When actioned correctly, did you know that the use of hashtags on social media can be a quick, easy and free way to connect with potential customers?
While Boomers had the Yellow Pages, if Millennials want to find anything or anyone – they head straight to the internet, and this includes social media.
How Do Hashtags Work?
In order for a website to rank on Google, it pulls from the data, phrases and keywords found in your content – otherwise known as SEO. This is the key information that identifies who’s who in the cyberspace zoo, and how Google categories data.
In comparison, when we want to find specific information on social media – we search using hashtags. While it varies slightly on the platform (think LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), the concept is generally the same – hashtags are how users sift through millions of posts in order to find exactly what they’re looking for. It’s not uncommon for most people to click the first few Google pages on the quest of solving their query or problem, and the same logic applies to social media – ideally, you need to be at the top.
As a business operator using these platforms to source new leads or clients, knowing where, when, why and how to hashtag are crucial if you want to get seen and set yourself apart from the competition.
Why Hashtags Should Be A Part Of Your Brand’s Marketing Plan
Did you know that 7 out of 10 hashtags on Instagram are actually branded? What this means is, that this large chunk of hashtags are brand identified, and can range anywhere between #Microsoft to #ThisIsQueensland. It’s also one of the easiest (and free) methods to build a following, or a legion of fans that will actually help you to market your business visually.
A few other proven statistics to note about using hashtags for business include:
Start Somewhere – At least one hashtag can increase your post engagement by up to 12.6%
Think Big – Longer, more specific hashtags generate better results than broader terms
How Many – 11 has shown to be the magic number to stick to when using hashtags
Get Seen – Don’t forget that adding a hashtag to your profile or bio can help you rank
Change It Up – In order to avoid being “spammy”, rotate your hashtags between posts
The Secret Weapon When It Comes To Hashtagging For Business
At the end of the day, you’re ultimately looking for new leads, conversions and (ideally) returning customers – it’s not all about posting a nice picture. Your content should always have a purpose, as technically social media is also one of the most powerful sales funnels. The best and most effective ways to achieve this is by going local.
Contrary to popular belief, “scaling down” your reach can actually boost your engagement – an example of this would be hashtagging #brisbaneflorist instead of the standard #florist pitch. By giving this method a try, you’re honing in on the most relevant leads for your business. Let’s not forget that there are people out there looking for exactly the service or product that you provide, especially when it comes to the internet’s most active users: Millennials.
However, even in 2020 when just about everything is available digitally, some businesses are still reluctant to embrace the power of social media marketing. Producing great content can be time consuming, and many everyday business operators simply don’t have the energy or resources to do so. Thankfully, there is a solution.
Here at Content Hive, we specialise in getting brands buzzing online with digital marketing services done for you. Book in your free discovery call with us today, and take the first step in developing a content marketing strategy that actually gets results.
