Twitter (X) Hashtags: 8 Ways to Use Them Effectively

Hashtags are one of the most misused elements of Twitter. You see hashtags used by businesses and then wonder why their tweets have so few retweets and mentions. Using a hashtag in the wrong place can make your followers think you’re trying too hard to sell your products.

According to research, for accounts with fewer than 1,000 followers, posts with at least one hashtag receive 29% higher interactions on average (only when placed correctly). 

The most interactions are generated by posts with 11+ hashtags, increasing by 79.5% for accounts with under 1,000 followers.

Learning how to use hashtags on Twitter effectively is a massive step in your marketing and networking efforts on the social media platform. 

Hashtags can be implemented in various ways to create engagement, drive traffic, and improve your brand voice.

What are Twitter hashtags?

Twitter hashtags are a powerful tool for social media interactions. They are keywords or phrases preceded by the hash symbol (#) used in tweets to categorize content and make it easy for users to discover tweets on a specific topic.

• Categories: Hashtags categorize tweets by topic, making it simple to follow discussions on topics of interest.
• Trending topics: They help in identifying trending subjects. If a particular hashtag is used widely, it’ll appear in Twitter’s “Trending Topics.”
• Engagement: They can fuel engagement among followers, promoting interaction and discussion.
• Promotion and branding: Businesses often create unique hashtags for promotions and branding purposes.

Hashtags must be used appropriately. Overuse can confuse followers or come across as spammy. It’s also important to keep them relevant to the tweet’s content and remember that they are case-insensitive.

To sum up, trending Twitter hashtags are a strategic way to enhance the visibility and reach of your tweets. They help in structuring content and enabling easy discoverability.

Why you should use Twitter hashtags

So many people always ask this question: ‘Do hashtags work on Twitter?

Well, in my opinion, they do! 

Twitter hashtags are an important part of the social media landscape. 

Tweets with hashtags can spark lifts all across the marketing funnel, such as +18% message association, +8% brand awareness, and +3% purchase intent.

They allow the large community of Twitter users to effectively engage with their target audiences and participate in ongoing conversations. 

Let’s see why you should use Twitter hashtags and do they actually work:

Visibility

Using hashtags immensely increases the visibility of your tweets. Hashtags enable users interested in your tweet’s topic to easily discover your content, even if they are not following you.

This broadens your audience, increasing sharing, engagement, and followers.

Categorization

Hashtags allow you to categorize your tweets, making it simpler for others to find and join conversations about a particular subject.

This structured content organization appeals to casual users and businesses that want to stay up-to-date with specific subjects and industry trends.

Trend participation

Twitter frequently features trending hashtags. By incorporating and engaging with trending topics, you can position your tweets at the forefront of popular discussions.

This leads to increased engagement and possibilities for further social growth.

Also Read: How Brands Boost Twitter Engagement with Humor

Branding and Campaigns

Custom hashtags can be created for branding purposes, campaigns, or events.

They help unify conversations, making them more memorable and shareable.

Hashtags are a great way to

• Promote brand identity
• Raise awareness
• Increase user participation

Developing and promoting relevant hashtags can be the foundation of a successful twitter marketing campaign.

Read-Up: How does Twitter Algorithm Work in 2023?

How to find trendy Twitter hashtags?

What hashtags are best for Twitter?

It’s a question I’ve encountered frequently in my social media journey. 

I think the ‘best’ hashtags on Twitter largely depend on your specific goals and target audience. Trending and popular hashtags can give your tweets immediate visibility and engagement. 

At the same time, niche or industry-specific hashtags can connect you with a more focused community interested in your content. 

Ultimately, the effectiveness of hashtags on Twitter is about finding the right mix that aligns with your content and objectives.

Let’s explore some effective strategies for choosing the right hashtags!

Native Twitter research

The first thing you should do is search for the hashtag in the search bar on Twitter. This will show you all of the tweets containing that hashtag.

You can then click on the number of tweets under each post to see if many people are using this hashtag or just a few people talking about it.

This will give you some insight into the hashtag is popularity. If it’s trending, then it might be worth investing time into researching it further.

Trendsmap

This tool shows you real-time data about which hashtags are trending on Twitter at any given time.

It also shows you how many people worldwide use each hashtag, so you can see whether there’s global interest or just localized in one region.

Read More: What Is The Best Time To Post On Twitter in 2023

Hashtagify

Hashtagify allows users to discover new and interesting content within a specific topic through hashtags.

This tool provides information on how often other social media users have used a specific hashtag and what types of content they share when using the hashtag in their posts.

8 ways to use Twitter hashtags for brand marketing

Hashtags are a great way to get more engagement on Twitter and connect with people interested in the same things as you.

But how do you know what hashtags to use?

And how do you know when and where to use them?

Here are a few tips for using hashtags on Twitter:

1. Use them in your content strategy

You can use hashtags in paid or organic content to encourage user engagement.

For example, if you’re promoting a new product or service, you can use a hashtag such as #newproductlaunch or #newwebsite to track what people say about your brand online.

This will help you see what type of response your content gets from users and how they feel about it. You can then adjust your strategy accordingly based on this feedback.

