What is a Hashtag? How to use Hashtags on Social Media?
Definition – a word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#), used on social media websites and applications, especially Twitter, to identify messages on a specific topic.
“Spammers often broadcast tweets with popular hashtags even if the tweet has nothing to do with them”
While the hashtag originated with twitter it is now applicable across a wide range of Social Media platforms. It also is one of the best ways of being found online.
To put it as simply as possible – people search “key-terms” and these are the key terms you want to be using as hashtags.
Platforms using Hashtags – Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google + and Pinterest
To get an idea of who is using a hashtag that you think is one to use is to search it or click on one with Twitter or Instagram. This will take you to a list of others who have used it on their posts online.
How to use Hashtags on Social Media
Brands use Hashtags exceptionally well. Using them on their own posts and both asking others and others automatically doing it for the brand.
Have you seen an Instagram post with someone wearing a brand and both tagging the brand in the post and using the hashtag below! It is important to remember that it is not all about the brand either. It is also about the values of a brand, health, wellbeing, success, motivation, location etc.
You too can grow your own brand/value awareness using this method. Asking people to share their photos with your relevant #Hashtag.
This then allows you to search and see people who have used it. Now you have an opportunity to further engage with this person as your brand.
Each and every post you create to share should have the relevant values and/or brands associated as part of the hashtags. #smallbusiness #digitalmarketing #SEO #socialmedia #tgifriday for example.
Hashtags can lead you to leads
Now, by monitoring, using and creating a conversation you can generate leads for your business via social media.
I have said this many times and people have tried to challenge me on this point BUT if you are not getting leads via social media you are doing it WRONG!
Doing Social Media well
- Post often and consistently
- Use the right hashtags
- Systemise your Social Media
- Tag relevant people/brands in your posts
- Answer comments
- Address any immediate opportunities
- Keep an eye on trending topics
- Review and keep improving
- If all else fails, outsource
If you need help with the marketing of your small business – just be in touch
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