✅ The Essential Dos
DO: Research Your Hashtags Thoroughly
Always research hashtags before using them. Check their current usage, context, and whether they've been associated with any controversial content.
How to Research:
- • Search the hashtag on the platform to see recent posts
- • Check the hashtag's popularity and competition level
- • Look at who else is using the hashtag
- • Verify it aligns with your brand values
- • Use hashtag analytics tools for deeper insights
DO: Use a Strategic Mix of Hashtag Types
Combine different types of hashtags to maximize reach and engagement across different audience segments.
High Volume (1M+)
5-7 hashtags for maximum reach
#love #fashion #food
Medium Volume (100K-1M)
10-15 hashtags for targeted reach
#streetstyle #foodblogger
Niche Volume (10K-100K)
5-8 hashtags for engagement
#sustainablestyle #minimalistfashion
DO: Create and Use Branded Hashtags
Develop unique hashtags for your brand, campaigns, and community building. This helps track user-generated content and builds brand recognition.
Branded Hashtag Examples:
Company Name:
#Nike #Starbucks #Apple
Campaign:
#JustDoIt #ShareACoke #ShotOniPhone
DO: Monitor and Analyze Performance
Regularly track which hashtags are driving the most engagement, reach, and conversions. Use this data to refine your strategy.
Key Metrics to Track:
- • Reach and impressions per hashtag
- • Engagement rate on hashtagged posts
- • Click-through rates
- • Follower growth from hashtags
- • User-generated content volume
Analysis Tools:
- • Native platform analytics
- • Third-party tools (Hootsuite, Sprout)
- • Hashtag tracking software
- • Google Analytics for website traffic
- • A/B testing different hashtag sets
❌ Critical Don'ts
DON'T: Use Banned or Shadowbanned Hashtags
Using banned or shadowbanned hashtags can severely limit your content's reach and potentially get your account flagged by platform algorithms.
How to Avoid:
- • Check hashtag status before using
- • Monitor if your posts appear in hashtag feeds
- • Stay updated on platform policy changes
- • Test hashtags with smaller posts first
- • Remove problematic hashtags immediately
DON'T: Use Irrelevant or Misleading Hashtags
Never use hashtags that don't relate to your content just because they're popular. This damages your credibility and can lead to platform penalties.
❌ Wrong Way
Using #food on a fashion post because it's popular
This confuses users and algorithms, hurting your reach
✅ Right Way
Using #fashionoutfit #ootd #style on a fashion post
Relevant hashtags attract the right audience
DON'T: Repeat the Same Hashtags Every Time
Using identical hashtag sets repeatedly can be seen as spam by algorithms and reduces your content's organic reach over time.
Better Approach:
- • Create 3-5 different hashtag sets
- • Rotate between different combinations
- • Adapt hashtags to specific content
- • Include trending and timely hashtags
- • Keep some consistent brand hashtags
DON'T: Exceed Platform Hashtag Limits
Each platform has specific hashtag limits. Exceeding them can result in reduced visibility or content being flagged as spam.
Maximum: 30 hashtags
Recommended: 20-25
Twitter/X
Maximum: No official limit
Recommended: 1-3
TikTok
Maximum: No official limit
Recommended: 3-8
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hashtag Stuffing
What It Looks Like:
"Check out my new outfit! #fashion #style #ootd #outfit #clothes #shopping #model #beauty #girl #cute #pretty #amazing #love #like #follow #followme #instafashion #fashionista #stylish #trendy #chic #elegant #gorgeous #beautiful"
Better Approach:
"Check out my new outfit! Perfect for weekend brunch. #weekendstyle #brunchoutfit #sustainablefashion #ootd #styleinspo #fashionblogger"
Ignoring Hashtag Context
Always check what type of content is currently associated with a hashtag before using it.
Warning Signs:
- • Hashtag associated with controversial topics
- • Content quality doesn't match your brand
- • Hashtag being used ironically or negatively
- • Recent news events changed hashtag meaning
- • Spam or inappropriate content dominates
Platform-Specific Mistakes
Twitter/X
TikTok
🔧 Advanced Best Practices
The 3-Tier Hashtag Strategy
Tier 1: Broad
5-7 popular hashtags
Maximum reach, high competition
Tier 2: Moderate
10-15 medium hashtags
Balanced reach and competition
Tier 3: Niche
5-8 specific hashtags
Targeted audience, high engagement
Hashtag Testing and Optimization
A/B Testing Method
- 1. Create two similar posts with different hashtag sets
- 2. Post at the same time of day
- 3. Monitor performance for 24-48 hours
- 4. Compare engagement rates and reach
- 5. Use winning hashtags in future posts
Performance Indicators
- • Reach: How many unique users saw your post
- • Impressions: Total times your post was viewed
- • Engagement Rate: Likes, comments, shares per follower
- • Click-through Rate: Profile visits or link clicks
- • Save Rate: How often posts are bookmarked