Using Hashtags in Social Media Marketing

If you have ever browsed Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media websites, odds are you have seen a hashtag. But what exactly is a hashtag? The hashtag symbol, called a hash or pound sign (#), used before words or phrases, turns those words into a searchable link.

The hashtag has been around for many years but gained popularity through Twitter beginning as early as 2007. The use of hashtags has since spread rapidly around the Internet, being used on many different websites.

 

So, why are hashtags important?

Using hashtags makes it much easier to organize posts or tweets by turning the words following the symbol into keywords. For example, if an Instagram user uploads a vacation photo, he or she might follow the post with #Yellowstone, #Camping and #Vacation. Not only do these words describe the location of the photo and that the user is camping on vacation, they become an easy way for other Instagram users to find and like the photo. If another user typed “Yellowstone” in the search bar, the odds of the photo appearing are much higher than without the hashtag.

Using hashtags can help gain followers and raise awareness to a person, brand, event, or issue. This means hashtags can be a powerful marketing tool for businesses or for personal use. Companies have launched marketing campaigns using them, and television shows have even provided specific hashtags for live tweets during episodes.

Tips for creating a good hashtag:

Whether you need a hashtag for a company, or for a Facebook or Twitter post, here are some things to remember:

Simple is best – If you are really excited about something, it is easy to say a lot about it. While you can write plenty in a post, your hashtag should catchy and short. There is nothing wrong with abbreviating when necessary, and a long hashtag can be broken down into shorter pieces. For example, the vacation post above could have said #CampingVacationAtYellowstone, but it is much stronger when broken down into separate parts.

Be specific – It is especially important to be specific when promoting a particular event, product, or issue. Though hashtags are usually only a few words long, a few words can say a lot. For example, the popular hashtag #BostonStrong refers the Boston Marathon Bombing and highlights the strength and resilience of survivors, their families and friends. Though only two words, the hashtag addresses the location, the event, and the strength to overcome tragedy.

Creativity wins – Be creative and have fun! Hashtags can be funny, clever, and innovative. If the post is catchy, it is more likely to gain attention. Consider using videos or pictures in addition to words and hashtags. Below is a campaign promoting Ben & Jerry’s “Phish Food” ice cream flavor, incorporating Discovery Channel’s annual Shark Week.

Don’t go overboard (no pun intended) – It is also tempting to have many hashtags on a single post. After all, this means more links and keywords on a single post. However, too many hashtags can be irritating and actually discourage people from viewing the post. For reference, here is Jimmy Falon and Justin Timberlake demonstrating the dangers of using too many hashtags.

 Blog post by: Kimberly Schwarzenbart

Sources
http://mashable.com/2013/10/08/what-is-hashtag/
http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/history-hashtag-social-marketing/501237
http://www.blogher.com/yesallwomen-and-10-most-powerful-hashtags-all-time?page=0,1