Hashtags. You see them everywhere on social media, but what exactly are they? And more importantly, how can they help you or your business? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
In the simplest terms, a hashtag is just a word or phrase that starts with the # symbol (think: #MondayMotivation or #BestCoffeeEver). When you put a hashtag in front of a word, it magically becomes clickable and helps group similar content together. It’s like giving your post an address so people who are interested in the same topic can easily find it.
Ever wonder where it all began? Back in 2007, Chris Messina pitched the idea of using the # symbol to organize online conversations. Fast forward, and hashtags are now a staple of social media life, letting us join in on conversations or discover new ones instantly.
Hashtags really took off when Twitter adopted them. They made it super easy to follow specific topics, like breaking news or trending memes. But today, you’ll see them on Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn. They’ve become the internet’s shortcut for categorizing content.
Click on a hashtag like #coffee, and suddenly, you’re whisked away to a page filled with posts all about coffee. Whether it’s espresso shots, latte art, or cozy cafés, you’re instantly connected to a world of coffee lovers.
Hashtags aren’t just fun — they’re powerful marketing tools. When used correctly, they can help you grow your audience, boost engagement, and even drive sales. Imagine being able to attract new customers simply by adding a hashtag to your post. Here’s how hashtags can work for you:
When it comes to hashtags, less is often more. Avoid cluttering your post with random or excessive tags (#TooManyHashtagsIsAThing). Instead, focus on relevant and specific hashtags. For example, if you own a coffee shop like BB’s Coffee & Muffins, creating something catchy like #bbscompetition is a smart move. It’s unique, it’s easy to remember, and it ties directly to your brand.
Also, keep an eye on current events. If there’s something big happening in the world, figure out how to tie your business into that conversation (just make sure it’s relevant and appropriate).
While hashtags are great, using too many can backfire. Posts overloaded with hashtags can feel spammy and may turn people off. It’s like Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon hilariously showed us in their famous “#Hashtag” skit – overdoing it just doesn’t work. So, keep it simple and effective.
Not sure which hashtags to use? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips for finding the ones that will really work for you:
On Twitter, you’ll want to stick to just a few hashtags in each post — too many can make it look cluttered. But on Instagram, it’s a little more flexible. You can use more hashtags, and because it’s such a visually-driven platform, pairing your picture with multiple relevant hashtags is more accepted.
For Instagram, try experimenting with different combinations of hashtags to see which ones attract the most engagement. Plus, you can encourage your followers to use your unique hashtags too, giving them a reason to join your community.
Hashtags may seem small, but they pack a marketing punch when used wisely. Whether you’re looking to boost your online presence, track industry trends, or simply engage with your audience, they’re a valuable tool to have in your social media toolkit.
Remember, it’s not about using the most hashtags – it’s about using the right ones. Keep your hashtags relevant, unique, and engaging, and watch your online presence grow.
Need help crafting the perfect hashtag strategy? Let’s chat! Our team at Matrix can help you find the right approach for your business.
By Iñaki Castellet Hernández
By Jeff Sheridan
By Matrix Internet