Hashtag Analytics: The Ultimate Guide To Using Hashtags for Social Media Posts

Social media is so saturated with users and posts that getting your posts seen and noticed by the right people can get challenging. Frequently, it feels like the only way to get maximum reach and engagement is through paid ads. But here’s some good news: you can govern social media using hashtag analytics!

What is a hashtag?

The first recorded hashtag use was by a Twitter user named Chris Messina on August 23, 2007, to categorize tweets according to topics. After Twitter incorporates the hashtag feature on its platform, it spread like wildfire. It is now seen on other platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Best Practices for Hashtags

Today, thousands of posts are generate while using hashtags. It can be a challenge to break into such a saturated market, so we created this list of best practices to maximize your hashtag analytics and usage.

1. Track the best hashtags

Not all hastags are equal. Some are better than others and may be more suitable for your niche. You can use tools such as RiteTag, Instagram's “Tags” section, and Sprout Listening. On top of tools, incorporate A/B testing to single out the tags that do work.

2. Hashtag frequency matters

The more hashtags used, the more the coverage is increased of various niches conversely. However, it is just as important not to overload your posts with hashtags. Here are the recommended frequencies per platform:

• Facebook - 1 to 2
• Twitter - 1 to 2
• Instagram - Up to 30
• Pinterest - 0
• LinkedIn - 2 to 3

3. Track popular hashtags

The different social media platforms have built-in analytics tools that's use to identify the most popular hashtags used in your niche. This can be a starting point for identifying the most relevant hashtags for your post.

4. Track these hashtags with the following metrics:

• Popularity
• Reach
• Interactions
• Users

5. Diversify your tracking to the different types of hashtags

Content hashtags

Content hashtags are typically at the end of your post. For example, if your post looks something like this blog, then #socialmedia would be an appropriate hashtag.

Branded hashtags

As the name suggests, brand hashtags are exclusive hashtags by a particular company or brand specifically. They use it to promote their name across social media. This can be used as a way for audience members to participate in challenges they have launched and keep track of conversations surrounding their brand.

Trending hashtags

Trending hashtags are easily identifiable and featured on social media platforms, such as through the sidebar of the Twitter desktop website or on the Discovery tab on TikTok. This is a way for users to find and hop on trends associated with the trending hashtag afterwards.

Event hashtags

Event hashtags are use for companies hosting events. Attendees can use the hashtag for every post they create related to the event. This does not only help event organizers keep up with all the sentiments on their occasion and boosts traction for interested people who might want to attend.

This beginner’s guide helps you go from randomly picking out hashtags to strategically using them afterwards. Remember that tracking is vital also and it’s essential to always be on the lookout for beneficial and relevant hashtags that will make you more visible online. Apply these hashtag analytics guides, and you should be well on creating posts that reach your target audience.

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