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When using hashtags, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid to ensure they effectively enhance your social media strategy rather than hinder it. Here’s what to watch out for:
Relevance
Hashtags should directly related to the content of your post and your brand’s niche.
This ensures that your post reaches your intended audience.
Popular but Not Overused
You should incorporate a mix of popular hashtags and niche-specific ones. Popular hashtags increase visibility, but niche hashtags help you reach a more targeted audience.
Short and Simple
Shorter hashtags are easier to remember and type, which can encourage more frequent use.
Readable
Hashtags should be easy to read and understand, preferably with no spaces and clear wording to ensure users can quickly understand and use the hashtag correctly.
Example Social Post
Relevance
#superbowl isn't relevant to this post's content. Even if it is a currently trending hashtag, you should avoid using it if it does not apply to your post.
Popular but Not Overused
#food #foodpics #foodstagram may be both popular and relevant to this post, however they are greatly overused and can get lost in the mix without the addition of more specific hashtags.
Short and Simple
#localbakeryinminneapolis, though more specific, is too long and too specific of a hashtag.
Readable
#local bakery is formatted incorrectly for a hashtag. Make sure if your hashtag has multiple words that it is written without spaces (ex: #LocalBakery)
#strawbery is spelled incorrectly. Although there may be results under it, there won't be nearly as many as #strawberry spelled correctly.
Conclusion
By ensuring your hashtags embody these qualities, you can enhance their effectiveness and improve the reach and engagement of your social media posts.
