Almost every social media platform supports hashtags, and chances are you're already using them in your Instagram and TikTok posts. But not all hashtags are created equal. Some hashtags target local audiences, while others capitalize on trending topics to reach a broader market.
When used correctly, most hashtags can be used to promote your small business on Instagram and TikTok.
Social media users search by hashtag to find interesting content related to their hobbies, personal or professional life, and even current trends. By strategically adding hashtags to your posts, you can make the most of every word. Here's how to use hashtags to market your business.
What is a hashtag?
A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by a hash symbol (#) that categorizes or identifies a message on social media. Hashtags help with search engine optimization and social media marketing, and are also used to categorize content to make it easier to find and reach a wider audience. When used correctly, hashtags are favored by social media algorithms to promote viral marketing. 
Why hashtags matter
No matter what social media platforms your brand uses as part of its social media strategy, knowing why hashtags are important and how to use them can help your brand increase its social media reach and engagement.
Why use hashtags?
Including hashtags in your posts allows you to participate in conversations happening across different social media platforms. This encourages others to share their thoughts and opinions and allows them to see your posts in these conversations. This can increase your brand's social media engagement through likes, shares, comments, and new followers.
Check out our complete guide on how to use hashtags effectively:
- Identify keywords that are relevant to your content: Before using hashtags, you need to identify keywords that are relevant to your content. These keywords should reflect the main topic of your content and be specific enough to help your audience find your content easily.
- Use the '#' symbol: Hashtags always start with the '#' symbol, which is used to distinguish them from plain text and make them clickable.
- Keep it short and simple: Hashtags should be short and simple. Avoid using long, complicated hashtags as they are hard to read and remember. Short, simple hashtags are more likely to be used by your audience and can increase your visibility.
- Use location-based hashtags: To target a specific location or region, use location-based hashtags. These hashtags include the name of a city, state, or country and can help attract users interested in local content.
- Use popular hashtags: Using popular hashtags can help your content reach a wider audience. Use hashtags that are already popular in your niche to increase the visibility of your content.
- Use hashtags that are specific to your niche: Using specialized hashtags can help you reach your target audience more effectively. Use hashtags related to your niche or industry to attract users who are interested in your content.
- Create your own branded hashtag: Creating your own branded hashtag can help increase brand awareness and encourage user-generated content. You can use your brand name or slogan to create a unique hashtag that represents your brand.
- Don't overuse hashtags: Overusing hashtags can make your content look spammy and decrease your visibility. Limit the number of hashtags you use in each post to two or three and use them strategically.
- Monitor hashtag performance: Track the performance of your hashtags and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use analytics tools to monitor the reach and engagement of your hashtags and make changes as needed.
Why use branded hashtags and how to create and promote them
When you use a branded hashtag in a post, it becomes a clickable link that leads to a feed of all other posts using the same hashtag. Hashtags are often used to join an ongoing conversation, engage with a trending topic, or promote a specific event or cause.
Branded hashtags can be used for everything from personal interests to political movements, and have become an integral part of social media culture. When used strategically, hashtags can increase the visibility and reach of your posts and help you engage with a wider audience.
Why use branded hashtags?
Branded hashtags can be a great asset to your social media marketing strategy because they can increase your organic reach and exposure on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more. They can also foster engagement and interaction with your audience by allowing them to join the conversation and share their feedback, opinions, stories, and experiences. Branded hashtags also make it easier to track and measure performance and impact. You can monitor hashtag usage and the volume, sentiment, and trends of mentions. Branded hashtags also allow you to build a community and culture around your brand. Hashtags help create a sense of belonging, identity, and values among your fans and followers. You can also use hashtags to showcase user-generated content (UGC) by encouraging customers to post photos, videos, reviews, and testimonials using the hashtag. Finally, they can be used to launch and promote campaigns or events by generating buzz around new products or initiatives.
How to create a branded hashtag
Creating an effective branded hashtag requires more than just adding the # symbol to the front of your brand name. Before choosing a hashtag, it's important to research whether others are already using it, especially competitors or controversial topics.
To create a unique and memorable hashtag, you can use puns, humor, rhymes, alliteration, or abbreviations. You should also make sure your hashtag is specific and clear, avoiding generic hashtags that can be applied to any brand or topic.
You should use your hashtags consistently and coherently across all platforms and channels to create a unified brand identity. Finally, make sure your hashtag matches your brand personality, tone, and style, as well as your content and context.
How to promote your branded hashtag
Creating a branded hashtag is just the beginning. You need to promote it and encourage your audience to use it. To do this, use the hashtag directly in your social media posts, stories, bios, captions, and comments. Also, display it offline on physical products, packaging, labels, flyers, posters, banners, business cards, receipts, or other marketing materials. Invite others to use it by asking questions or offering incentives like discounts, coupons, freebies, or giveaways.
You can also collaborate with influencers to leverage their credibility and reach to expose your hashtag to more people.
Increase your online visibility with Vivoldi
Creating a well-thought-out hashtag strategy is a smart move to increase the visibility of your social media pages, especially if you're a small business. Hashtags are a secret weapon that can help you attract the right followers to your profile and ultimately drive valuable leads for your business.
Did you know that Vivoldi is a big fan of small businesses? They offer a variety of plans to help brands of all sizes grow. Plus, take advantage of the Vivoldi platform to manage and track your online presence with customized branded links and QR codes.
Ready to take the leap? Get started for free today!
