Hashtags can be complicated. They're effective on Instagram, but a flop on Facebook. They're usable on Twitter, but don't function on LinkedIn. Some make sense, others don't. Some have massive followings, while others simply die.

It can get confusing.

Before you forsake using hashtags altogether, though, consider these stats:

• 75% of social media users use hashtags
• Instagram posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement than posts without hashtags
• Twitter users are 55% more likely to retweet something with at least one hashtag
• Tweets containing hashtags get 2x more engagement than tweets without hashtags

Using hashtags strategically can help your business reach a much larger audience than your current following on Instagram and Twitter. Here are some important do's and don'ts to follow when tacking a hashtag on to your tweet or photo.

Do: your research. Make sure you understand exactly what the hashtag means before you add it to your post. Hashtags can be used in several different contexts, so taking a minute to research before posting will help you avoid sticky situations later. Research some of the most popular hashtags in your industry and learn which abbreviations are commonly used as hashtags.

Don't: stick to only the popular ones. Chances are there is a highly specific hashtag out there that fits your industry. While wildly popular hashtags may get you a few more likes, hashtags that are targeted specifically to your industry will help you reach your target audience better.

Do: create your own. Branded hashtags are a great addition to your socia media strategy and can go a long way in driving follower engagement.

Don't: break them. Adding symbols, like ampersands or punctuation, will "break" your hashtag and cause it to look messy. Try to find other ways of getting your point across without using symbols.

Do: have fun. Hashtags can be a huge boost to your social media engagement, but that doesn't mean they have to be serious. Keep things fun and entertaining by throwing in an emoji hashtag every now and then.

Don't: create clutter. Adding too many hashtags in a post can be distracting. Try camouflaging hashtags into your message where applicable. You can also hide hashtags by adding them in a comment on Instagram to keep your post from becoming too hashtag-heavy. A good rule of thumb is to use 1-3 hashtags per post, although you can use 11+ on Instagram.

Most importantly, don't let hashtags intimidate you. With a little research and effort, you can quickly boost your social media engagement by using effective hashtags in your posts.