The Power and Purpose of #hashtags

Hashtags are a popular and effective marketing tool in social media.  However, so many people focus on being clever and cute with hashtags that they often ignore the power and strategy in using them.

The purpose of a hashtag is for your content and brand to be discovered.  It helps to create a community and pull other like-minded individuals and interests together. For example if you are a personal trainer and you use the hashtag #fitness on a picture – you will attract others that are interested in fitness. Hashtags used strategically can expand your brand, audience and your content… and remember… content is KING.  If you are going to market effectively, you must have content..and you must have content others can find.

Below are some reminders on using hashtags.

1.) Keep it simple:  We have all seen the long hashtags that either gets misspelled or we have to read and review a few times before we retype it.  Just like taglines, for a hashtag to be effective, it must be memorable and easy to use.  It is okay to create unique hashtags for your business or organization, but it also should be memorable and easily repeated. If it takes time for people to “get it” or “understand” the hashtag – then you are diluting your brand.

2.) Use trending hashtags: If there is a trending hashtag that relates to your business or organization, don’t be afraid to use that hashtag and join in with energy and trend.  You can find trending hashtags each day, several times a day on Twitter.  By using this strategy, someone may discover your organization or movement.

3.) Use it everywhere:  If you have a hashtag specific to your business or organization, be sure to use it everywhere and encourage your team and audience to use it, as well. You want people to understand your brand and spread the word. Use it in your posts, website, signature, etc.

4.) Don’t use too many: Using too many hashtags, as many often do on Instagram and Twitter, will dilute your interests, your focus and your message.  It is often seen as spam, as well.  Try to think strategically about your hashtags and keep it within 3-5 hashtags.

Hashtags, if used strategically, can expand your brand and amplify your content.  Take some time to think about your audience and who needs to see your content and use your hashtags #strategically.