I’m sure you’ve seen hashtags on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google Plus. However, do you really understand it? Of course, you’ve probably seen people hashtag the crap out of a post with umpteen hashtags. It’s kind of annoying, or in some cases, it could be funny depending on the context of the post.
However, for those who are wanting to get more likes, retweets, traffic, and more, then sometimes using hashtags when sharing blog posts can be a good idea.
Why Using Hashtags When Sharing Blog Posts Can Be A Good Idea
Well, those hashtags are very much like keywords. Those hashtags are searchable. They can be tracked for trending in special interests. In fact, some of the hashtags that I often follow are: #blogging, #wordpress, #seo, as well as many of the event hashtags created for WordCamps (WordPress conferences held throughout the yearm in cities across the globe.)
There are many people like myself, that also stay in tune with specific hashtags.
For you, there are tools like Hashtags.org and WhatTheTrend, or BuzzSumo that you can plug in your hashtag and analyze when that term is trending.
Below is a screenshot example of the #wordpress trend stats. (Note: You can click on it and it will open in a lightbox so you can see the image better.)
So, now that you know a little bit about hashtags, I’m sure you’re wondering how you can using it while you’re sharing your posts.
How to use Hashtags
So, say you have a post about blogging. Well, when you share the post, you will want to add the hashtag #blogging at the end of what you want to share. So, in most cases, it would be: Title of your post, link to your article, the hashtag you want to use.
There are people who replace parts of their title with hashtags, but honestly, I like to make sure my titles aren’t too long, because Google will only post so many characters in the search results, and then the hashtag separate. In the case I’m hurting for characters, like on Twitter, since there is a limit, I may slip up on my usual habit.
Example 1: What I usually might tweet –
How to Convert Drupal to WordPress [LINK TO BLOG POST HERE] #wordpress #drupal
Example 2: What I might tweet if I didn’t have many characters to work with. This is also what some other bloggers do.
How to Conver #Drupal to #WordPress [LINK TO BLOG POST HERE]
It’s truly up to you on what you decide as both of the above methods are acceptable.
Is there a such thing as too much hashtagging?
Too many hashtags probably are unwise, as all terms may not even be relevant to what you’re posting. Like I said earlier, I’m sure you’ve seen people hashtag like crazy, but you need to only use hashtags that are relevant to what you’re sharing.
As for a number? That’s kind of hard to answer. I usually try to use no more than two or 3 hashtags. I’ve been known to remove hashtags when retweeting and instead of RT, for retweet, I use MT, for Modified Tweet, especially at conferences.
It’s important to be aware of what interest areas you really want to dominate or target. Using one of the sites like Hashtags.org, or WhatTheTrend, or BuzzSumo that were mentioned earlier in this article can tell you what terms might be more effective in reaching your target audience.
Do you use hashtags? If so, when sharing your posts, are you using hashtags there too?
Great post. I mostly use hashtags on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and a few other places. But will start using a few in my blog post.
Hi Nile,
I never used hashtag particularly while sharing the post.More over i think of why some of these people use hashtags during sharings and now you had explained everything on why should we use the hashtag.Now on Words its time to use hashtag during sharing.Known one new other thing from here.
Thank you
I rarely use hashtags. Once in a while, I do on Facebook and Twitter, but mostly on Google Plus. I have to remember this post 🙂 It’s a good habit to get into.
Using hash tag allow others find that post on the particular topic. It has been effective for me.
Thank you so much for these tips. I used to just tweet and post on IG without hastags but one day, I used hastag on a word and it got many views so from then on, I always use hastags.
Oh absolutely! I think most bloggers already know this, but they are a great way to expand your audience on a specific topic.
I didn’t use hashtags for the longest time, but once I realized how important they are, I started using them. I’m not a fan of gratuitous hashtagging, so I keep it to a minimum (mostly brands, etc), but they are incredibly useful!
Hi Nile,
Till now, sometimes I use hashtag and sometimes don’t, after reading this article, I will make it mandatory to add hashtags in all my tweets and social sharings on different platforms, knowing about the trends regarding our keywords will help us to know people mind, thank you for sharing the information, see you soon.
I do use hashtags, but I try not to go overboard and I use more on Instagram than FB and Twitter. On my personal FB, I love using and seeing funny hashtags. What did we ever do before #? 🙂
I’m quite new to using hash tags (started about 2 months ago), so far I’ve seen a slight improvement in traffic through social media.
