#28 - How to Use Hashtags in Your Apartment Marketing Strategy
We’re passing the mic!! This time it’s from our Sprout Fam. Rebecca Ross-Gilinsky is the Creative Director at Sprout Marketing and has a brilliant and creative mind that we loveeee her for. She’s based out of Chicago, so we enjoy all the pics of snow she sends our #watercooler Slack channel, and her quarantine TikToks are not to be underestimated. Rebecca is a pro.
Learn from her today on the topic of HASHTAGS. She’ll cover:
What are hashtags?
Why do you need to use them in your post captions?
How do you do it?
This is a section from Instagram 101: a full course on everything Instagram. If you like this section (we know you will) check out the rest!
what the heck are hashtags?
Hashtags were originally created on Twitter and meant for people to have the ability to follow current events or a specific issue. They’ve migrated to Instagram, and you can use them to gain more exposure and expand your post’s reach!
Check out the video, audio, or written version on this blog post. Take notes! If you aren’t already using hashtags, you will want to after this. And if you are… we hope you’ll get some new info to boost your posts!
Hashtags that create community
Branded Hashtag: Unique hashtag to your brand
Something that you have created specifically for YOUR community! When you can create a hashtag that reps living at your community, it contributes to your brand.
#sproutapartments
#sproutliving
#lovetoliveatsprout
Contest Hashtags: Unique to an event or contest
This hashtag will go along with your brand, but specifically promote your event or contest.
#sproutselfcare
Entertaining Hashtags: just for fun
These may not be used very often, and are mostly used for added fun. Sometimes, some users create their own hashtags.
#Sorrynotsorry
#reallylonghashtagsthatyoumadeupyourself
Hashtags that gain exposure:
General Appeal Hashtags: These are tags that everyone uses
These are not specifically related to your brand or even apartment living, but for general use. People are using these kinds of hashtags and sometimes even following them!
#ilovemyjob
#puppylove
#nofilter
Niche-Specific Hashtag: Industry related
These will have a wider following among that specific hashtag.
#apartmentliving
#multifamily
#lovewhereyoulive
Timely Hashtags: Current Events or Seasonal Holidays
There are different hashtags that will be relevant at different times.
#Bip - was Bachelor in Paradise on last night? This tag will likely be popular.
#FrappeDay - this one may be trending at the moment if it’s at the time of this creative holiday.
What’s the Bottom line about hashtags?
Use all the hashtags, yes. But be mindful of which are going to gain exposure and followers and which will promote a sense of community with your residents. Brand specific hashtags are great for your residents, but outside of that, not many people will be searching or following #sproutapartments. The second section WILL expand your reach.
Here is an example:
“Don’t you wish your balcony view was beautiful like this? #SproutApartments is so happy to have patios and balconies that offer the best views in the city!”
That’s great, now let’s add some hashtags that will increase exposure.
“Don’t you wish your balcony view was beautiful like this? #SproutApartments is so happy to have patios and balconies that offer the best views in the city! #Texashillcountry #Austinviews #Nofilter #Texassunsets”
Best practices:
Put branded hashtags in your bio. It’s a great way to encourage the use of your hashtags by your residents.
Feature entertaining hashtags at the start of your post. It’s meant to entertain! Feature it upfront.
Use between 1-6 hashtags per post. This is not a hard and fast rule. Test out different amounts and use an amount that makes sense with your post. If it’s serious, maybe only one is needed. If it’s a fun post, add in a few more!
Switch up your hashtags! Tap into new audiences by switching up the different hashtags you use. Don’t let your posts go stale and predictable.
