.png)
How, when, and why to use hashtags to help leverage your brand or business!
There are a few different strategies for hashtag use:
1. To capture new attention
2. To emphasize branding or the brand message
3. Increase participation of event attendees
4. Collect user generated content
5. Connect to a greater movement
The main goal of either of these purposes are to increase conversions, which is the reason why you are branding and marketing on social media first place, right? Before picking hashtags, decide the on your goal. What type of results are needed with your hashtags? From there, you can create your plan and strategy. Your hashtag tactics should include increasing your: reach, engagement and value for users.
1. Capture New Attention
Hashtags are searchable and people are looking. By posting at a an optimum time, Instagram users that are searching for posts that are using your hashtag of choice may find your post and become a follower if they like what they see. For example, if you tag your post #BusinessBestie, anyone who does a search for "businessbestie" could potentially see your post.
How to Choose
There are specific strategies you can use when choosing hashtags. Some strategists say use only 3-5 tags and some say to max out your tags and use 30 (the limit number of hashtags that you can use per post). We like to max out tags for one simple reason: because you can!
To keep a clean look to your post, type your posts in the Notes App on your smartphone. When you are ready to use them, copy and paste your tags as a comment on your post.
2. To emphasize branding or the brand message
Using a tag to emphasize branding helps to further reinforce your brand and brand message. For example, I would tag "#RosemintMedia". When the this specific tag is clicked only posts created by or relevant to Rosemint Media should appear. This should be used across all social media outlets. It is a pillar of your hashtags.
You can also create a hashtag that is relevant to a campaign or particular aspect of your business.
3. Increase participation of event attendees
Prior to the start of your event, create an event hashtag and ensure that your guests know to use this tag. You can reinforce use of the tag by: including the tag in digital reminders that go out to those who have rsvp'd or express interest, include the tag on signage at the event, and include the tag on any marketing for the event.
4. Collect user generated content
An example of a tag for user generated content would be "#RMPhoto". The RM stands for Rosemint Media and the photo is an easy to remember and relevant word. The way I would use this tag is to ask clients and followers to use that specific tag when working on strategies given by Rosemint Media, posting a review, or posting anything related to Rosemint Media. The tag helps to create community and makes it easy for me to find and then post user generated content.
A more specific reason why you would need to search user generated content would be if you are doing a giveaway. An example of the tag would be "#RMGiveaway". The main reason to use the tag is to track participants and later choose a winner. As participants of the giveaway create posts, you can also check the effectiveness of campaign related content based on how many actions are taken.
5. Connect to a Greater Movement
There are a number of national holidays and themed days that already have designated hashtags assigned to them. You can use these same tags as an introduction to more social media users that are in your target audience.
For example, for #NationalDogDay you can create a post about your pet dog or love of dogs. Other social media users who also posted using #NationalDogDay will see your post, check out your account, and follow you if they find your content interesting and/or relevant.
More hashtag tips...
1. Respond to EVERY comment.
2. Periodically check the stats on how many people are using the tag and adjust.
3. Hashtags should be:
-easy to remember and write
-Interesting
-Familiar words
4. Check your hashtag to see if it is already primarily used by another brand or business.
5. Don't be afraid to slide into the DMs of those using your brand specific tags. Consider them warm leads and genuinely engage with them and their posts. Drive them to your mailing list!
Got questions? Send me an email!
rachael@rosemintmedia.com