1 Learn the concept
You have probably used hashtags, but do you know the right way to use them? Hashtags group posts around a topic so that people interested in it can find you. Too many look spammy, and generic ones attract nobody in particular. This lesson shows strategies and tools to find the hashtags your audience actually follows and how to use them sparingly.
2 See it in action
- Use a few relevant hashtags, not a long list.
- Mix topic hashtags and community hashtags.
- Create a branded hashtag for campaigns and events.
- Check what a hashtag shows before you use it.
Worked example
Checking a hashtag before using it
Idea: #bikes.
Check: the tag is huge and generic, so your post disappears.
Better: #winterbiking and a local tag such as #ottawabikes.
Test: click the tag and read what appears. If it is unrelated or inappropriate, do not use it.
Rule: two or three well-chosen hashtags per post.
3 Study an example
Example scenario
A bike shop uses two hashtags on a post about winter riding: one for the topic and one for its local community. The post reaches cyclists in its area instead of a general crowd.
4 Apply it and download
- Research five hashtags for your niche.
- Check what each one shows.
- Choose a small set and add them to the content calendar.
Worksheet Hashtag listOpen, print or save as PDF