2. Encourage customer interactions

Hashtags give customers an easy way to communicate with one another while also interacting with your brand.

For example, if you have a campaign where customers are encouraged to share their opinions about a product or service through social media posts.

Using hashtags will make it easy for them to find each other and create conversations about the topic (like using #myexperienceatcompanyX).

3. Amplifying content with hashtags in retweets

One of the most popular ways to use hashtags is to amplify the content you are sharing.

When you retweet, you can add a hashtag to your tweet to make it more visible.

This can be particularly effective if you share content from a trusted source or influencer with a large following.

4. Promotional outreach with hashtag campaigns

Brands also use hashtags for promotional outreach. They help brands engage with potential customers on Twitter and increase brand awareness.

A few examples of how brands use hashtags include:

• Awareness campaigns to attract new followers and promote products and services
• Customer engagement programs that encourage participation from existing customers.

5. Enhancing visual content with hashtags

If you have an image that you want to share on Twitter, adding a hashtag can help it get noticed by more people.

When adding a hashtag to an image, be sure to use one that is relevant to the photo or video topic rather than one that will confuse you.

Got a big presentation on your to-do list? Our Magic AI tools can help with everything from image editing to condensing text. Roisin explains how.#Canva #AI #PresentationTemplates #BackgroundRemover #MagicWrite #MagicEraser pic.twitter.com/1bC8RXZII3

— Canva (@canva) September 3, 2023

6. Curating moments with hashtags for brand highlights

Hashtags are also great for curating moments around events or campaigns.

You can use them in both posts from your own account as well as posts from other people who mention you or your brand in their tweets.

This will help everyone track what is happening across the board during a particular event or campaign so they can catch everything necessary!

7. Use shortened links with hashtags

If you’re sharing links on Twitter, you can use shortened links with your hashtags to ensure they only take up a little space in the tweet. This makes it easier for users to see what’s being linked to before they click on it.

8. Incorporating hashtags in your Twitter bio

I bet you’ve wondered why we put hashtags in Twitter bio, haven’t you? Well, here’s the scoop.

When you include relevant hashtags in your Twitter bio, you make it easier for people like you (yes, you!) to find us based on shared interests and topics.

Top 5 tools to find Twitter hashtags

Curious about Twitter hashtags and the tools to find them? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve researched for you! I’ve scoured the web for the best tools for Twitter and am about to spill the beans.

Now, here’s the big question: What are three popular hashtags? 

Three trending Twitter hashtags you should check out on Twitter are #ThrowbackThursday, #OOTD (Outfit of the Day), and #MondayMotivation

Related Read: Discover Popular Hashtags – ContentStudio changelog

1. ContentStudio

ContentStudio is an automated platform to streamline your Twitter content management and optimization. 

It offers a range of features to help you schedule, publish, and monitor your tweets effectively, ensuring that your content reaches your target audience at the optimal times. 

ContentStudio also aids in content discovery and curation by identifying top-performing content within your niche on Twitter.

Features

• Schedule tweets in advance.
• Discover top-performing content in your niche on Twitter.
• Visualize and manage your scheduled tweets.
• Recycle evergreen tweets for continuous engagement.
• Use the planner for composing and organizing posts.
• Determine optimal posting times.
• Create a content queue for a consistent posting schedule.
• Access analytics for performance insights.
• Research relevant hashtags.
• Support team collaboration.

2. RiteTag

RiteTag is a social media tool that helps you find and analyze hashtags for various social platforms, including Twitter. It provides insights into hashtag effectiveness, engagement metrics and Twitter impressions.

Features

• Hashtag search and suggestions
• Hashtag performance analytics
• Real-time hashtag tracking
• Browser extension for hashtag suggestions while composing tweets

3. Twitonomy

Twitonomy is a Twitter analytics and monitoring tool that provides insights into hashtags, mentions, and user interactions. It helps you analyze your Twitter performance and find relevant hashtags.

Features

• Hashtag analytics
• Mention tracking
• User engagement insights
• Twitter account analytics
• Exportable reports

4. Keyhole

Keyhole is a social media analytics tool that includes hashtag tracking and monitoring. It offers real-time data on hashtag performance and helps you track conversations around specific hashtags.

Features

• Hashtag tracking and analytics
• Real-time hashtag monitoring
• Influencer identification
• Social media reporting
• Competitor analysis

5. BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo is a versatile and data-driven content research and social listening platform trusted by marketers, content creators, and businesses. It empowers users to gain valuable insights into their industry, competitors, and target audience, ultimately leading to more effective content strategies and informed decision-making.

Features

• Discover top-performing content in your niche.
• Identify influencers and trending topics.
• Track brand mentions and competitor content.
• Analyze content performance and engagement.
• Plan and schedule social media posts.

