Hashtags can make or break your social media strategy. Based on 4 years of real-world experience, here’s the brutally honest advice you need for successful hashtag optimization, all in just 7 minutes!
Let’s be real. Hashtags can feel like a wild guessing game, right? Well, after spending four years deep in the trenches of social media—analyzing what works and what doesn’t—I’ve got some hard-earned, brutally honest advice about hashtag optimization. The kind of advice that’s straight to the point, with no sugar-coating. And trust me, if you give me just seven minutes of your time, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to master your hashtag game without the fluff.
This post is all about results—what to do, what to avoid, and what everyone isn’t telling you about hashtags. Ready to dive in?
What We’ll Cover:
– Why Hashtags Still Matter in 2024
– The Myth of the “Perfect” Hashtag Number
– Common Mistakes Everyone Makes (and How to Avoid Them)
– The Science of Niche Hashtags vs. Popular Hashtags
– How to Measure Success (Without Driving Yourself Crazy)
Why Hashtags Still Matter in 2024
First things first—are hashtags still relevant? Absolutely. While the social media landscape keeps shifting, hashtags remain one of the best ways to boost visibility and reach the right audience. Think of them as the bridge between your content and people who might not even know you exist yet.
When used correctly, hashtags can:
– Expand Your Reach: You’re introducing your content to users who don’t follow you—yet.
– Build Community: Users who regularly search or follow certain hashtags are often niche-specific and very engaged.
– Increase Discoverability: Hashtags help your content land in search results, increasing your chances of being seen by new eyes.
But here’s the thing—hashtags only matter if you use them right.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Hashtag Number
You’ve probably heard people throwing around numbers like “use 5 to 10 hashtags” or “no more than 15,” right? Let me cut straight to the chase: there is no magic number.
Platforms like Instagram allow up to 30 hashtags, but is it necessary to use all 30? Not always. Here’s what I’ve learned:
– Quality Over Quantity: Five well-researched, relevant hashtags will outperform 30 generic ones every time.
– Context Matters: If you’re posting to a smaller, niche audience, fewer hashtags work better because they target a more specific group.
– Experiment: I’ve seen success with posts using 7-10 hashtags, but some content performs better with fewer than 5. According to Semrush, a good rule is no more than 12 hashtags per post (Source: Semrush)Don’t be afraid to mix it up and track what works.
Common Mistakes Everyone Makes (and How to Avoid Them)
Now, let’s talk about what not to do. Over the years, I’ve made every hashtag mistake in the book, so let me save you some time (and facepalms).
1. Using Too Many High-Competition Hashtags: Sure, #travel and #food are popular, but the sheer volume of posts under those hashtags will drown your content. Avoid being a small fish in a massive ocean.
2. Not Checking for Banned Hashtags: Yep, some hashtags get banned. Using them can actually hurt your post’s reach. Always check a hashtag’s current status before slapping it on your post.
3. Overstuffing Hashtags: More isn’t better. In fact, overloading your post with hashtags can look spammy, and you’ll end up turning off potential followers. Keep it clean, folks! Also using the same hashtags over and over is another way your posts will appear spammy and boring (Source: LinkedIn).
4. Ignoring Hashtag Relevance: Don’t just use trending hashtags for the sake of it. If your post isn’t genuinely related to a trending hashtag, it won’t gain traction, and worse—it’ll feel inauthentic.
The Science of Niche Hashtags vs. Popular Hashtags
Here’s where things get interesting. After years of experimenting, I’ve noticed a common trend: Niche hashtags often outperform popular ones
Why? It’s all about audience relevance and engagement. Let me break it down:
– Popular Hashtags: These are hashtags with millions of posts, like #love or #fashion. While they give your post instant exposure, they also bury your content in seconds. Unless you’re a big brand or influencer, you’re likely to get lost in the shuffle.
– Niche Hashtags: These have fewer posts—think thousands, not millions—but target a more specific group. The smaller the community, the more likely your post will be noticed. Plus, niche users tend to be more engaged, which boosts your post’s performance on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Pro Tip:
Create a mix! Use a combination of popular, niche, and hyper-niche hashtags. It’s like casting a wide net while still focusing on quality fish.
How to Measure Success (Without Driving Yourself Crazy)
After spending four years fine-tuning my hashtag strategy, here’s one hard truth: You can’t expect overnight success Hashtag optimization takes time, experimentation, and consistency. So how do you know if your efforts are paying off?
– Engagement: Are people liking, commenting, or sharing your posts more? That’s a good sign your hashtags are working.
– Reach: Platforms like Instagram allow you to track how many people found your post via hashtags. Keep an eye on those numbers to see what’s driving the most traffic.
– Follower Growth: If you notice a steady uptick in followers after using certain hashtags, it’s a clear indicator you’re reaching the right audience.
Tools to Help You Track Hashtag Performance:
– Instagram Insights (built-in analytics)
– Hashtagify (for finding trending hashtags and performance stats)
– Later (a scheduling tool with hashtag analytics)
Key Takeaways (a.k.a. No Fluff Summary)
Here’s the quick and dirty rundown of what I’ve learned from four years of hashtag optimization:
– Hashtags Still Matter: But only if you use them smartly.
– Forget the “Perfect” Number: There isn’t one. Focus on relevance and quality.
– Niche > Popular: Smaller, targeted hashtags almost always perform better.
– Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overstuff or use banned hashtags.
– Track Your Progress: Pay attention to what’s working and keep refining your approach.
If you keep these brutally honest tips in mind, you’ll have a killer hashtag strategy that’s based on years of trial and error. So, go ahead—start experimenting and watch your reach skyrocket.
What’s next? Give these tips a try, then come back and share your results! Have a killer hashtag strategy of your own? Let me know—I’d love to hear about it!
Sources
Conley, Maeva. “How to Use Hashtags to Increase Your Reach on Social Media.” Semrush Blog, 27 May 2022, https://www.semrush.com/blog/how-to-use-hashtags-to-increase-your-research-on-social-media/?kw=
“What are the best practices or tips to optimize your hashtag usage and avoid spamming or shadowbanning?”How to Optimize Your Hashtag Usage and Avoid Spamming or Shadowbanning, 29 September 2024(date accessed), https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-best-practices-tips-optimize-your-hashtag