Podcast Summary: "Hashtags Are Not Dead: Here's How to Use Them in 2025"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie
• Host: Shannon McKinstrie
• Episode Title: Hashtags Are Not Dead: Here's How to Use Them in 2025
• Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In the January 28, 2025 episode of Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie, host Shannon delves into the enduring relevance of hashtags in social media marketing. Amidst rampant misinformation and shifting platform algorithms, Shannon seeks to clarify the role of hashtags and provide actionable strategies for content creators aiming to enhance their online presence.

Debunking the Myth: Hashtags Are Dead

[02:15] Shannon begins by addressing a pervasive rumor: that hashtags are no longer effective on platforms like Instagram. She asserts, “Hashtags are not dead,” emphasizing that neither she nor her colleague Adam Aseri would propagate such claims without substantial evidence. Shannon shares her frustration with the constant barrage of misleading information from self-proclaimed experts, stating, “Everyone is on edge right now. Everyone is stressed out... spreading these lies on Instagram and distract people from actual marketing strategies.”

The Power of Hashtags: Personal Experience

To illustrate her point, Shannon recounts her recent experimentation with longer Instagram reels. [04:30] She mentions, “I posted a two-minute reel, and within 15 hours, it garnered almost 30,000 views. Typically, I see about 30-40,000 views within 24 hours.” These numbers challenge the notion that hashtags diminish reach, as her reels containing multiple hashtags still perform exceptionally well.

Effective Hashtag Strategies

Niche Over Size

Shannon emphasizes the importance of using niche hashtags over overly broad ones. [07:50] She explains, “Years ago, we used niche hashtags to survive in an oversaturated market. Now, with the advent of reels, the landscape has changed, but niche hashtags remain crucial for targeting specific audiences.”

Specificity Is Key

Shannon advises creators to align their hashtags closely with the content of their posts. [15:20] For instance, if a reel is about Instagram growth, appropriate hashtags would include #InstagramGrowth, #IGGrowth, and #InstagramStrategy. This specificity ensures that the algorithm accurately categorizes the content, making it discoverable to the right audience.

Balanced Hashtag Usage

Rather than adhering to a rigid number of hashtags, Shannon encourages experimentation. [18:45] “Don’t be scared to test, don’t be scared to see what hashtags do best for you. You wanna use three hashtags. Cool. You wanna use 15, like I did.” The key is to find a balance that works for each individual account and its unique audience.

The Role of Keywords

Shannon highlights the symbiotic relationship between hashtags and keywords. [21:10] She states, “Your hashtags and your keywords work together to tell the algorithm what your content is about so it shows it to the right people.” Incorporating relevant keywords in the hook, caption, and script of a post enhances its visibility and engagement potential.

Real-World Examples of Successful Hashtag Use

Healthcare Professional Example

Shannon analyzes a high-performing healthcare reel with 88,000 likes and 32,000 shares. [25:00] The reel’s hook included keywords like “trauma healthcare worker,” and the accompanying hashtags were highly specific (#EMS, #TraumaHospital, #EmergencyMedicine). These targeted hashtags ensured the content reached professionals and individuals interested in healthcare topics.

Interior Design Example

Another example involves an interior designer’s reel about kitchen renovations. [30:15] The use of hashtags such as #KitchenDesign, #MarbleKitchen, and #ColonialHome effectively connected the content with users searching for specific kitchen renovation ideas, demonstrating the efficacy of well-chosen hashtags.

Leveraging Tools for Keyword Research

Shannon advocates for utilizing tools like ChatGPT and TikTok to discover relevant keywords. [35:40] For example, by prompting ChatGPT with “What are some keywords for kitchen design?”, Shannon obtained a list including “modern kitchen design,” “rustic kitchen ideas,” and “minimalist kitchens.” Similarly, TikTok serves as a valuable platform for observing trending keywords within specific niches.

Addressing Algorithm Misconceptions

A common concern among creators is that engaging with content outside one's niche might negatively impact reach. Shannon dispels this myth. [40:25] “I hate that people have spread these silly rumors that if you engage with stuff outside of your niche, the algorithm is going to punish you and not show your stuff to your people.” She explains that the algorithm is designed to surface content based on user interests, not to penalize creators for diverse engagements.

Shannon provides a personal anecdote, describing her own Explore page filled with varied interests like food, mom humor, and reality show gossip, none of which directly relate to her marketing content. This diversity does not hinder her content's performance but rather supports its discovery by a broader audience interested in marketing.

Conclusion: Embrace Hashtag Usage

In wrapping up, Shannon firmly reinstates the value of hashtags in social media strategy. [45:10] “Hashtags are not dead. And the moment they are, I will be the first to let you know. I promise.” She encourages creators to continue using hashtags judiciously, test different approaches, and focus on specificity to leverage the full potential of their content.

Shannon concludes with a heartfelt message, affirming that the right audience is out there and that understanding and utilizing hashtags and keywords effectively can bridge the gap between content creators and their ideal followers. “Your people are out there. They want to find you,” she affirms, underscoring the importance of persistence and informed strategy in social media growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Hashtags Remain Effective: Contrary to rumors, hashtags are still a valuable tool for increasing reach and engagement on platforms like Instagram.
• Use Niche and Specific Hashtags: Align hashtags closely with the content to target the right audience and enhance discoverability.
• Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Keywords in hooks, captions, and scripts work synergistically with hashtags to optimize content performance.
• Leverage Tools for Research: Utilize resources like ChatGPT and TikTok to identify trending and relevant keywords within your niche.
• Dispel Algorithm Myths: Engaging with diverse content does not harm your reach; algorithms prioritize user interests and relevant content.
• Experiment and Adapt: Continuously test different hashtag strategies to determine what works best for your unique audience and content type.

By following these strategies, content creators can effectively navigate the evolving social media landscape and continue to grow their presence with confidence.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon McKinstrie [00:00]: “Hashtags are not dead. And the moment they are, I will be the first to let you know. I promise.”

• Shannon McKinstrie [07:50]: “Niche hashtags remain crucial for targeting specific audiences.”

• Shannon McKinstrie [15:20]: “Your hashtags and your keywords work together to tell the algorithm what your content is about so it shows it to the right people.”

• Shannon McKinstrie [21:10]: “Incorporating relevant keywords in the hook, caption, and script of a post enhances its visibility and engagement potential.”

• Shannon McKinstrie [40:25]: “If you engage with stuff outside of your niche, the algorithm is going to punish you and not show your stuff to your people.” [Clarification: This is her debunking of a myth, emphasizing that this is not true.]

Timestamp Highlights:

• 00:00: Introduction and context setting.
• 02:15: Debunking the myth that hashtags are dead.
• 04:30: Personal experience with hashtag effectiveness.
• 07:50: Importance of niche hashtags.
• 15:20: Role of specificity in hashtag usage.
• 18:45: Encouragement to experiment with hashtag quantities.
• 21:10: Synergy between hashtags and keywords.
• 25:00: Healthcare professional example.
• 30:15: Interior design example.
• 35:40: Utilizing ChatGPT and TikTok for keyword research.
• 40:25: Addressing misconceptions about algorithm penalties.
• 45:10: Conclusion and reaffirmation of hashtag value.

By following Shannon McKinstrie’s insights and strategies outlined in this episode, listeners can confidently harness the power of hashtags to elevate their social media presence and achieve their marketing goals in 2025 and beyond.