Hashtags can feel like noise. On X (formerly Twitter), it is easy to see a post with ten or more tags and scroll straight past it. But for UK Gift Hour, hashtags are a useful tool for small businesses and indie makers. They help your post appear where people are already looking. Used well, they lift your visibility. Overdone, they drown your message.
This guide shares a few simple ways to make hashtags work for you during #UKGiftHour and #UKGiftAM. For a wider introduction, see: UK Gift Hour: A Weekend Hashtag Community for Indie Gifts.
Keep to the rule of three
Hashtags help your post reach the right people, but less is often more. Aim for two or three in total.
- Always include #UKGiftHour, and add #UKGiftAM if you are posting between 10:00 and 12:00.
- Make the remaining tag descriptive of the community or purpose, for example #ShopIndie or #SupportSmallBusiness.
This way your content stays focused and easy to read. Of course, you can bend the rule when it matters, for instance for seasonal campaigns, relevant trending tags, or joint promotions.
Saturday themes
Saturdays often have a buzz about them. It is a good time to show off your work, talk about your process, or mention seasonal offers. Here are some hashtag combinations that tend to fit:
| Theme | Core hashtags | Optional third |
|---|---|---|
| Handmade & personal | #UKGiftHour + #Handmade | #GiftIdeas |
| Promotions or offers | #UKGiftHour + #Sale or #Discount | #SmallBiz |
| Seasonal or occasion | #UKGiftHour + #AutumnGifts | #UniqueGifts |
Sunday themes
Sundays are slower. Many people post about rest, reflection, or thoughtful gifting. Hashtags can lean into that:
| Theme | Core hashtags | Optional third |
|---|---|---|
| Cosy or restful | #UKGiftHour + #SlowSunday | #RelaxAndGift |
| Thoughtful gifting | #UKGiftHour + #GiftIdeas | #SupportSmallBiz |
| Eco-conscious finds | #UKGiftHour + #EcoGifts | #Sustainable |
Example posts
Here are a few examples of how hashtags might sit in real posts for independent businesses:
- “Fresh from the workshop, this oak bowl is ready for its new home 🌿 #UKGiftHour #Handmade #GiftIdeas”
- “Cosy Sunday with a candle lit and a good book. Our autumn scents are back 🍂 #UKGiftHour #SlowSunday #RelaxAndGift”
- “Looking for something personal? These stamped necklaces can be made to order ✨ #UKGiftHour #GiftIdeas #SupportSmallBiz”
- “Behind the scenes at the workbench today. Prepping new stock for next weekend’s market 🛠️ #UKGiftHour #MakersLife #SmallBiz”
Notice how none of these go over three hashtags. The post feels readable and the tags stay relevant for indie shopping.
Avoid hashtag stuffing
It might be tempting to add every tag you can think of. Do not. Posts with long blocks of hashtags often look cluttered and get less engagement. Stick to the ones that truly fit your content strategy.
Conclusion
Hashtags are not magic. They are tools. In UK Gift Hour, their role is simple, to help your post appear where the community of small businesses is looking. Use them carefully, keep them relevant, and they will support your visibility without taking over your message.
For practical advice on what to post and how to shape your content on X, see: Posting Tips for UK Gift Hour on X.
Melanie Lampro 
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