Creating Hashtags That Work: Keep It Simple and Clear

Hashtags may seem small, but they play a huge role in organizing content and connecting people online. Whether you’re tagging a tweet, an Instagram post, or a blog, the right hashtag makes your message easier to find and helps it stand out. But not all hashtags are created equal.

A strong hashtag has three key traits: short, unique, and descriptive. It’s not about making it fancy but about keeping it useful.

Short and Simple
On platforms like Twitter, where character limits matter, your hashtag needs to be concise. If it’s too long, it might get skipped or confuse your audience. For example, a hashtag like #NYT for The New York Times works because it’s easy to recognize and fits naturally into a post. Compare that to something complex like #p2/liberal/progressive, which feels cluttered and awkward to use.

Unique Matters
The goal of a hashtag is to group similar content together. If your hashtag is too generic, it will blend into unrelated content. A unique hashtag like #Dowant, which became popular for posts about desirable things, is memorable and stands out. On the other hand, a generic tag like #IMS (used for Inbound Marketing Summit) can easily get lost among unrelated posts.

Be Descriptive
A good hashtag tells people what to expect at a glance. It should clearly reflect the topic or purpose. A tag like #FollowFriday, which encourages sharing recommendations on Fridays, is a perfect example. In contrast, something like #073109 doesn’t provide any context or meaning.

Test Before You Use
Before finalizing a hashtag, take a moment to search for it. Check if it’s already being used and whether it aligns with the content you want to create. Think about how it looks in your post and whether it feels natural. A little preparation can make all the difference.

When done right, hashtags are more than a trend. They help your content reach the right audience and keep it relevant. Keep them short, make them unique, and ensure they’re descriptive enough to connect with your audience.

What are your thoughts? Have you come across hashtags that worked perfectly or completely missed the mark? Share your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going.