How to Use Hashtags and Contests to Boost Engagement on Social Media

To boost engagement on social media using hashtags and contests, combine strategic hashtag use with interactive contest formats that encourage active participation.

Hashtags:

• Use a focused set of 5 to 10 relevant hashtags per post to avoid appearing spammy while maximizing reach.
• Research and select a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags to target the right audience and build community around your brand.
• Engage actively with hashtags by liking, commenting, and sharing posts under those hashtags to increase visibility and foster connections.
• Consider creating themed hashtag series (e.g., #MotivationMonday) to encourage regular participation and user-generated content, which strengthens community and engagement.

Contests:

• Host contests that require followers to comment, share, like, or create content (photos, captions, videos, reviews) related to your brand or theme.
• Popular contest types include:
  • Photo contests based on a theme or product use
  • Caption contests where followers submit creative captions
  • User-generated content (UGC) contests encouraging reviews or testimonials
  • Giveaways rewarding followers for engagement actions
  • Quizzes or trivia that invite participation and competition.
• Seasonal or holiday-themed contests can capitalize on timely interests and increase excitement.
• Highlight and feature the best user submissions to motivate more participation and show appreciation.

By combining well-chosen hashtags to increase discoverability and engaging contests that motivate user interaction, you can significantly enhance your social media engagement and build a loyal community around your brand.