Ever since the modern use of the hashtag debuted on Twitter in 2007, it has dominated the way we track, organize, and create conversations over social media.
Proper hashtag use is a cornerstone of social media marketing. It plugs brands into pop culture, makes content more discoverable, reaches new followers, and allows fans to contribute to the conversation. Because it’s always a good time to learn new tricks, we’ve compiled some handy hashtag hacks to take your social media content to the next level.
Tailor your hashtags for different days of the week.
Man Crush Monday
Whether you’re starting off the workweek with Man Crush Monday (#MCM) or closing with Flashback Friday (#FBF), you can be sure that you’ll find a trending hashtag for every day of the week. You don’t want to go overboard with these, but participating in popular hashtags can keep your brand relevant and relatable. Be prudent–chose hashtags that fit within your voice and personality.
To start off your foray into daily hashtags, check out PopSugar’s A Guide to Hashtags, Every Day of the Week.
Do your research.
There are lots of tools out there to help you choose the best hashtags for your update, be it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Google+.
RiteTag
One such tool is the RiteTag browser extension, which updates with the most popular and relevant hashtags for your topic, optimizing for social searchability. It also lets you import images and tag influencers around your subject.
Hashtagify
You can also check out Hashtagify, a discovery tool for related hashtags. The web layout is helpful for further exploration–click on different topics to see another diagram of popular hashtags!
Learn from social influencers.
@kirstenalana
Sometimes it’s fruitful to consult the experts in your field. Dig into the top social influencers’ accounts and take a peep at how they’re promoting their posts. Instagram user and travel photographer @kirstenalana, for example, got us hip to #WanderlustWednesday.
Not sure where to start? Take a glance at 15 Best Ways to Find the Top Influencers on Social Media.
Situate yourself in your local community.
@bridesofaustin
If one of your goals is establishing yourself as a local purveyor, then it’s good to include geography in your hashtags. You want visitors and locals alike to discover your brand when they’re exploring images of the city. Wedding company @bridesofaustin gets seen with #austinwedding, for example.
Do it yourself.
Subway
When words fail you, make up your own! Custom hashtags like Subway’s #JanuANY campaign, which publicized its $5 footlong deal, are a catchy way to promote one-off campaigns, events, contests–what have you.
Have any other tricks up your sleeve? Share your best hashtag hacks in the comments!