Paul
I agree that 3 is probably the max to use. It makes me NUTS when people hashtag everything and they make up their own…like we are really gonna have these things that you’re hastagging trending, people lol. Thanks for the article!
This is a great article. Hashtags can be a great resource if you know how to use them.
Using hashtags wisely across social media is very important. It helps increase engagement and gain more interaction. I don’t recommend using them on Pinterest because they are no longer beneficial there though.
I use hashtags for all the reasons you stated. Sometimes, I make it unique so I can ensure pulling up only my tweets to show sponsors and other time, I use them target an audience. I try not to use more than three as well.
I probably use fewer hashtags than I should. It never comes to mind though! I’ll have to remember this!
This is very helpful information, aside from twitter I do not ever use hashtags as I didn’t realize it was beneficial. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love using hashtags! It definitely helps my posts get seen in front of more people!
I use hashtags, but not so much. Sometimes, I even forget to add them. I will remember to do so when I post. Thanks.
Great info! I always use hashtags. I do think there is such a thing as too many hashtags so I always be sure to limit to the specific ones that will not only draw people in but that will also really be specific to what the post I’m driving people to is about!
Great tips! I remember when I opened an Instagram account everyone bombarded me with tips on how to hashtag to get more views…it’s a bit overwhelming at first, lol!
I love using hashtags and they have certainly made a difference in social media for me. Like you I follow several hashtags as well.
I love hashtags but don’t always use them when I share my blog posts. You have some great tips here! Thanks!!
Hashtags are so important. It has taken me awhile to catch on but I am finally on the ball.
I love using hashtags and it has helped me a lot especially on twitter. I’ve gained some traffic and new readers.
I do use hashtag in titles (usually no more than one). I like to have them in tweets to track posts. Thank for the great advise.
I use hashtags as much as I can! I think it’s a great way to find and share new content.
I do use hashtags and I use more than 3 on Instagram. But it usually depends on my post. I haven’t tried using hashtag on my blog post. Thank you for the tips.
I always get a little confused. I mostly use them when a sponsor requires it.
Thanks so much for the info! I use hashtags in my social media posts but try not to go overboard!
I don’t normally use hashtags in blog post titles – something to consider, thanks.
This was a lot of great information, especially the links for analyzing hashtags. I heard it can look spammy if you use too many has tags.
Great tips. I usually try to add a hashtag to my title if it’s a sponsored post so when people share or tweet it the hashtag will already be there.
My life revolves around hashtags!! They are so important to ever buisness but especially us blogger…traffic and new readership!
Great tips. I use hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and when I remember on Pinterest and I definitely use them when I share my blog however I love the idea of tracking the trending hashtags with the tools you mentioned.
Thanks for the great article and for the reminder not to overuse hashtags. There is nothing worse (in my opinion) than a post with a hashtag on every word. They are a great tool when they are used effectively!
Hello Nile, Wow Hashtags are something I do need to start taking advantage of, I just never really understood how to use them. Your post was very helpful. Oh Yeh I am all over this one.
Thanks for sharing
Chery :))
I really enjoyed this post Nile. Originally I didn’t get the whole hashtag idea. Once I did, I started using them. Normally they are in my title IF they are for a trip I went on for Disney and it is one last thing to remember to put in my tweet.
I have a really hard time with Instagram posts that have like 15 or 20…. but to each his/her own. I do think of them as a search term so I usually try to make sure it has a relevance.
I started using hashtags on my blog posts back in January when I decided to start scheduling previous posts. I don’t use them when my posts go live since I schedule them through a different service. However, since I schedule all other posts through Tweetdeck, I do use the hashtags. I’ve found that people have been adding me to all these lists based on the hashtags; that’s pretty cool. Great way to reach those people who might be interested in what you have to say.
This is a very informative post. I do like using the hash tag and have found that it is so helpful when I have to search back on a post that I wrote.
should start using it for my hacking blog now
Hi Nile. I was searching about that how to marketing on social media, I come to your blog via google. I bookmarked your blog and i will come again and again for learn something new. Very nice and informative content. I’ll use those hastag tips you mention in article. Thanks a lot for sharing such a beautiful content.
Do I have to use hashtag in the topic name on the site, or when only share it?