#Hashtags: do we still need them?
The debate over the relevance of hashtags in social media marketing is ongoing, with some marketers arguing that they are becoming out of date, while others believe they still hold value. The effectiveness of hashtags depends on various factors, such as the social platform being used, the content type, the account’s follower count, and whether the post is sponsored, etc.
While there is evidence suggesting the decline of hashtags, they can still be valuable when used strategically, particularly in enhancing social SEO. However, excessive use, like adding 30 hashtags to an Instagram post, is no longer considered effective.
Many platforms have changed their algorithms recently trying to focus on organic exposure and many marketers claim hashtags no longer work. However, at a closer look, it depends on a platform, the number of hashtags, and them itself.
Organic visibility on Facebook has significantly declined in recent years, making it harder for brands to reach their audience without paying for ads. However, strategic use of hashtags can still help you overcome this challenge. Although they might not be as popular as they used to but they can still be effective when used correctly.
Facebook hashtags make clickable links. They help the platform categorize your content. When you include a hashtag in a post, it becomes a link that brings up a feed of public posts containing the same hashtag. If you search for a particular hashtag, Facebook will display related posts, enabling users to follow discussions on that topic. However, only posts with that specific hashtag will appear in the search results. This means that just discussing a topic isn’t enough to reach a broader audience. You need to use relevant hashtags to ensure that people who aren’t following your page can discover and engage with your content.
There are several reasons why Facebook hashtags remain useful:
- Increased Discoverability: Hashtags categorize your content, making it easier for users to find posts related to specific topics. This can be particularly valuable for reaching audiences who are not already following your page.
- Enhanced Engagement: By using hashtags, you can tap into ongoing conversations and trending topics, increasing the likelihood of engagement with your posts.
- Brand Exposure: Hashtags allow you to extend the reach of your posts beyond your immediate followers, helping to increase brand exposure.
A good rule of thumb is to use 2 or 3 hashtags in the post and no more than that.
Instagram hashtags do pretty much the same thing. To effectively grow your Instagram account and maintain organized content, using hashtags strategically is essential. However, this isn’t a one-time solution. Continuously track which hashtags are driving the most engagement and adjust your strategy as needed.
Here are four tips:
- Research Relevant Hashtags: Identify hashtags that align with your content and audience by exploring industry posts, competitor tags, and Instagram’s search function. A mix of broad and specific hashtags is the key to balance visibility and audience engagement.
- Caption vs. First Comment: You can place hashtags in the post’s caption or the first comment. While this choice doesn’t significantly impact reach, testing both options can help determine what works best for your content.
- Optimal Hashtag Count: Although you can use up to 30 hashtags per post, using too many can reduce engagement. Stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags, blending general and specific tags for the best results.
LinkedIn hashtags are powerful tools to increase your visibility, connect with your industry, and build a community around your brand. By using relevant and trending hashtags, you can attract attention to your content, whether you’re looking to expand your network, promote events, or recruit talent. However, it’s vital to stick to trends that align with your brand. Researching and following the hashtags your audience and competitors use can also offer valuable insights into your target market and help refine your content strategy.
To find those perfect and instrumental hashtags you can use you might use hashtag generator or composing tools or do it yourself.
To identify effective LinkedIn hashtags, start by examining those your competitors use, especially in high-engagement posts. This can give you clues about which tags resonate with your shared audience. Also, explore trending posts in your industry to spot frequently used hashtags that align with your content. Additionally, visit LinkedIn’s hashtag pages to follow popular tags and observe the type of content and engagement they generate. This will help you refine your hashtag strategy by drawing inspiration from successful posts in your field.
Tips to use hashtags on LinkedIn
- Capitalize the first letter of each word in multi-word hashtags for better readability and accessibility. This format helps screen readers accurately interpret and vocalize the hashtags, benefiting visually impaired users.
- Place hashtags at the end of your LinkedIn posts since their position doesn’t affect the algorithm. LinkedIn suggests using three hashtags per post, but you can use more if necessary. However, avoid overloading your posts with too many hashtags to prevent them from appearing spammy.
- For optimal reach, use a mix of general and specific hashtags—this approach helps target a broader audience as well as those interested in niche topics.
You can survive without using hashtags. However, they will make your social media life a little easier. If you need more tips, stay tuned to VAfromEurope and get more.
