Are Hashtag Search Engines Dead?

No, but they should be.

If you're navigating the realm of social media, you've undoubtedly encountered the power of hashtags. When used correctly, hashtags can significantly amplify your content's reach and engagement. Today, let's delve into the art of using hashtags effectively and discuss why you don't need to rely on hashtag search engines to get it right- especially not at the outrageous subscription prices.

How to Use Hashtags Correctly

Search engines offer some wonderful suggestions, in between a lot of not so great suggestions. Posts that use all the suggested hashtags from any given search engine have never performed well for me or any of the brands I've managed. So if you're going to use a hashtag search engine, use them for inspiration, and not as a totally reliable service.

1. Leverage a Hashtag Search Engine: Some might advocate for investing in paid hashtag search engines, but let's be honest – you can conquer this without them. However, feel free to explore their free trials to gather insights.?

2. Curate a Personal Library: Every niche has its hashtags. My recommendation? Maintain a notes tab of saved hashtags for swift access. It's a small yet effective hack.

3. Opt for the Sweet Spot: The magic number for hashtags often sparks debates. While some assert 5-7 is ideal, others suggest embracing a more liberal approach. However, what I've learned from a decade in the field holds a different story.

Hashtags: Beyond the Basics

Allow me to illustrate this with a practical example. Imagine you're managing a car community. To craft the perfect set of hashtags, I follow these steps:

1. Inspiration from the Pros: Observe the giants in your niche. For instance, if I am posting a photo of my Mercedes Coupe, a trip to the MercedesBenz Instagram page unveils hashtags they use for specific models.

2. Understand Your Audience: Delve into your target audience's preferences and aspirations. Comprehending the purpose of your post and account is key here. Research a few hashtags to gauge their content quality before proceeding.

3. Craft Your Selection: Now, the crux of the matter – choose 5-7 hashtags that are not only relevant but also highly searchable. Strike a balance between specificity and popularity. You're going to use some that are specific to your post, and some that are specific to your niche.

Quantity vs. Quality: The Great Debate

Here's where opinions diverge. Some social media experts advocate for an exhaustive array of hashtags, while others lean towards moderation. In my experience, consistency is key. Consider this: while larger accounts may experiment with a multitude of hashtags and find success, a more refined approach often prevails for smaller accounts.

Experimenting With My Own Platforms

As someone who's been in this dynamic field for over a decade, I'm always keen to innovate. I'm currently experimenting with different approaches, even those that are considered questionable. By scrutinizing these tactics, I'm creating a valuable case study to share with my network. I hope you will all stay tuned for the results!

You Don't Need To Be A Hashtag Expert

Don't be swayed by the allure of fancy tools promising hashtag nirvana. You have the power to master hashtags independently, one post at a time. Search engines offer ideas, but you're more than capable of deciding which of the suggested options are relevant, and searchable.

Remember, the ultimate goal is not just visibility, but meaningful engagement. Stay tuned – I'll be sharing more insights on hashtags in my upcoming stories on instagram. Follow me there for more up to date content. If you're interested in Social Media growth to generate leads, my account is new, so you'll get to watch me grow!

In the end, effective hashtag usage is about finding that sweet spot between relevance, popularity, and authenticity. Your audience deserves content that resonates, and by crafting a thoughtful hashtag strategy, you're one step closer to achieving that goal.