Are Hashtags Still a Thing?

Are hashtags still a "thing" in 2023?

Hashtags have become a hot topic of discussion in the marketing industry this year, with many so-called experts even going so far as to suggest that hashtags are dead. Which have left many people wondering if hashtags are still a thing at all. So, let's get a few important things out of the way first before we let you know where we stand:

1. Do whatever you want. You can use 30 hashtags, you can use 3-5 hashtags, or you can skip them altogether. Even better, test all three and see what works best for you. Nothing BAD will happen if you don't follow our advice.

2. Be careful whose advice you take when it comes to social media. We know where the whole "hashtags are dead" rumor started, why it started, and we also know that it's not true. Hashtags are still alive and well, and they still WORK when used as part of your overall strategy.

Benefits of Using Hashtags on Social Media

In our professional opinion, hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing reach, building brand awareness, and driving engagement. Our clients are still seeing amazing results directly from the use of hashtags. Let's explore the benefits of using hashtags on social media and share best practices for incorporating them into your social media strategy.

1. Increased Reach: Hashtags allow your content to be discovered by people who are interested in the topics or themes related to your post. When you include relevant hashtags in your posts, it becomes easier for users to find your content through social media searches, and it increases the visibility of your content to people who don't follow you.


2. Build Brand Awareness: Hashtags are an excellent way to build brand awareness and connect with your target audience. By creating unique branded hashtags and using them consistently in your posts, you can make it easier for your followers to find your content and engage with your brand.


3. Engagement: Hashtags are an excellent way to drive engagement on your posts. When you include relevant hashtags in your posts, it can help attract people who are interested in the topics you're discussing. By using hashtags that are popular and trending in your industry, you can start to build a community that is likely to engage with your content.

Best Practices for Using Hashtags on Social Media

Okay, so hopefully by now we've convinced you to give hashtags another chance. If that's the case, check out our best practices for using hashtags here:

1. Research the best hashtags: It’s important to research the best hashtags for your brand and target audience. It's just as important to make sure you aren't using a hashtag that is "hidden" or banned on that social network. (We're working on a complete list of banned hashtags for IG...make sure to check back soon! 😉)

2. Use a mix of branded and industry-specific hashtags: Use a mix of branded and industry-specific hashtags to reach a wider audience. Branded hashtags help create brand recognition, while industry-specific hashtags help reach people who are interested in the same topics as your brand.
 If you have a brick-and-mortar business, make sure to tap into popular local hashtags, too.

3. Keep it relevant: Make sure the hashtags you use are relevant to the content you’re sharing. Don’t use irrelevant hashtags just to get more visibility, as it can be seen as spammy and hurt your credibility.


4. Don’t overdo it: Using too many hashtags can be overwhelming and make your content look icky. Stick to a reasonable number of relevant hashtags per post to maximize engagement and reach.


5. Switch it up: While it's easier to copy & paste the same group of hashtags into each post, make sure to switch it up every once and a while. This will help ensure that you're keeping it relevant & reaching your target audience.

5. Monitor your hashtags: Keep track of how your hashtags are performing and adjust your strategy accordingly. If a hashtag isn’t performing well, consider using a different one or adjusting your content strategy.


And, one last note because we care about your success on social media: if you need social media help, hire a true expert. Tips, tricks, and "hacks" will only get you so far. And sometimes, they'll hurt more than they help.

🖤 County 249 Creative