the intricacies of etiquette and strategy, ensuring your hashtags capture attention and drive meaningful engagement.

Hashtag Etiquette in 2024