They might seem annoying, confusing and pointless. But if you understand their purpose and how to use them, hashtags will help in engaging your target audience and increasing awareness.
A hashtag is simply a keyword or phrase preceded by the ‘#’ sign, often used in social posts (eg. #travel or #ILoveChocolates). It makes the content of your post accessible to all people with similar interests, even if they’re not your fans or followers.
And that reach is exactly where the power of a hashtag lies.
However, simply adding # behind random words and phrases won’t earn you followers. Using them successfully requires a bit of research and creativity. Before we get into tips, let’s get our head around types of hashtags.
Types of Hashtags
#Content hashtags. Based on the subject of the post, it is perfect for novices. Example – #travel, #coffee, #hotel, etc.
#Trending hashtags. Something that is already popular, has a significant audience and is currently top-of-mind and widely used on social platforms. Example – #ValentinesDay, #Christmas, #Olympics, #TravelTuesday, #WanderlustWednesday, etc. However unless your post is funny or engaging, it is unlikely to catch any attention under this hashtag.
#Brand specific hashtags. A hashtag you create for your brand for general awareness, events, contents and other marketing campaigns. Example – #PutACoinOnIt (Red Bull), ShareACoke (Coca-Cola), etc.
Tips on How to Use Hashtags
#1 Generic hashtags are good. But to get noticed, try and hone in on the passionate travel community that shares an interest in one specific theme. For example, instead of using a hashtag like #travel, use #EcoTravel or #GreenTravel to highlight your property’s environmental friendliness.
#2 Don’t go overboard with adding hashtags to your post. On Instagram, up to five hashtags are more than enough.
#3 Always use a location tag and destination tag along with your other tags. Eg. #nzmustdo, #auckland, #seeaustralia, #vividsydney, etc.
#4 When creating a brand hashtag, make sure it is unique and memorable. It need not necessarily have your brand name in it but should signify what you’re all about.
#5 Spend some time researching the hashtags your guests are using. Incorporate them into your post.
#6 Hashtags work differently on different social channels. Click on a few hashtags on your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts to see how they work on each platform. This will help you in designing a more engaging post for every channel using a relevant hashtag.
#7 Don’t go too long or too clever with hashtags. Eg. #AvocadoOnToast vs. #AvoToast – which one do you think is more catchy?
#8 Not every post needs or should have a hashtag.
Travel Hashtags to Use
| #Travel | #TravelBlog | #TravelBlogger |
| #Holiday | #Vacation | #Explore |
| #TravelPhoto | #Wanderlust | #TravelDiaries |
| #TravelTips | #FamilyVacation | #Honeymoon |
| #Adventure | #Allinclusive | #Cruising |
| #TravelQuote | #TravelTuesday | #WanderlustWednesday |
| #SunsetSunday | #ThrowbackThursday | #tbt |
| #GoodTimes | #Friday | #TGIF |
| #Hotel | #BestHotel | #BotiqueHotel |
| #HotelDeals | #Pool | #PhotoOfTheDay |
| #PicOfTheDay | #InstaPic | #InstaTravel |
| #TravelGram | #Instagood | #BestOfTheDay |