A Step-by-Step Guide to Smarter, Data-Led Hashtag Strategy

If you want your content to be seen on social media in 2025, guessing your hashtags just won’t cut it anymore. With algorithms evolving and trends shifting daily, it’s time to take a smarter, data-led approach – and that’s where Google Trends comes in.

Google Trends helps you understand what people are searching for, when they’re searching, and how those interests change over time. By aligning your hashtags with real search behaviour, you can create more relevant, discoverable, and impactful content.

Here’s how to use Google Trends to level up your hashtag game — and make sure your content gets the visibility it deserves.

Why Hashtags Still Matter in 2025

Hashtags are more than just a way to categorise content; they’re a powerful discovery tool. Whether you’re sharing a Reel on Instagram, a YouTube Short, or a TikTok video, the right hashtags help your content reach people who care about what you do.

But not all hashtags are created equal. Using #every #word #as #a #hashtag doesn’t help, and generic tags like #love or #happy are far too crowded. The key is to find relevant, timely, and targeted hashtags that your ideal audience is already searching for.

That’s where Google Trends shine.

Step 1: Use Google Trends to Identify Search Interest

Go to Google Trends and type in keywords related to your niche. For example, if you’re a craft business, you might compare “crochet patterns” vs “knitting tutorials.”

You’ll see how each term performs over time, where it’s most popular, and when interest spikes. These insights help you:

• Post content when topics are trending.
• Prioritise hashtags for the most-searched terms.
• Tailor posts to regions where your topic is hottest.

If “crochet patterns” peaks every autumn, for instance, that’s your cue to plan content, and hashtags, around that seasonal surge.

Step 2: Compare and Choose High-Performing Hashtags

Use the “Compare” feature to test multiple hashtags side by side. For example, search “#petcare” vs “#doggrooming” vs “#catcare.”

Google Trends shows which terms are rising or declining, helping you pick the most relevant and timely options. This prevents you from wasting space on hashtags that no one’s currently engaging with.

You can also use this to refine your niche. If you see that “eco-friendly crafts” is trending upward while “DIY recycling” is dropping, you’ll know which phrase to focus on, and which hashtags to use alongside it.

Step 3: Align Content with Trending Topics

Google Trends isn’t just about hashtags; it’s a goldmine for content inspiration.

If you notice a surge in searches for “sustainable fashion,” that’s your cue to create related content and pair it with hashtags like #SustainableStyle or #EcoFriendlyDesign. This way, you’re riding the wave of what people are actively looking for, rather than guessing what might perform.

Brands can also use Trends to decide what to post about, for example, comparing “Gucci” vs “Prada” can help a fashion brand choose which name to feature in a timely post.

Step 4: Use Google Trends for Brand Awareness

Beyond hashtags, Google Trends is a great way to monitor your brand visibility. By tracking your brand name or campaign hashtag (e.g. #YourBrandName), you can see whether awareness is growing over time, and in which regions.

This helps with:

• Measuring how campaigns or PR coverage affect search behaviour.
• Understanding seasonal peaks in brand interest.
• Identifying where to target ads or influencer partnerships.

Step 5: Optimise Your Hashtags and Avoid Overuse

Once you’ve identified your top-performing hashtags, don’t overdo it. Instagram and TikTok algorithms now prioritise quality over quantity. Using 5–10 well-researched, relevant hashtags is far more effective than 30 generic ones.

Mix your hashtags strategically:

• 2–3 broad industry tags (#DigitalMarketing, #DIY)
• 3–5 niche-specific tags (#SocialMediaTips, #SustainableCrafts)
• 1–2 branded or campaign-specific tags (#TeamGiraffe, #CraftWithUs)

Keep testing and refining based on what’s performing best in your analytics.

Other Benefits of Google Trends

Using Google Trends can help you do more than find hashtags:

• Spot rising trends: Stay ahead of your competition by identifying topics before they peak.
• Find backlink opportunities: Discover popular, trusted sites related to your niche for collaboration or SEO.
• Monitor competitors: See what’s trending for their brand names or campaign keywords.
• Create seasonal content plans: Align posts and hashtags with search interest throughout the year.

Using Google Trends to refine your hashtag strategy means you’re no longer guessing, you’re working with data. It helps you identify what your audience actually cares about, when they care about it, and how to reach them effectively.

If staying on top of trends feels overwhelming, we’re here to help. At Giraffe Social, our team of experts can craft a hashtag and content strategy tailored to your brand, built on insights, not assumptions.