By Victoria Oliver
Hashtags are more than just trendy keywords. They are powerful tools that can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and engagement. For tour and activity companies, leveraging hashtags effectively can attract new customers, increase engagement, and promote your unique experiences. Here’s a quick guide to crafting a successful hashtag strategy.
Understand the Basics
What are Hashtags?
Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by a “#” symbol. They categorize content and make it discoverable to users interested in a particular topic. For example, #TravelTuesday or #AdventureAwaits.
Why Use Hashtags?
Using the right hashtags can increase your content’s reach, making it visible to a broader audience beyond your followers. They also enhance engagement, as users searching for specific tags can interact with your posts.
Strategies for Effective Hashtag Utilisation
1. Research and Select Relevant Hashtags
In the realm of effective hashtag utilisation, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and select relevant hashtags that are both trending and pertinent to your content. A combination of broad and niche hashtags should be employed to reach a wider, yet targeted audience. It is advisable to steer clear of overly generic hashtags like #travel or #adventure to ensure your posts stand out and avoid getting lost in the vast sea of content.
2. Development of Branded Hashtags
When it comes to the development of branded hashtags, the focus should be on creating unique and memorable tags that encapsulate your brand and ongoing campaigns. Encourage your followers to use these branded hashtags when sharing their experiences to foster organic promotion and community engagement.
3. Moderation in Hashtag Usage
In terms of moderation in hashtag usage, platforms like Instagram permit up to 30 hashtags per post. However, it is best practice to employ a curated selection of 5-11 relevant hashtags to maintain clarity and avoid appearing overly promotional.
4. Monitoring and Engagement
Lastly, consistent monitoring and engagement are essential components of a successful hashtag strategy. Regularly assess the performance of your hashtags to identify the most effective ones in driving engagement. Additionally, engage with users who are utilising your branded hashtags to cultivate a sense of community and loyalty around your brand.
Effective Hashtag Strategies in the Tourism Sector
Within the tourism industry, a well-crafted hashtag strategy can substantially elevate your marketing endeavours. Here are some successful approaches:
1. Location-Based Hashtags
Incorporate hashtags specific to renowned tourist destinations or landmarks to capture the attention of travellers seeking information and inspiration. Example: #VisitSouthAfrica, #ExploreCapeTown
2. Event or Campaign-Specific Hashtags
Develop and promote hashtags for special events, promotions, or campaigns to generate anticipation and encourage participation. Example: #SummerGetaway2024, #CapeCycleTour2024
3. User-Generated Content Hashtags
Motivate travellers to share their experiences using a designated hashtag, establishing a community of engaged followers and authentic content. Example: #MyTravelStory, #WanderlustJourneys
For further guidance or information on optimising your hashtag strategy, please feel free to contact me at victoria@activitar.com.