How Hashtags Can Help Grow Your Business

Life is full of shortcuts. They make our lives easier, particularly in this fast-paced, virtual world. So, what if we told you there was a shortcut to building social media exposure that could help grow your business, too? Allow us to introduce you to the significant role of hashtags! 

While you may recognize these word clusters by the characteristic pound sign (#), many people are either unsure of their usage or aren’t utilizing them to their full potential. But when done correctly, this quick and easy tool can give your social media channels a big boost. In fact, posts with at least one hashtag receive approximately 12.6% more engagement than those without.

Ready to up your hashtag game? Here’s what you need to know and how they can help your business:

Why do we need hashtags? Picture this. You spend time creating fresh new content for your brand. You post online and wait for the likes and comments to roll in, but don’t receive the traction you wanted. One likely culprit could be a lack of hashtags.

These keywords are like mini search engines. You’ll want to select hashtags that refer to the topics and themes of your post. We recommend a mix of trending terms like #MondayMotivation or #FridayFunny, plus words specific to your industry or location. Including these at the end of a post allows users to find your content on social media just like a Google search.

Is there a wrong way to hashtag? Even the best hashtags won’t get you very far if used incorrectly. For starters, no spaces are needed. Instead, try using capital letters to separate words. Another faux pas is using too many hashtags at once. While Instagram allows up to 30 per post, try sticking to those most relevant to your business and brand.

Can hashtags help me gain more followers? Yes! Hashtags are a great way to build your target audience. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram allow users to follow hashtag groups, helping grow your network of followers. So, whether you’re selling #Travel or #Toothpaste, remember to include brand-specific words in every post.

Are there any other ways to use hashtags? Did you know that you can add hashtags to Instagram stories, too? That’s right! Just hide them behind your photo or video to extend your story’s reach to new potential customers. You can also include hashtags in the comments section of a post to help bump it to the top of newsfeeds.

We hope these tips make you a #HashtagPro in no time. For additional questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime at alison@officiallysocial.com.

Three Ways to Keep Your Social Content Fresh

By JAMIE JOHNSON • October 31, 2025
One of the most challenging parts of social media is the continuous need for new and creative content to share. If you’re feeling a little uninspired (and overwhelmed), you’re not alone! Whether your feed feels repetitive, engagement has dipped, or you’re simply running out of ideas, keeping your social media strategy fresh is essential to staying relevant and building real connections. Luckily, we’ve got some simple strategies to incorporate that will prevent your feeds from feeling stale. Here are three ways to keep your content feeling fresh: Repurpose Content Repurposing isn’t just repeating; it’s utilizing content in a new way so it works harder for you. Take your top-performing post from the last few months and turn it into something new. Try: A Reel that highlights the same message visually A carousel that breaks it down into steps or tips A quote graphic that pulls out a key takeaway When done thoughtfully, repurposed content keeps your core message consistent while still offering something new to your audience. Don’t let your most well-received posts end up in social media purgatory. Observe your analytics periodically to determine which content is trending with your followers, and then reuse it to your advantage. Also, remember that not everyone sees a post the first time, so it may reach new potential customers the second. Refresh Your Look When was the last time you updated your font and color scheme? You don’t need a full rebrand to make an impact. Small adjustments like updating your brand colors, incorporating a new font, or using new photo filters can make your content feel fresh without losing consistency. Collaborate with Others Collaborations expose your social channels to new audiences and potential new customers. Think partnerships with other local businesses, joint giveaways, or even simple shoutouts. These connections increase visibility while building community and credibility.  Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? Final Thoughts If you find yourself running out of inspiration, start by listening to your audience more. Chances are, your next great idea is already waiting for you in comments, DMs, and likes. Keeping your social content fresh isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about staying curious, creative, and connected. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what resonates. And as always, we’re here to help with any of your social media needs. You can reach us at jamie@officiallysocial.com.

How to Measure Your Social Media ROI

By JAMIE JOHNSON • September 29, 2025
Are you prioritizing the right metrics?

Does Your Small Business Need TikTok?

By Jamie Johnson • July 29, 2025
In recent years, TikTok has evolved from dance trends and viral challenges into a powerful marketing tool. With over 1 billion monthly active users , TikTok has the pote ntial to help businesses of all sizes, especially those that are creative and looking to grow their reach. It also differs from other social platforms with its exceptional ability to reach viewers. Unlike other social media outlets, TikTok doesn’t just show content to followers. The simple way to reach new prospective clients gives businesses a huge advantage and allows for expansive marketing with a single video. So, could your small business benefit from TikTok? Here’s why it may. It can help grow your audience. TikTok’s user base is diverse and growing fast, including an eclectic mix of millennials, parents, professionals, and even baby boomers. The chances are high that your ideal customer is spending time on TikTok, so your business probably should be too. It allows for more creativity. TikTok rewards creativity, not perfectly polished content. Think real moments, business tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, product how-tos, or even humorous outtakes on what it’s like running your business. Here are a few more ideas to get you started: Share a day in the life at your business. Highlight customer stories or transformations. Show your product or service in action. Jump on relevant trends (with your own spin). Like other social media platforms, TikTok requires some strategic planning to make the greatest impact, but don’t stress too much. The more you share, the more you’ll see what interests your audience most. It helps build your brand. Branding on TikTok begins with your bio. Be creative and make each word count. From there, think about the tone and message you want your account to convey. Focus on similar themes for a cohesive look, and don’t be afraid to try different layouts and music. It’s ok to have a little fun while promoting yourself! It offers a solid ROI. TikTok can be a game-changer for visibility. Even accounts with small followings can go viral, thanks to the algorithm. It’s the ideal platform for businesses seeking to drive genuine conversions, increase website clicks, and boost product sales. If your business thrives on word-of-mouth, personality, or storytelling, TikTok can do all that (and more) at a lower cost than traditional advertising. TikTok continues gaining momentum with businesses of all sizes, making it a wise choice to add to your social media toolkit. For small businesses with a unique offering and a willingness to show up authentically, TikTok can be an incredible tool for growth. Looking to add TikTok to your business marketing? Email jamie@officiallysocial.com to get started. .