Yes!! You need too!!
When you use hashtags in your Social Media marketing you reach people who are not only interested in your work but are new to your Network.

What are they? Hashtags added to your post means your post will be added to a page for that hashtag. Think of it as a way for your post to be categorized under different headings. ie. #wildlifeartofbc

Which ones should you use? You want to use hashtags that are particular to you and your genre. I feel that a niche hashtag is better than a general one. First of all, the niche hashtag has fewer posts meaning your post will be seen and not buried. Also, your audience is more specific and probably more interested in the content. ie. General – #birdsinart Specific – #birdsofbc

Do some Research: What hashtags do others in your genre use? Engage with the hashtags you use and see who is there.

How many should you use? Well, there is a maximum of 30 allowed but really, if you have effective hashtags that is not really necessary and probably not that effective. Use a selection of hashtags and check your analytics to see which combination seems to work better.

But don’t use the same Hashtags every time!! Then you look like a bot. And no platform wants bots posting, they want people. If your account looks like a bot is doing the posting, it will be Shadowbanned – hidden or restricted for 14 days!! Definitely, not a good thing.

Quick way to post hashtags: use the Keyboard>Text Replacement found in your Settings. This shortcut allows you to create your own quick keystroke for a group of #hashtags. This means when you post you only need to enter your shortcut keystroke and the list appears in its place.
Keep posting and remember to Like and Share others, they will return the favour.

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Wendy Mould, AFCA, CDM is a wildlife artist, teacher, presenter, video producer and writer on Painting, Drawing and Marketing for Artists. www.artbywendy.com