List of trendy Twitter hashtags for you

Here are some of the most popular hashtags on Twitter:

1. #MondayMotivation
2. #TuesdayThoughts
3. #WednesdayWisdom
4. #ThrowbackThursday
5. #FridayFeeling
6. #WeekendVibes
7. #Selfie
8. #Foodie
9. #Travel
10. #Fitness
11. #Fashion
12. #Nature
13. #Photography
14. #Art
15. #Books
16. #Music
17. #MovieNight
18. #Gaming
19. #Tech
20. #Startup
21. #Entrepreneur
22. #Innovation
23. #Science
24. #Health
25. #Motivation
26. #Inspiration
27. #Goals
28. #Happiness
29. #Love
30. #Family
31. #Friends
32. #Pets
33. #Quotes
34. #Life
35. #Success
36. #Hobbies
37. #Explore
38. #Adventure
39. #Cooking
40. #DIY
41. #Gardening
42. #Education
43. #WorkLife
44. #Relationships
45. #Wellness
46. #PositiveVibes
47. #Mindfulness
48. #Environment
49. #Sustainability
50. #Community

Hashtags for various popular niches

Below is a list of hashtags for various popular niches:

Digital marketing agency

1. #DigitalMarketing
2. #MarketingAgency
3. #SEO
4. #SocialMediaMarketing
5. #ContentMarketing
6. #PPC
7. #MarketingStrategy
8. #OnlineAdvertising
9. #DigitalStrategy
10. #EmailMarketing

Real estate

1. #RealEstate
2. #HomeForSale
3. #Property
4. #HouseHunting
5. #Realtor
6. #InvestmentProperty
7. #DreamHome
8. #NewListing
9. #OpenHouse
10. #LuxuryHomes

Law firms

1. #Legal
2. #Lawyer
3. #LawFirm
4. #LegalAdvice
5. #Justice
6. #Litigation
7. #Attorney
8. #LegalServices
9. #CorporateLaw
10. #LegalProfessionals

Restaurants

1. #Foodie
2. #Restaurant
3. #FoodPorn
4. #FoodLovers
5. #DiningOut
6. #FoodieFriday
7. #EatLocal
8. #ChefLife
9. #Cuisine
10. #Yummy

Hotels

1. #Hotel
2. #Travel
3. #LuxuryHotel
4. #HotelLife
5. #Hospitality
6. #Vacation
7. #TravelGram
8. #Wanderlust
9. #Staycation
10. #TravelInspiration

Healthcare

1. #Healthcare
2. #Wellness
3. #HealthTech
4. #HealthAndWellness
5. #Medical
6. #HealthyLiving
7. #MentalHealth
8. #Fitness
9. #Medicine
10. #HealthcareProfessionals

E-commerce

1. #Ecommerce
2. #OnlineShopping
3. #ShopLocal
4. #Retail
5. #Sales
6. #Discounts
7. #Deals
8. #ShopSmall
9. #Fashion
10. #Tech

Fashion

1. #Fashion
2. #Style
3. #Fashionista
4. #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)
5. #StreetStyle
6. #FashionTrends
7. #Designer
8. #FashionInspiration
9. #Runway
10. #Clothing

SaaS (Software as a Service)

1. #SaaS
2. #CloudComputing
3. #Software
4. #Tech
5. #BusinessSoftware
6. #Productivity
7. #B2B
8. #TechSolutions
9. #SoftwareDevelopment
10. #SaaSCompany

Franchises

1. #Franchise
2. #BusinessOpportunity
3. #Franchisee
4. #Entrepreneurship
5. #SmallBusiness
6. #Investment
7. #FranchiseBusiness
8. #FranchiseSuccess
9. #FranchiseOwners
10. #FranchiseLife

Final words

With more social media sites allowing users to include hashtags in their posts, it’s easier than ever for your posts to reach the right people.
Getting the most out of hashtags may require creativity; above all, they should be used in moderation.

These eight rules can apply to nearly any social media platform. They should also be relevant regardless of the specific industry or profession you happen to be a part of, so long as its members use Twitter as part of your public relations strategy.

Use no more than three hashtags in any given tweet—because more than that makes your writing seem desperate or spammy, and less than that minimizes the effect. And remember even if your hashtags are ideal, there’s nothing wrong with promoting your tweeters (the natural way) with a throwaway line about how excited you are for this new project.

Also Explore: 30+ Twitter Statistics You Need to Know in 2023

FAQs

Can I use spaces in a hashtag?

No, hashtags cannot contain spaces. Use underscores or capitalize each word to improve readability, such as #SocialMediaTips or #ContentMarketing101.

Do I need to create my hashtags, or can I use trending ones?

Both! Creating unique branded hashtags can help with brand identity, but using trending hashtags can boost your tweet’s visibility to a broader audience.

How can I find trending hashtags?

Twitter’s “Trending” section on the homepage shows current trending hashtags. Additionally, you can use third-party tools like ContentStudio.io or Trendsmap.

Can I reuse the same hashtags in multiple tweets?

Yes, you can reuse hashtags in different tweets, especially if they are relevant to your content. Just do everything correctly and keep your hashtag usage the same.

Are there any character limits for hashtags?

Answer: Hashtags are included in your tweet’s character count, so be mindful of the 280-character limit when composing tweets with hashtags.

Can hashtags help improve SEO for my tweets?

While hashtags won’t directly impact SEO, they can make your tweets more discoverable on Twitter and increase engagement, indirectly boosting visibility.