The Hashtags Your Fundraiser Should Be Using and Why
Hashtags are more than just catchy phrases; they're powerful tools that can amplify your fundraiser's visibility on social media. Understanding how hashtags work and choosing the right ones can boost your campaign's discoverability, connect with your target audience and improve post performance.
Increased Discoverability
Hashtags serve as search keywords on social media platforms, making your content more discoverable to users interested in related topics. When someone searches for a hashtag you’ve used, your post can appear in their feed, introducing your fundraiser to potential supporters who might not have encountered it otherwise.
Targeted Audience Engagement
Strategically chosen hashtags connect your campaign with people who share an interest in your cause. Targeting your audience helps your message reach those most likely to support your efforts.
Cause-Specific Hashtags
Highlight the essence of your fundraiser by using hashtags directly related to your cause. For instance:
- #SupportEducation for school fundraisers
- #EndHunger for food drives
- #ProtectWildlife for conservation initiatives
Improved Post Performance
These specific tags immediately communicate your campaign's focus and attract like-minded individuals. Reaching your target audience increases the likelihood of your posts being liked, shared, and commented on. Enhanced engagement spreads awareness and signals social media algorithms to prioritize your content, further expanding your reach.
Trending Hashtags
Leverage popular, timely hashtags to tap into ongoing conversations. For example:
- #EarthDay appeals to eco-conscious audiences.
- #HolidayGiving ideal for end-of-year charitable drives and gift donation initiatives.
- #WorldKindnessDay emphasizes charitable acts.
Keeping up with relevant trends boosts visibility, as users frequently browse trending topics, increasing the chance of your posts being seen.
Branded Hashtags
Create unique hashtags to establish your fundraiser's identity and encourage supporters to join the conversation. Examples include:
- #[YourOrganizationName]Cares
- #[YourCauseName]Fundraiser
- #[EventName]Challenge
Branded hashtags are easy for participants to remember and use, promoting consistent messaging and growing your campaign’s online presence.
Tips for Hashtag Research and Optimization
- Study Your Audience: Understand the hashtags your supporters are already engaging with. Look at their posts and preferences to determine which tags resonate most.
- Take Inspiration from Successful Fundraisers: Analyze hashtags used by similar campaigns to identify strategies that work. This approach can help you find effective combinations of tags to replicate success.
- Use Hashtag Tools: Platforms like Hashtagify and RiteTag, or social media features like Instagram’s Explore tab, help identify trending and relevant hashtags for your cause.
- Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags: While popular hashtags provide broad reach, niche hashtags target a smaller but highly relevant audience. Combining both is a balanced strategy.
- Use Local, Regional and National Hashtags: For local, regional or national fundraisers, include popular location-specific hashtags such as #TorontoFundraiser, #VancouverEvents, or #MontrealCares. These connect you with nearby audiences more likely to contribute or attend.
- Test and Learn: Experiment with different hashtags and analyze performance metrics to refine your strategy. Over time, you'll discover which combinations yield the best results for your campaign.
Hashtags are great free tools for increasing your fundraiser’s visibility and engagement. They connect you to supporters, amplify your cause, and help your campaign stand out.
Explore other ways to promote your campaign on social media for even greater success. Pair your hashtag strategy with a user-friendly fundraising platform like FundScrip, which makes creating effective and shareable campaign pages a breeze. With FundScrip, your supporters can easily join and contribute to your cause by doing their regular shopping at no extra cost. FundScrip’s features can help you reach new audiences and make your fundraiser successful.