How do you guys tackle Tags?

[Villainilla]

I'm new and I understand that tags should be used when there is an abundance of-- or strong focus on-- common themes and tropes. What you can assign are 9 genre niches and 25 tags on SH and I'm a bit overwhelmed. The genres were easy since I know what my stories fall under in that regard, but there are a lot of very specific tags that I'm not sure I should use or not, since it would seem a bit redundant or tedious. I know I could probably just pick the ones I'm certain about or just not use them at all, but I know that every community has their own way of things, so if the locals could educate me and get me up to speed...

 

[melchi]

Just tweak them as you go along.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

More tags = more visibility and more spoilers.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

It's whatever the base of the story is. Usually, I'll think about what I'm writing and plan to write before coming up with tags but if it is an integral part of the story then that's what I tag it with.

 

[J_Chemist]

If your story has it, tag it.

 

[Villainilla]

I guess it's a no duh that they tell potential readers what to expect, and help people who are looking for specific tags find your work. I could just ignore the super specific tags if I'm that tickled over it, it's not like I'm required to have them. Only Tags I can think of that I feel obligated to use are for sensitive subject material, since not everyone can handle being blind-sided by nsfw themes.

While there is a smorgasbord of things that I could potentially tag, it comes down to what takes precedent-- As far as I understand. With all the tags there are is it really wise to max out the full 25 limit or just adjust as you go?

 

[Syringe]

You generally want to max out the tags for a better chance of being noticed, so long as they are or will be in the story. Your synopsis can also be used to help clarify things. Max them out, and adjust if needed.

 

[J_Chemist]

Initially you'll want to hone in on what your story actually has. Hit those key tags first and upfront. Tag what you also expect the story to have later on or within a few chapters based off your outline. I won't say how many you should be at, but at least 5 should be fine as a baseline. Maybe 7-9.

Then as you go, add more tags and get into the more niche subjects your story contains until you inevitably fill out the 25 cap. If you never hit it, great. If you do hit it, then as you go you can refine those tags by removing the tags with less impact within your story to replace them with tags that actually matter.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

I guess it's a no duh that they tell potential readers what to expect, and help people who are looking for specific tags find your work. I could just ignore the super specific tags if I'm that tickled over it, it's not like I'm required to have them. Only Tags I can think of that I feel obligated to use are for sensitive subject material, since not everyone can handle being blind-sided by nsfw themes.

While there is a smorgasbord of things that I could potentially tag, it comes down to what takes precedent-- As far as I understand. With all the tags there are is it really wise to max out the full 25 limit or just adjust as you go?

Nah, not only sensitive subject. Almost any spoiler tag can anger a reader into giving you a 1-star. Death of a loved ones, age regression, betrayal, the list goes on and on.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Tags can be used to get people to see your story. Or to NOT see your story.

With that in mind, the first priority is to add tags that people hate. You don't want the people who hate the thing to show up, because they'll become aggressive. A quick search around the forum should tell you what people hate.

The second priority is things that are either/or. Male, Female, Genderless, or Multiple Protagonist are a big one. Boys Love, Girls Love, Bisexual Protagonist. Setting Tags, and so on. Some people filter out by these, and if you fail to add them they'll get mad.

The third priority is things that you spend a lot of time talking about. For my story, Magic, Introverted Protagonist, and Dungeon Master are good examples.

The last priority, if you have space left over, is tags that are either very common or very uncommon. Sort the list of tags from most used to least, and pick tags (that are relevant, of course) from both ends. This will allow your story to show up in Similar Stories on more works, while also entertaining hipsters with how niche your story is.

And yes, you should have the maximum number of tags possible. Not genres though. If you're having trouble hitting the max, try looking for inspiration among the tags for new elements. It doesn't have to be central to the plot, just significant enough to draw attention. Like a sentient sword or an angelic mentor.

 

[georgelee5786]

I just add every tag that applies to my story, spoiler or no

 

[Villainilla]

Tags can be used to get people to see your story. Or to NOT see your story.

With that in mind, the first priority is to add tags that people hate. You don't want the people who hate the thing to show up, because they'll become aggressive. A quick search around the forum should tell you what people hate.

The second priority is things that are either/or. Male, Female, Genderless, or Multiple Protagonist are a big one. Boys Love, Girls Love, Bisexual Protagonist. Setting Tags, and so on. Some people filter out by these, and if you fail to add them they'll get mad.

The third priority is things that you spend a lot of time talking about. For my story, Magic, Introverted Protagonist, and Dungeon Master are good examples.

The last priority, if you have space left over, is tags that are either very common or very uncommon. Sort the list of tags from most used to least, and pick tags (that are relevant, of course) from both ends. This will allow your story to show up in Similar Stories on more works, while also entertaining hipsters with how niche your story is.

And yes, you should have the maximum number of tags possible. Not genres though. If you're having trouble hitting the max, try looking for inspiration among the tags for new elements. It doesn't have to be central to the plot, just significant enough to draw attention. Like a sentient sword or an angelic mentor.

It's not as daunting when framed that way. Thank you!

 

[RepresentingCaution]

carefully