Hashtags are used on X (Twitter) to categorize posts (tweets) and also make it easier for the target audience to find them. Utilizing X hashtags gives you improved visibility and an enhanced reach beyond your followers, which means you can have thousands or millions of people viewing your tweets, even though you do not have that many followers.
It can also help you draw very high engagements and easily boost your relevance, recognition, and credibility on the platform. Hashtags can be a game changer, and you should fully harness the power by doing it appropriately. In this article, we will explain how to use hashtags on Twitter.
Why are Twitter Hashtags Important?
Hashtags are recognized by the # symbol followed by a blend of words or phrases. There are no gaps or punctuation marks used in hashtags. Here is an example of the correct way to write hashtags: #trendingnews (without spaces). Including a hashtag in a tweet helps to classify it with other related themes so that users who are interested in such posts can easily find it.
As a result, when a user looks for particular hashtags in the search bar, they can find all posts and profiles that use the specific hashtags. For instance, if an individual is interested in finding trending news stories on Twitter, they can simply search for #trendingnews, which will allow them to view all related posts under the hashtag.
It is important to always use hashtags in your tweets because it makes your content discoverable and classified into appropriate subjects to appeal to the right audience.
1. Increase Engagement with Your Followers
When you use hashtags on Twitter, you engage in larger conversations. Joining conversations—instead of talking into a vacuum—will boost engagement. That means hashtags in a Tweet will increase the number of likes, shares, comments, and new followers you gain. Ultimately, isn’t that why you have a Twitter account, to begin with?
2. Build Brand Awareness
You can also create branded hashtags related to your business. This opens up a door for your customers or clients to promote your business. A brand that creates its own hashtag can connect its Twitter ad campaign posts.
3. Add Context to a Social Media Post
Sometimes, your social media posts can be termed in more than one way. The use of Twitter hashtags is now a great way to give your posts the appropriate Context and meaning, which helps your audience easily understand the exact message that you are trying to get across.
It is important to emphasize that it is risky to utilize only random popular hashtags that aren’t very relevant to your topic, as your posts will only appear on irrelevant searches with no engagements. This can also signal the Twitter algorithm to push down your posts.
It’s the perfect time to use hashtags on Twitter. So, when making your posts, ensure that you only use trending hashtags that align with your content and will appeal to your target audience.
4. Help Your Target Audience Find You
Of all the reasons to use hashtags on Twitter, this one is the most important. When used correctly, hashtags can help your target audience discover your account. Relevant hashtags will help you connect with the right audience—which is what social media is all about.
How to Research X Hashtags?
1. Monitor Influencers and Competitors
Sometimes, you can be confused about which X hashtags to use. One of the easy ways out is to take a look at other successful influencers or creators in your niche. Observe the effective hashtag keywords or phrases that they use, and craft your unique strategy.
The benefits of doing this include the fact that you do not have to go through a period of trial and error, there is no time wastage, you become better at using hashtags, and you can also get results faster.
2. Know Which Hashtags are Trending
You can periodically check the Twitter trending section to discover which topics are currently trending on Twitter. Also, you can find relevant hashtags that you can drop into your posts. Don’t forget that whichever trending hashtag you choose must closely align with your post’s topic and target audience.
You can also use the trending hashtag to join conversations that are relevant to your brand, to enhance your profile and post visibility, and to gain traction on the platform.
3. Complete a Native Twitter Search
You can also gather information about trending hashtags on Twitter directly through Twitter itself by performing a native search in the search bar or using the explore tab. Head over to the Trends section in the Explore tab to get a general overview of what’s popular.
You can also type in hashtags you think might be good for your business in the search bar. Click on the ones that seem relevant and look through the posts. Choose hashtags that have many followers and some with fewer followers. Tweets with hashtags that are both popular and niche tend to perform better because the audience reach is higher.
4. Analyze Which Hashtags Were Successful
It is important to continuously analyze your hashtag campaigns using X analytics. This will help you identify the campaigns with successful results while you also figure out other areas to make changes for enhanced outreach and engagement.
To measure the effectiveness of your hashtag approaches, consider key metrics like conversions, reach, engagement, impressions, likes, comments, shares, clicks, and so on. Then, use the data and insights obtained to ascertain the well-performing hashtags and remove or replace the poor-performing ones.
How to Use X Hashtags?
1. Tweet About Events and Conferences
First, Tweet about upcoming or ongoing events. Are you attending a conference or hosting a special event? It’s the perfect time to use hashtags on Twitter. Think of events that get the whole nation watching—like the Oscars, Grammys, or Olympics. When using hashtags on Twitter, the key to getting noticed is joining in on current conversations that have people buzzing.
2. Celebrate Holidays and Other Notable Days
We recommend that during festive periods, you should also make use of hashtags that are related to specific holidays and special events. This will provide an opportunity to join in on trending conversations.
Festive seasons are generally known as moments when people bond and celebrate with each other. Using related keywords and phrases at these times can help you foster a sense of connection with your audience.
3. Promote Brand Campaigns
If you want to use Twitter as a free advertising platform (which you should if you own a business!), then you should be promoting your branded campaigns with hashtags. You can use hashtags that already exist, like #smallbusiness.
But you can also create a chain by connecting all posts in your campaign with an original hashtag. In addition to supporting your own brand campaign, consider how you can promote other brands or partners in your niche. Forming connections is a great strategy on Twitter.
4. Connect with Pop Culture Trends
Going viral on a trend can put your brand on the map—and an iconic Tweet can do just that. Pop culture trends are always changing, and being up-to-date means that you can participate in conversations that people want to see. Joining in on the most popular conversations is a great tactic if you want people to discover your account.
So, use hashtags when you join in on current trends, whether it’s the hottest video game release, a hit album, or a new cult following. When you connect with pop culture trends, you may also connect with other brands in and out of your niche.
5. Jump on Weekly Trends and Challenges
Pop culture trends tend to last for weeks, months, or even years. But there are weekly trends, too. As soon as you see a trending challenge, you can join in on it and create a plan to publish content.
Weekly trends include things like #ThrowbackThursday or #MondayMotivation. Whether your post is serious, comical, lighthearted, or inspirational, these simple weekly trends can help your Twitter account reach a wider audience.
6. Join Discussions on Relevant Topics in Your Niche
When you join in on discussions, you’re more likely to convert viewers to followers if you’re talking about conversations relevant to your niche. For example, if your small business sells plants, spreading awareness about the recent upsurge of pests in your area and what to do to protect outdoor plants is a great conversation to join.
If you sell sustainable clothing, you can join conversations about fashion or ethical shopping. Use common sense (and your search bar) to discover trending topics in your niche and join the conversation.
7. Support a Cause
We are currently in a time of socially mindful consumers, where your audience wants you to share your opinions on certain public concerns. As a brand or individual, you must make a stance for a specific cause or community initiative.
While establishing your standpoint for a cause, adopt the influence of Twitter hashtags to boost your visibility and harness the potential for hashtag activism to raise awareness and create a positive change on Twitter.
Conclusion
It is true that Twitter hashtags can push your brand in front of those who are interested in your offers and creations. As an individual, a brand, or a business, you need to start using Twitter hashtags so that you can begin to enjoy the many benefits that are attached to them (which we have talked about in this article). We have discussed all that you need to know about using Twitter hashtags, so start taking action now. Good luck!
