As the fashion eCommerce industry flourishes, many tools are used to improve the visibility and success of fashion brands. One of these is the use of hashtags that are included in online content. It can be used in social media posts, blogs, and websites.
If you’re an owner of a start-up, it can be difficult to start among the well-established fashion businesses. However, with the help of online tools, including the use of hashtags, you can gradually reach your target. Meanwhile, if you’re not familiar with the process yet, you can also hire a fashion eCommerce agency who you can consult regarding the best strategies you can use for your business.
As for the use of hashtags, here are some of the benefits you can obtain.
1. Improve Discoverability
Hashtags are words or phrases used to indicate captions or posts as descriptions. It’s essential to use relevant hashtags to enhance the discoverability of your brand, products, and content. For instance, when releasing a summer collection, including hashtags such as #summerfashion, #summercollection, or #summeroutfits can help you gain potential clients and searches.
Meanwhile, if you’re not aware of the relevant hashtags, you can always consult with a fashion eCommerce agency. They most likely know the trends and relevant hashtags you can use for your collections. Usually, start-ups use similar yet a bit different hashtags than well-established brands, so that customers can easily find them. On the other hand, if you use the same hashtags as the popular businesses, prospective clients might find it hard to find your brand or may not find you at all.
2. Building Brand Awareness
Building brand awareness is another benefit you can get from using hashtags. Crafting unique hashtags enables your brand to gain loyal customers and encourages user-generated content. For instance, if you have to launch a collection, using a hashtag that reflects your brand’s identity can encourage customers to talk about your brand.
If using hashtags is a success, you can easily identify whether you already have a deeper connection with your target audience. On the other hand, if you think it’s not working, you should try to improve your hashtags in your future posts.
3. Enhance Online Engagement
Hashtags also help increase engagement. Once you create a unique hashtag for your brand, it can be a tool for user participation and conversations. For instance, if you’re having a contest, you can include the use of your specialised hashtag as a part of the mechanics.
Nowadays, the common promo mechanics usually include following social media accounts, liking, commenting, and sharing the post using the hashtag. Once you click on your specialised hashtag, you can view the number of participants and the sense of excitement to be a part of your brand’s contest.
4. Increasing Traffic and Sales
Using hashtags for your fashion eCommerce business isn’t just about brand awareness and visibility. It also helps increase sales and traffic. Aside from hashtags, you may also include links directed to your eCommerce website where customers can easily buy the products you offer.
In a way, hashtags can serve as a tool for customers to discover your website which can lead to purchases. This instance can be beneficial for both traffic and sales. However, it doesn’t always happen that way. Prospective customers may discover your brand and not buy right away since they may be looking for other options. However, once they find out the unique side of your brand, there’s a high probability that they’ll buy your products.
5. Keeping Up with the Trends
The fashion industry often changes. What’s trending today may not be tomorrow or the other day. Fortunately, using hashtags enables businesses to be aware of the latest trends. From popular hashtags to consumer preferences, you can get ahead of the curve if you’re always looking out for the most ideal ones you can incorporate into your content.
Of course, staying ahead of trends can be beneficial to your brand. Since many consumers look after trendy fashion brands, being one of the firsts can improve your loyal customers and can drive your sales.
Things to Avoid When Using Hashtags
Although hashtags can be beneficial, sometimes you might be using them the wrong way. Here are some of the things you should avoid when using hashtags for your fashion eCommerce business:
Overusing hashtags
Sometimes, less is more. If you’re going to use some hashtags for your social media post, you can limit them up to four. Besides, some platforms require permission before using too many hashtags. Additionally, using too many hashtags can drive your prospective clients away.
Hashtags that are too long
Aside from using many hashtags, it can also be irritating for customers to find lengthy ones. Instead of sentences, try using one to two words long. It’s easier to read and understand, and your audience won’t find it too much to read.
Misusing hashtags
Although it’s a given that your main goal is to improve traffic and brand awareness, avoid using misleading hashtags. If you want your target audience to trust your brand, don’t associate it with others if it’s not. For instance, if you’re going to include #Vogue in every post, you’re not doing your brand any favour.
Final Thoughts
The fashion eCommerce industry can be overwhelming, especially for start-ups, but with the help of online tools, like hashtags, you can create strategies that can improve your brand. Keep in mind that the use of relevant hashtags is a great start to achieving success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer at Design and Build Co., a specialist digital agency for fashion and luxury brands that helps clients maximise their digital presence and remain agile in a rapidly changing environment. You can catch her browsing the internet for the latest hairstyles and hair care tips in her free time.
