Hashtags in 2024: How to use them?

Oh, the hashtags! These small dietary symbols (#) have become an integral part of our digital communication, especially on social networks. But in 2024, are they still as relevant to your marketing strategy? That's the question we're going to explore today.

On the menu:

1. The current status of hashtags
2. How to use hashtags effectively in 2024
3. Hashtag alternatives
4. How to build a hashtag strategy for your brand
5. The most popular B2B hashtags in 2024

The current status of hashtags

Hashtags aren't just a passing fad. They are a pillar of social media communication, helping to categorize content, increase the visibility of posts, and connect users with topics of interest. But like everything in the digital world, their use is evolving. In 2024, it's no longer a question of bombarding your posts with dozens of hashtags. The trend is towards quality over quantity, with a recommendation of around 3 to 5 relevant hashtags per post.

Hashtags: Still in fashion or out of date?

So are hashtags in 2024 out of fashion? Far from it! Studies show that a well-hashtagged post can significantly increase engagement and reach. However, their effectiveness depends on their relevance and accuracy. Using generic hashtags like #love or #happy can drown your content in a sea of posts. The key is to find that middle ground that will make your content discoverable without losing it in the mass.

How to use hashtags effectively in 2024

Select carefully

The first step is choosing your hashtags carefully. Use tools like Brand24 to find hashtags that are trending but relevant to your industry. Aim for those who have a high search volume but not too much, to avoid being drowned out.

Analyze and adjust

Analysis is crucial. Track the effectiveness of your hashtags in 2024 in terms of reach and engagement. Analytical tools integrated into Instagram or Facebook will give you an overview of their performance, allowing you to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Hashtags on different platforms

Each platform has its own particularities. On Instagram, hashtags increase the discoverability of your photos and videos, a principle that remains valid in 2024. On LinkedIn, they enhance your professionalism and expand your network by connecting you to relevant discussions and groups. And on Facebook, although less used, hashtags can boost the visibility of specific events or campaigns, underlining their continued usefulness in the content strategy of 2024.

Hashtag alternatives

Of course, hashtags aren't the only strategy available to you. Quality content is still king. Focus on posts that add value to your audience. Next, don't forget SEO on social platforms to improve your visibility. Influencer marketing, paid advertising, and active participation in relevant groups are also effective complementary strategies in the digital landscape of 2024.

Building a hashtag strategy for your brand

You are the head of a company that wants to promote a new offer. Here's how to do it taking into account the trends of 2024 :

For a business looking to launch a new webinar series to help small businesses boost their online presence. Here's how we could incorporate the use of hashtags:

Step 1: Research and selection

At Creasprint, we start with a brainstorming session to identify the themes of our webinars. With sites like Hootsuite or Keywordtool, we identify trending hashtags like #SmallBizGrowth and #DigitalMarketingTips. We also look at hashtags used by industry leaders to understand the terms that resonate with our audience.

Step 2: Organization and planning

Then, our marketing team creates a shared Google Sheet that lists hashtags by category: #WebinarWednesdays for frequency, #CreasprintSuccess for customer stories, and #MarketingInnovators for innovation.

Step 3: Implementation and testing

We start by announcing the webinar on Instagram with a catchy caption and three hand-picked hashtags, #SmallBizGrowth, #CreasprintSuccess, and #Entrepreneurship. Through several posts, we test these hashtags to measure which one elicits the most responses and registrations.

Step 4: Performance Analysis

Using Instagram Insights, we see that #SmallBizGrowth is generating great engagement and therefore decide to position it more prominently in our future communications.

Step 5: Interaction and engagement

We're launching a social media challenge, inviting businesses to share their growth tips using the hashtag #CreasprintGrowth. We promise to highlight the best publications in the next webinar.

Step 6: Multi-channel integration

For each webinar, we use our branded hashtag #CreasprintWebinars on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and in our newsletters, creating a consistent echo across channels.

Step 7: Update and Innovate

By following the latest trends on Google Trends, we notice the emergence of #EcoFriendlyBiz. Seeing an opportunity to innovate, we are integrating this hashtag into our next webinar on sustainability in business.

Conclusion

In 2024, hashtags remain a valuable tool for marketing managers who want to maximize their impact on social networks. By using them strategically, by analyzing their performance, and by remaining adaptable to changes in the digital landscape, you can not only maintain but also amplify your online presence. Hashtags are therefore definitely “in”, provided you know how to handle them and integrate them into a global and diversified digital content strategy.

Top B2B hashtags

1. #business
2. #businesstips
3. #marketing
4. #ecommerce
5. #socialmedia
6. #digitalmarketing (28M)
7. #SEO
8. #contentmarketing
9. #marketingstrategy
10. #consulting
11. #workplace
12. #startups
13. #productivity
14. #strategy
15. #sales

Best hashtags for small businesses

1. #smallbusiness
2. #supportsmallbusiness
3. #handmade
4. #shoplocal
5. #shopsmall
6. #smallbusinessowner
7. #entrepreneur
8. #supportlocal
9. #localbusiness
10. #businessowner
11. #blackownedbusiness
12. #art
13. #explorepage
14. #homedecor
15. #covid
16. #startup
17. #entrepreneurship
18. #womeninbusiness
19. #motivation
20. #success
21. #girlboss
22. #entrepreneurlife
23. #handcrafted
24. #local
25. #smallbiz
26. #homemade
27. #custom
28. #smallbusinesssupport
29. #shopsmallbusiness
30. #handmadewithlove
31. #supportsmallbusinesses
32. #supportlocalbusiness

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