Some local retailers have been asking about hashtags and how they can use for their business, so here’s a quick guide.
Why use hashtags?
Hashtags help people find content they are interested in. By clicking on a hashtag, users can see posts using that hashtag. If you follow a hashtag, it will automatically appear in your feed in Instagram and LinkedIn. You’ll also be able to find and join conversations around that subject. If you’re content is engaging and relevant to that hashtag, you should find customers interested in you and what you are talking about. In turn, they may then follow you.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Make sure the hashtags are relevant to your brand & message. Keep a list of hashtags including brands, place and sector hashtags, then target and match the most relevant ones to individual posts Use tools to find the most popular & related hashtags for your sector Understand how others are using hashtags, & learn from them Use hashtags of brands you stock Use analytics to see which hashtags are working best for you | Don’t use the same list of hashtags with every post Don’t go over overboard with hashtags. You can use up to 30 on a post on Instagram but 9 is the recommended optimal number, and 10 for a story Don’t inadvertently spell out an unwelcome word or phrase when you merge the words together! Check your hashtag works before posting Don’t forget to refresh your list once in a while and find out the latest trending hashtags |
How to use them
You can post hashtags at the bottom of the content. On Instagram you can add them more discreetly in a comment once you’ve posted, making your post looks less cluttered. You can also hide hashtags within your post on Instagram. Follow hashtags too so that you can take the opportunity to be part of conversations.
Hashtags for independent retailers
To promote independent retailers and to connect to those following shop local campaigns, take look at the hashtags below for independent shops.
Placing yourself in your locality and surrounding areas is also important, so use local hashtags, or tag in local campaigners. Also use hashtags relevant to your business is important too. Take a look at what your business neighbours are using to find the right variant for your area.
Hashtags related to a day of the week can works for your business if you can relate the theme to you in a relevant way. Running a campaign over a number of weeks can work well. Bring it all together and a running shop could use #run #solihull #mondaymotivation #shoplocal on a Monday post talking about planning your runs for the week ahead.
| For independent’s #indieretail #shopsmall #shoplocally #shoplocal #shopindie #shopindieuk #highstreet #whereyoushopmatters #smallbusinesssaturday #smallbizsat #SavetheHighStreet | Daily Themes #MondayMotivation #TipTuesday #TuesdayMotivation #TakemebackTuesday #WaybackWednesday #ThrowbackThursday #Fridayfeeling #FridayFunday #SaturdayStyle #SpotlightSunday |
| Local hashtags #your town e.g #Solihull #visit[your town] e.g. #visitSolihull #love[your town] e.g. #loveSolihull | Sector Specific #[your sector] e.g. #bikes #[your passion] e.g. #cycling #events e.g. #velo |
Campaigns to follow and join in with
There are a number of campaigns through the year, and if you are joining in, tagging the campaigner means they are more likely to see the post, leading to possible comments and shares. Not only can you join in with campaigns, but they share useful tips and advice, so they are worth a follow throughout the year.
| @Savethehighstreet – driving footfall to the High Street @totallylocally – promoting FiverFest @smallbizsatuk – promoting small businesses and deliver the Small Business Satuday campaign (1st Saturday in December) @independentsdayuk – promote the shop indie campaign on July 4th @shopindieuk – run the BestSmallShops competition @justacard – encouraging people to support and buy from artists, crafters, independent shops |
Summary
Hashtags are there to join a conversation and let others looking for conversations about their particular subject find you. They help you target customers interested in the same things as you. The golden rule is to keep them relevant to your message, your sector and your locality. Don’t forget to keep a list of your core hashtags, so that when you’re posting, you’re not racking your brain trying to remember exactly what they are!
K Hulse Consulting 