Hashtags can be quite the mystery when you first start using social media for business. What is a hashtag? How does it work? Is it worth spending the time doing? What are the benefits?
With 2.8 billion people using social media at the end of 2016 (according to Hootsuite’s Global Overview), it can be hard for people to find your business without trackable information — and that’s where hashtags can help.
Hashtags are like keywords on many social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and even Facebook. It makes your content discoverable, and connects customers’ content to your business.
On Instagram, hashtags have become particularly important now that users can follow them similarly to the way they follow people. So, if you’re using popular hashtags, it will help you build an Instagram audience, which can then translate to new customers. Need help figuring out what’s trending? Here’s a list of tools that can help you find popular hashtags.
However, it’s important to do your research before attaching your business (and brand) to a hashtag. You need to make sure the content of a hashtag is something you want your business associated with, since all content using that term will appear when someone searches for the hashtag. Similarly, if you want to start fresh with your own hashtag, make sure you’re the first person to use it, and make sure the hashtag content is a good fit.
When beginning to use hashtags, some best practices you want to keep in mind include branding your business with a hashtag (typically your business name), following hashtags similar to your own, and keeping it relevant.
By making your business name a hashtag, you can get your name out there through customers’ post. Encourage customers to share photos and other content using the hashtag. By using your business name as a hashtag, you can reach people beyond your followers and help build rapport with your customer base.
Once you have a hashtag (that you’ve checked isn’t already being used), follow organizations and hashtags that are relevant to your business and brand. These accounts and hashtags will give you an idea of what supporting and popular hashtags are being used by others. While it’s important to not overuse hashtags on posts, it’s also important to know what’s out there.
When using hashtags, make sure they are always relevant. While trying to attract more engagement, you want to find the right channels to reach people. Using irrelevant hashtags will only frustrate the people you’re trying to reach, as well as the people who are already following you. Don’t push people away who are already invested in your brand.
Hashtags can be a great way to engage audiences and find new followers. But how do you know if it’s helping? Tools like Keyhole and Sprout Social keep business in the loop on whether a hashtag has been effective or not.
If hashtags still seem like it’s too much to handle, social media experts like Aliya Hammond Consulting can help you conquer this challenge. From training courses to social media management, Aliya Hammond Consulting can help you effectively use hashtags — so your business can grow!
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
