Using Hashtags and Keywords to Test Topic Popularity in Social Media Marketing

Staying up-to-date with trends and understanding the pulse of your target audience is crucial to business success, especially within the evolving sphere of social media marketing (SMM). One of the most effective ways to measure how trending a topic is and boost visibility is by using corresponding hashtags or keywords. This not only helps increase the reach of your content but also aids in finding a larger audience. In this article, we will discuss the significance of hashtags and keywords in SMM and how you should utilize them to enhance your engagement, thereby improving your social media strategy.

The Importance of Hashtags

Hashtags have become a fundamental element of social media communication, as a conduit for connecting users based on their interests and content. Adding hashtags to your posts ensures that they are visible to others performing searches on platforms like Instagram, enhancing your engagement and establishing hashtags as a crucial part of any social media strategy.

Optimal Number of Hashtags

According to Dabas from Rival IQ, around 25 hashtags are advisable, whereas Lincoln Parks suggests "10-30." It is wise to adhere to the range experts offer for social media managers just starting. However, Hastings warns against overuse: "[Use] not too many tags—keep your Instagram post looking classy!" LinkedIn should contain only 1-3 hashtags per post to keep the content concise and professional. In contrast, Instagram allows more liberal use of hashtags, up to 10 or 11 on Stories/Reels. Note: Overusing hashtags can dilute your message or appear spammy, potentially decreasing engagement by up to 68.2%.

How to Use Hashtags Effectively

Utilise popular hashtags relevant to your business. The more popular the hashtag, the broader the reach, but it should also be tailored to precisely engage your intended audience. For example, a fashion brand could use #fashion generally but more specifically #sustainablefashion to attract a niche audience.

Hashtag Tools

The rise of AI technology has brought tools like Hootsuite or RiteTag that help generate trending hashtag suggestions appropriate for your content. These tools analyze trends and suggest hashtags to increase your post's search visibility. This intelligent automation saves you time and ensures that your hashtags align with current trends, enhancing the reach and engagement of your posts.

Popular Topics with Correct Keyword Usage

While hashtags are crucial, keywords play a significant role in determining the popularity of your topic and its relevance in social media marketing. Including pertinent keywords in your content increases the likelihood of users finding your posts when searching for information on social media platforms.

The Importance of Keywords in SMM

Keywords are essential for the discoverability of your content. According to Hubspot, over 80% of consumers search for new brands on social media before using traditional search engines. This indicates the need for content optimized with the right keywords to attract your target audience effectively.

Including Keywords

Incorporate keywords organically in your social media posts, profiles, and hashtags. Keyword stuffing can make your content appear unnatural and reduce its readability, which is detrimental, especially if you are starting or aiming to attract followers. The goal is to integrate search terms in a way that they sound natural and enhance the SEO value of your write-up.

Detailed Keyword Research

Conducting thorough keyword research is crucial to discovering trending topics and in-demand search queries in your industry. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush can provide insights into the most searched terms, allowing you to craft content that aligns with keyword popularity and user intent.

Utilizing Long-Tail Keywords

In addition to generic keywords, use long-tail keywords that delve into your audience's niches. These keywords may have lower search volumes but tend to result in higher conversion rates, as they often reach users closer to making a purchase decision. For example, "women's running shoes for flat feet" is more likely to attract targeted traffic and engage users more effectively than a generic term like "shoes."

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Keyword Strategy

After implementing the right keywords in your content, monitoring their performance and adjusting your strategy is essential. Use tools like Google Analytics or insights features on social media platforms to gather metrics about your keywords' success in driving traffic and engagement. Regularly reviewing and updating your keyword strategy helps you stay aligned with the latest trends and attract more exemplary visitors.

Conclusion

In the rapidly changing world of social media marketing, maintaining an edge on trends and effectively reaching your desired audience requires the clever use of hashtags and the strategic weaving of keywords into actionable content. Understanding the benefits of hashtags and handling keywords wisely can elevate your social media to new levels of increased engagement. With the right approach, you can enhance the visibility of your posts by using appropriate hashtags and posting about trending topics. At the same time, extensive keyword research and strategically including broad and long-tail keywords in your content can significantly improve your search rankings and overall visibility.