Hashtags Turn 10: 3 Tips to Use Them Effectively
7/31/2018
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The hashtag, once only known as the pound sign, recently celebrated its tenth birthday. Used primarily on Twitter and Instagram with some Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ overlap, hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the pound or hash (#) sign that make it easier for users to find information and conversation about a given topic.
Naturally, savvy digital marketers have also co-opted hashtags for different reasons. By strategically using hashtags, you can expand your reach, target prospects, improve your SEO and share content that your fans and followers might deem relevant and valuable.
Keep these three tips in mind when using hashtags in your digital marketing campaigns:
1. Pick a hashtag that stands out – but not too much.
Hashtags can be used to raise brand awareness or to push a specific idea, and the more unique it is, the easier it is to spread. However, it shouldn’t be too vague or too common. For example, if you’re a retail brand that sells T-shirts, skip the #fashion hashtag and go for something with your name in it. Most experts agree that hashtags should be short and easy to remember.
Make them multi-purpose.
Use your hashtags on all your social media platforms, when appropriate. In general, Facebook and Pinterest posts can look cluttered with too many hashtags, and Twitter’s character limit generally forces you to stick to one or two. However, Instagram is a great place to test hashtags for exposure. Instagram’s hashtag algorithm limits users to 30, which should be plenty to get your point across.
Create a unique hashtag for events and promotions.
Planning something special? Encourage guests of your event or promotion to engage before, during and after on social media using your hashtag. Make sure you, as the brand, engage back with people who use the hashtag by liking, tweeting or sharing their posts.
Hashtags are a great way to engage your audience on multiple platforms while staying current with digital marketing trends. Need a hand getting your digital marketing program up to speed? Contact American Speedy Printing.
Joe is passionate about helping SMBs. He’s spent the last 30+ years building the American Speedy Printing Marketing • Print • Mail brand – and sharing best practices and marketing trends with his customers. Through research, in-person visits and this blog, he hopes to engage with and empower local business owners and marketing professionals.
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