Hashtags are like breadcrumbs scattered across the vast landscape of social media. They help people discover your content, connect with like-minded individuals, and join ongoing conversations. But simply throwing a bunch of random hashtags onto your post isn’t the recipe for success.
In this blog, we’ll talk about exploring hashtags; what they are, why they matter, and how you can leverage them to maximize your social media reach.
What is a Hashtag?
Imagine a hashtag as the “#” sign followed by a word or phrase with no spaces, such as #YouOnlyLiveOnce. That’s a hashtag example! When you click on a hashtag, you’ll see a feed of all the public posts that also use that same hashtag.
But it’s highly likely to get overwhelmed by the vast ocean of hashtags. Don’t worry, there are plenty of free hashtag generator tools available online. You can simply enter a keyword related to your post, and the tool will suggest relevant and popular hashtag.
While there are numerous paid hashtag generator tools available, several excellent free options can help you discover relevant hashtags for your social media content. Here are a few popular choices:
1. Hashtagify.me: This user-friendly platform offers a variety of features beyond just suggesting hashtags. You can analyze hashtag popularity, track trends over time, and even identify influencers associated with specific hashtags. While the free version has limitations, it provides a good starting point for exploring hashtag options.
2. Flick Hashtag Generator: This free tool allows you to enter a keyword or phrase and generates a list of relevant hashtag along with their estimated monthly search volume. It also categorizes hashtags by popularity, making it easier to choose a mix that suits your needs.
3. Seekmetrics Hashtag Generator: This versatile tool offers various features, including generating hashtags based on keywords, analyzing competitor hashtags, and identifying trending hashtags. The free plan provides basic functionality, allowing you to explore a limited number of suggestions per search.
4. Instagram Hashtag Search: While not technically a separate tool, Instagram’s built-in search function can be a valuable resource for discovering relevant hashtags. Simply start typing a keyword related to your post, and Instagram will suggest popular hashtags associated with that term.
5. Twitter Advanced Search: Similar to Instagram, Twitter’s advanced search allows you to search for tweets containing specific hashtags. This can be a great way to discover trending hashtags within your niche and see how others are using them in their content.
If you are willing to explore more hashtag generator tools for free, you can click here.
Bonus Tip: Many social media management platforms like Hootsuite and Buffer also offer built-in hashtag suggestion features as part of their free plans. These can be convenient options if you already use these platforms for managing your social media presence.
Remember, while these tools offer valuable suggestions, it’s crucial to use them strategically. Don’t blindly follow every recommendation. Always prioritize relevance and target audience when choosing hashtag for your content. Analyze the popularity, competition, and overall fit of your content to maximize the effectiveness of your hashtag strategy.
But why use Hashtags?
Here are some compelling reasons to embrace the power of hashtags:
- Increased Visibility: Hashtags act like magnets, attracting people interested in the topics you’re discussing. The right hashtag can significantly increase the reach of your posts, exposing them to a wider audience beyond your immediate followers. According to Compare Camp, posts with at least one hashtag get 29% more interactions (for profiles with 1,000 or fewer Instagram followers).
- Join the Conversation: Hashtags are like attending a giant social gathering online. By using relevant hashtags, you can participate in ongoing conversations, connect with potential customers, and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
- Build Community: Hashtags can help you discover and connect with like-minded individuals and communities interested in similar topics. This fosters engagement, builds brand loyalty, and opens doors for potential collaborations.
How to Find the Best Hashtags to Use:
Now comes the crucial part: choosing the right hashtags. Here are some key pointers:
- Relevance: Don’t chase popularity; prioritize relevance. Choose hashtag directly related to your content and target audience. According to Search Logistics, tweets with relevant hashtags are 55% more likely to get retweeted.
- Popularity: While relevance is key, consider the popularity of the hashtag. Ideally, strike a balance between hashtags that are specific enough to reach your target audience and popular enough to generate some traction.
- Competition: Analyze the competition. See what hashtag your competitors are using and consider incorporating relevant ones into your strategy, while also exploring unique hashtag to stand out.
- Volume: Research the average number of posts using a particular hashtag. Avoid overly popular hashtags where your content might get lost in the crowd, and steer clear of hashtag with too little activity.
Alt Text : Number of Hashtag v/s Reach
Where to place the hashtags : Caption Or Comments?
The question of where to place your hashtag on Instagram has been a source of debate for many users. However, a study by Search Logistics suggests that hashtag placement depends on the number of followers on your social media account.
| Number of Followers | Hashtags Placement | Reach (%) |
| Less than 5,000 | Caption | +36% |
| 5,000-10,000 | Caption | +20% |
| 10,000-50,000 | Caption | +21% |
| 50,000-100,000 | Caption | +21.43% |
| More than 100,000 | Caption | +14% |
| More than 100,000 | First comment | +15.9% |
(Source : Search Logistics)
While follower count can influence hashtag placement strategies, testing different approaches is crucial for everyone. Experiment and find what works best for YOU, regardless of your follower base. Remember, the key is adapting to what brings you the most success.
Pro-Tips for Increased Organic Reach:
- Use a mix of hashtag popularity: Include a blend of popular hashtag to gain visibility and niche-specific hashtags to target your ideal audience.
- Don’t overdo it: While hashtag are powerful, cramming your post with irrelevant or excessive hashtags can appear spammy and deter engagement. Stick to a handful of well-chosen hashtags (3-5 for most platforms).
- Track and analyze: Monitor which hashtags perform best for your content. Use analytics tools to see which hashtag generate the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Engage with the hashtag community: Don’t just post and disappear! Actively participate in conversations using hashtags, respond to comments, and build relationships within the community.
Hashtag are a powerful tool to enhance your social media presence, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. The future of digital marketing is beyond just a hashtag strategy. It’s about focusing on creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and building genuine connections to achieve long-term social media success.
Want to reach the full potential of your online presence?
Invest in exceptional content, amplified reach, and a brand that resonates like never before. Contact AIDA Story today to craft a thriving online identity for your brand. Let’s cultivate growth, together.
