Hashtags have become a fundamental part of digital marketing, but many businesses still overlook their true potential. While often associated with social media, hashtags extend beyond platforms like Instagram and Twitter, serving as powerful tools for organization, visibility, and engagement.
In this blog, we'll explore why hashtags matter, how they function beyond social media, and how businesses—especially small ones—can leverage them effectively for growth.
Looking for a tool that can come up with hashtags, posts, and basically everything for your social media? Meet Alkai, the world’s first AI-powered social media assistant that takes the workload off your plate. It automates content creation, scheduling, and posting so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Try Alkai today and experience effortless social media marketing!
What Are Hashtags For?
Hashtags are more than just a social media trend. Hashtags are important in digital marketing because they serve as a digital categorization system that makes content discoverable. Hashtags started back in 2007 when Chris Messina suggested on Twitter that it be used as a way to properly group relevant messages and tweets.
Today, hashtags have evolved into a universal method of tagging topics, allowing users to find relevant discussions, news, and trends easily.
For example, in live events, hashtags help attendees track real-time updates. Even in business, companies use branded hashtags to create a unified online presence.
Why Are Hashtags Important for Social Media?
On social media, hashtags function as traffic drivers. They help users discover new content, improve engagement rates, and categorize posts within niche communities. Hashtags also play a role in algorithm optimization—platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize content that aligns with trending hashtags, increasing a brand’s visibility.
For businesses, using the right hashtags can mean the difference between a post that gets buried and one that reaches thousands of potential customers. Whether you're launching a new product or running a campaign, hashtags can significantly boost your content’s reach and interaction.
How to Use Hashtags Effectively for Social Media
Using hashtags effectively requires strategy. Here’s how businesses, especially small ones, can maximize their impact:
1. Use Relevant and Specific Hashtags
What makes hashtags really effective is making them specific and aligned with a niche. Instead of casting your net too wide by targeting broad hashtags, the best way for businesses to use hashtags is to make them relevant and specific. This ensures the post reaches the right audience instead of getting lost among millions of others.
Example for small businesses: A local bakery should avoid #Food and instead use #LocalBakery or #FreshBreadDaily.
2. Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
Popular hashtags increase visibility, while niche hashtags attract a more targeted audience. A good strategy is to combine both to balance reach and relevance. This helps businesses connect with both broad audiences and engaged niche communities.
Example for small businesses: A handmade jewelry store might use #JewelryLover (broad, high-traffic) alongside #HandmadeSilverRings (specific, targeted).
3. Create Branded Hashtags
Branded hashtags foster community and brand recognition. They can be used for campaigns, challenges, or user-generated content. This encourages customers to share their experiences and spread brand awareness.
Example for small businesses: A fitness studio might create #TrainWithUs and encourage clients to tag their workout posts.
4. Research Hashtag Trends
Trendy hashtags help businesses stay relevant and attract attention. However, they must align with the brand’s message to maintain authenticity. Regular research ensures that businesses capitalize on relevant trends without appearing out of place.
Example for small businesses: A coffee shop could use #PumpkinSpiceSeason in the fall to attract seasonal customers.
5. Keep Hashtag Counts Platform-Specific
Different platforms have different best practices for hashtag usage. Optimizing the number of hashtags per platform increases effectiveness and engagement. Using too many can appear spammy, while too few may limit reach.
Example for small businesses: A pet grooming service posting on Instagram might use #PetGrooming, #HappyDogs, #LocalPetCare, and #DogSpa.
6. Encourage User Participation with Hashtags
Encouraging customers to use branded hashtags creates organic reach. It fosters a sense of community and engagement, helping spread brand visibility naturally. Contests and campaigns can be great ways to increase user participation.
Example for small businesses: A clothing boutique could run a contest where customers post outfit photos with #MyStyleWithXYZ for a chance to win a discount.
7. Avoid Overloading with Hashtags
Too many hashtags can look spammy and reduce credibility. Keeping hashtags relevant and concise improves effectiveness and user engagement. A focused selection ensures content remains discoverable without appearing cluttered.
Example for small businesses: Instead of #Bakery #Bread #Cupcakes #Cakes #FreshBread #PastryShop #Yummy #Baking, a bakery should refine to #FreshBread #LocalBakery #SweetTreats.
How to Use Hashtags for Specific Platforms
How to Use Hashtags on Facebook
Hashtags on Facebook help categorize content but are not as widely used as on other platforms. Businesses should use 1-3 relevant hashtags per post to maintain readability and avoid looking spammy. Engaging in trending hashtags related to industry topics can improve reach and visibility.
How to Use Hashtags on Instagram
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but 5-10 well-targeted hashtags perform best. A mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags ensures optimal engagement and discoverability. Placing hashtags in the caption or first comment keeps the post visually clean while maximizing reach.
If you're looking for Instagram hashtags to analyze, here's how:
Step 1: Click the search bar and enter any keyword.
Step 2: Switch to the "Tags" tab.
Step 3: The related hashtags and their post count here. Click on any of them to see the posts which use these hashtags.
How to Use Hashtags on TikTok
TikTok’s algorithm heavily favors hashtag usage, making them crucial for discoverability. Using a blend of trending, niche, and challenge-based hashtags increases the likelihood of appearing on the For You page. Brands can also create unique challenge hashtags to encourage user-generated content and engagement.
How to Use Hashtags on X
X (formerly Twitter) uses hashtags to organize trending topics and discussions. Tweets with 1-2 well-placed hashtags see higher engagement than those overloaded with them. Businesses should focus on industry-specific hashtags and participate in relevant conversations to boost visibility.
How to Use Hashtags on LinkedIn
On LinkedIn, hashtags improve content discoverability within professional circles. Using 2-3 industry-related hashtags per post increases engagement without overwhelming readers. Companies should incorporate relevant business and thought leadership hashtags to reach their target audience.
How Alkai Can Take Care of Hashtags, Posts, and Basically Your Entire Social Media
Hashtags are an important part of boosting your online visibility, but let’s face it - coming up with hashtags can be a hassle especially if you have no idea where to start.
What if there was a tool that can take care of hashtags for you, and more? Say hello to Alkai, the world’s first AI-powered social media assistant that manages your social media for you on auto-pilot, so you can focus on growing other aspects of your business. Here’s what Alkai can do for you:
Generate content ideas for you based on your business goals and preferences
Create eye-catching posts, including hashtags.
Keep you on track by building a schedule for you.
Automatically post on all your social media channels based on your posting schedule.
If you’re a small business owner looking to take your social media marketing efforts to the next level, try Alkai today.
Conclusion: Do Hashtags Actually Help?
Yes, hashtags help a lot when it comes to all forms of marketing. Hashtags are a powerful yet often underutilized tool in digital marketing. Beyond social media, they help categorize information and drive movements.
On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, they enhance visibility, engagement, and community building. For small businesses, a strategic hashtag approach can amplify their brand, attract the right audience, and foster organic growth.
By using relevant, specific, and engaging hashtags, businesses can optimize their social media presence and stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.
Comments