HASHTAGS
(#'s)
I've been thinking about what confuses people the most about posting on Instagram and Twitter and it seems to be hashtags (#'s). Not only do people not fully understand what a hashtag is but also what it does and how to use it.
Through networking, I have looked up companies and individuals who are on Instagram and are often amazed that they have posted a great photo but without any hashtags.
These people are losing out on a simple and effective marketing device: The HASHTAG.
WHAT IS A HASHTAG?
A hashtag is the # symbol which is used before a word or phrase to identify a keyword or topic of interest. A person can click on your hashtag and will be brought to a page that aggregates all the posts with the same hashtagged keyword in real-time.
This is great for Twitter when searching for a current news issue.
Funny, one of the top trending # right now is #nationalpetday with 43.6 tweets.
#mondaynotivation is at 88.4K tweets.
Ok, so these are not exactly current news issues, but you can see how far a # can reach!
Instagram will bring people/companies together who use the same # word i.e. #kitchensupplies (3,374 posts) #doggiedaycare (161,785 posts) #torontocupcakes (3,867 posts) #torontofashion (223,684 posts) #torontorealestate (40,566 posts) #torontocondos (9,070 posts).
In a search window, if someone looks up a #, they will find all posts with that # theme. Once a keyword picks up enough momentum, it becomes known as 'trending'.
You can create your own hashtag and hopefully it will generate a trend among your circle of followers. Companies use it to generate buzz about a new feature, a contest, or a new logo. Equinox gyms are using #committosomething. Think about the media success of the mental health awareness Bell has done with #belltalk.
You can also use popular #'s to fall into other people's searches.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A HASHTAG?
Hashtags serve 4 purposes:
Gain visibility from users searching that trend (others will find you)
Show you other pages that are of similar interest to you
Join in on a conversation
Show off your sense of humour or your personality
#torontoshopping, and you will see all posts who used that #.
You will be found by the millions of people on social media if and only if you use hashtags.
You will get new likes and new followers if you use hashtags.
HOW TO USE A HASHTAG:
Using hashtags is simple. Just place a # in front of the word or theme you want to highlight.
Do not use spaces.
Don't string too many words together.
Don't use too many in a sentence. (I prefer to place them at the end of a post)
Use #s that are popular. If only 200 people have used it, it may not be found as opposed to 3,500,000 +.
In instagram, as you start typing, popular # appear that you can choose from.
Also be specific. You could use #dogsofinstagram or you could use #poodlesofinstagram. If jumping in on a conversation related to the Maple Leafs, their twitter account specifically asks you to use #TMLtalk. People also use #thesix, #leafsnation, #maybenextyear. Don't just use #hockey.
Here is a beautiful example of how hashtags can get over the top:
#havefun, #bespecific, #generatebuzz, #getfound.
#itseasy
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My website is www.jennxsocialmedia.com if you have any social media questions or need any social media support.
Have a great day and have fun!
Have a great day and have fun!
