What Are Hashtags and Do You Need to Use Them for Social Media?

If you’re just getting started with social media for your business, you probably have many questions. That’s normal, and it’s a good thing. Wanting to learn more about how to put together posts can make your content more effective on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms. One thing that catches many new users by surprise is hashtags. How do they work and how important are they?

What Is a Hashtag?

As far as social media goes, hashtags are those words or short phrases that follow the pound sign. For example, #fun or #fashion are hashtags.

When creating a hashtag, you need to keep in mind that there aren’t any spaces between words. Topics look like this instead: #ilovemyself, #madeintheusa, #bornwild, etc.

Hashtags originally started on X, but these days, you can find them on every social media platform. These expressive phrases even show up on other places on the web, such as videos, blogs, image sites, and more.

What Is the Purpose of Hashtags?

There are several reasons why internet users include hashtags these days. First, they help organize your content. They’re a way of telling search engines and platform algorithms what your post is about. If someone wants to see the latest fashion trends, posts that have the hashtag #fashion or #fashiontrends may enjoy more visibility.

Another role of hashtags is to get on the bandwagon when it comes to trending topics. Certain hashtags may go viral at times, often to provide support for social causes or to draw attention to current events. Including these hashtags can be a way for your business to express solidarity, at least among social media users.

Last but not least, peppering hashtags into your posts can also help you connect better with local customers. Hashtags can tell your followers about upcoming events, sales, or promotions. You can show your commitment to the community or your love of the local area.

How Can You Use Hashtags Correctly?

Keep in mind that overdoing it with hashtags can seem like an older person trying to use the “lingo” of teens. It can come across as out of touch or “trying too hard.” To avoid this issue, try to limit yourself to a max of one or two hashtags per post.

You should also do research to choose hashtags that are targeted to your ideal audience. It’s not just about putting together random words. You want phrases that people are actually using or interested in.

 

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