What is a key benefit of using hashtags effectively in social media strategy?

Using hashtags effectively in a social media strategy significantly enhances the visibility and reach of posts, which is a vital benefit for engaging with a wider audience. Hashtags function as keywords or phrases that allow users to discover content relevant to their interests. When properly utilized, hashtags help categorize content, making it searchable and accessible to users who may not already be following the account. This can lead to increased engagement, such as likes, shares, and comments, as well as attracting new followers who are interested in the topics being discussed.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect accurate uses or outcomes associated with hashtags. They do not serve as a complete replacement for all content marketing strategies, nor do they guarantee that posts will go viral, as virality relies on multiple factors beyond just hashtags. Lastly, hashtags do not affect word count limits, which vary by social media platform, so this option also does not hold true in the context of the question.