Hashtags can feel like a guessing game.
Too many and your post looks desperate.
Too few and no one sees it.
Used well, though, hashtags are a simple way to increase your reach—especially if you’re building an audience from scratch.
But the key isn’t just using hashtags. It’s using the right ones, in the right way.
Here’s how to find and use hashtags that actually bring new eyes to your business.
1. Know what hashtags actually do
Hashtags are like searchable keywords for social media. They help people discover content based on topics they’re already interested in.
Think of them as category labels. When someone clicks or searches for a hashtag, they see all the recent content tagged with it.
So the goal isn’t to be cute or clever—it’s to be findable.
2. Find hashtags that match your audience, not just your niche
Many businesses make the mistake of only using hashtags that describe their business—not their customer.
For example, a productivity coach might use #timemanagement or #goalsetting, but they’d get more traction by also using hashtags their audience follows—like #workingmom, #founderlife, or #remotework.
The sweet spot is where your audience’s identity overlaps with your topic.
3. Use a mix of sizes
If you only use massive hashtags like #motivation or #entrepreneur, your post will disappear within seconds.
If you only use tiny ones, no one will see it.
Instead, use a mix of:
- Large hashtags (1M+ posts) for broad exposure
- Medium hashtags (100k–1M posts) for steady reach
- Niche hashtags (<100k posts) for long-term visibility
That blend helps your content show up now and later.
4. Don’t overstuff—stay relevant and readable
You don’t need 30 hashtags. You need the right 5–10.
Stick to tags that are genuinely related to the post. If your caption is about launching a new product, don’t throw in #mentalhealth just because it’s trending.
Clarity beats trend-chasing. Every hashtag should serve a purpose: discoverability, not distraction.
5. Create one branded hashtag (and actually use it)
A branded hashtag is a tag unique to your business, community, or product. It’s not for reach—it’s for building recognition.
It could be your name, a phrase, or your tagline. Over time, it creates a searchable hub of all your content—and builds a stronger brand identity.
Action Step
Pick one upcoming post and spend 10 minutes researching 5–10 relevant hashtags. Use a mix of audience-focused and niche-specific tags. Try using one branded hashtag and track how your post performs over the next 3 days. Refine and repeat.
