Do you remember the first time you encountered a hashtag? It was probably some cryptic combo like #yolo or #tbt and you thought, “What on Earth are these tic-tac-toe symbols doing all over my feed?” Welcome to the wild, wonderful, and sometimes downright weird world of hashtagging! When used correctly, hashtags can propel your posts into the social stratosphere. Get it wrong, and you’ll end up like Tom in MySpace – friendless and forgotten. Let’s dive into the art and science of selecting the perfect hashtags for your posts.
The Science
Just like baking requires precision, so does selecting your hashtags. If you’ve been tossing them into your posts like confetti, it’s time to put on your lab coat and safety goggles – we’re about to get scientific.
Research: Conducting research is as crucial as a pilot checking their instruments before takeoff. Understand the trending hashtags within your niche. Tools like Hashtagify or RiteTag can help. It’s like when Hermione uses a spell in Harry Potter – the magic’s in the details.
Analytics: While the phrase “analytics” might make you feel like you’re back in your high-school calculus class, understanding your post-performance is essential. Apps like Sprout Social or Later can help you identify which hashtags are getting traction. Remember, what can be measured can be improved.
The Art
Choosing hashtags isn’t just about analytics; it’s also a creative endeavor. Van Gogh didn’t cut off his ear because he was bored – he was just trying to understand the right hashtag to use (OK, maybe not, but you get the point).
Originality: Crafting unique hashtags can create brand identity. But be careful – no one wants to decipher a hashtag that looks like an alien language. Make it catchy and relevant, like Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke.
Relevance: Always remember, relevance trumps reach. Choose hashtags relevant to your content over general, overused ones. Remember the “My plans vs. 2020” meme? The hashtag #MyPlansVs2020 was used to illustrate disrupted plans due to the pandemic. Now that’s relevance!
Engagement: Hashtags are also a fun way to engage with your audience. For instance, #ThrowbackThursday or #MondayMotivation can spark conversations and increase engagement.
The Strategy
Hashtag usage is a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some posts have too many hashtags, some have too few, and others get it just right. Here’s how to be the Goldilocks of the hashtag world.
Quantity: Twitter suggests no more than two hashtags per tweet. Instagram, on the other hand, allows up to 30 but, seriously, don’t be that person. Studies show that 9 to 11 hashtags per Instagram post optimizes engagement.
Placement: Hide your hashtags or wear them proudly – there’s no definitive answer. Experiment with different placements – within the text, at the end of a post, or hidden in the first comment.
Mix it up: Don’t keep using the same hashtags. Mix them up to reach a wider audience.
Selecting the perfect hashtags for your posts is an art and a science. It requires a pinch of creativity, a dash of research, and a sprinkle of testing. But with the right mix, you’ll create a #Masterpiece.
So, next time you post, remember these pointers, and hashtag away. Just remember – it’s all fun and games until someone starts #hashtagging #every #single #word. Keep it meaningful, folks.
Remember, social media is a fickle friend, but with these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the Michelangelo of hashtags. After all, #PracticeMakesPerfect, right?