"Demystifying Hashtags: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Utilising the Power of Hashtags in Social Media"

"Demystifying Hashtags: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Utilising the Power of Hashtags in Social Media"

• Posted By Jenny Chellew

In today's social media landscape, hashtags have become an essential tool for businesses to increase their visibility, reach a wider audience and foster customer engagement. But what exactly is a hashtag and how can you choose the right ones to maximise your social media impact?

 What are Hashtags?

Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the pound sign (#) that categorise and group content on social media platforms. They allow users to discover posts related to specific topics, interests, or trends. When you add a hashtag to your post, it becomes clickable, leading users to a feed of other posts that contain the same hashtag.

Why Are Hashtags Important?

Hashtags play a crucial role in building guest engagement on social media. Here's how they can benefit your business:

Increased Visibility

Boost your visibility as an accommodation provider and reach a wider audience by leveraging relevant hashtags. By incorporating strategic hashtags into your posts, you can extend your reach beyond your current followers and attract new guests to your property. This increased exposure opens up opportunities for expanding your brand's reach and capturing the attention of potential customers.

Targeted Reach

As an accommodation provider, hashtags empower you to target your ideal guests with precision. By using niche or industry-specific hashtags, you can connect with individuals who have a genuine interest in what your business/area has to offer. This targeted approach ensures that your posts are seen by the right audience, increasing the likelihood of attracting guests who are genuinely interested in staying at your motel.

Community Building

Hashtags are a powerful tool to create vibrant communities and foster guest engagement. By utilising popular hashtags specific to the business or local tourism industry or creating unique branded hashtags, you can invite guests to join conversations, share their experiences, and actively interact with your brand. 

Choosing the Right Hashtags

Now that you understand the importance of hashtags, let's explore some practical tips for selecting the most effective ones:

Research Relevant Hashtags

Boost your businesses visibility by researching and using relevant hashtags. Explore the hashtags your competitors and industry influencers are using. For example, tools like RiteTag, Hashtagify (both offer a free trial) and social media analytics can help you find trending and effective hashtags to reach a wider audience and attract more potential guests.

Be Specific and Targeted

Avoid using generic or overused hashtags that may drown your content in a sea of posts. Instead, opt for more specific and targeted hashtags that resonate with your target audience and reflect the unique aspects of your business. 

Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags

Strike a balance between using popular, high-traffic hashtags and niche hashtags. Popular hashtags can increase your visibility, while niche hashtags allow you to reach a more targeted audience and engage with customers who are genuinely interested in your offerings.

Use Location-Based Hashtags

Accommodation providers can maximise reach by utilising location-based hashtags. If your business has a local presence or you want to attract guests from specific geographic areas, incorporating hashtags related to those locations can work wonders. This strategy allows you to connect with potential guests in your region, increasing foot traffic and bookings for your business.

Create Branded Hashtags

You can create brand presence by creating your own unique hashtags. For instance, let's say your motel is named "Mountain Views Motel." You could develop branded hashtags like #MountainViewsRetreat, #StayatMountainViews or #NatureEscapeswithMountainViews

These branded hashtags not only establish a strong brand identity but also encourage guests to share their experiences using the hashtag. This user-generated content builds a sense of community around your brand and amplifies your business’s visibility on social media platforms. 

Harnessing the power of hashtags is vital for boosting customer engagement on social media platforms. By utilising relevant and targeted hashtags, you can amplify your visibility, connect with your desired audience and foster meaningful interactions with your guests. Remember to conduct thorough research, select hashtags wisely and strike a balance between popular and niche ones to optimise your social media impact. Embrace hashtags as a powerful tool to enhance guest engagement and unlock the full potential of social media for your motel business.

#HashtagPower #EngageWithGuests #SocialMediaSuccess

And here’s a little more help to get you started…

#MotelLife

#TravelStay

#StayandExplore

#MotelStay

#VacationMode

#RoadTripEssentials

#StaycationVibes

#AffordableStay

#TravelOnABudget

#CozyAccommodation

#TravelInspiration

#MotelAdventures

#WeekendGetaway

#RoadsideCharm 

This blog was written by Jenny Chellew, an accredited business broker with a focus on the tourism and accommodation industry. With a wealth of expertise and a passion for assisting clients in this sector, Jenny provides valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the world of business buying and selling resulting in the best possible outcome for all.