What are #Hashtags and How to Use Them

Anyone Know the Right Way to Use #Hashtags?

Know exactly what a #Hashtag is? If you’re not a social media maven, and especially Twitter, you might not have a clue just what a #hashtag is. No need for that being the case any more. A hashtag is a # paired with a word or phrase to perform a number of functions. Twitter users attach hashtags to tweets as search conventions, a method of categorizing, and marketing tactics. #Hashtags may also be used in other social media platforms.

#Hashtags guidelines

Make sure the keyword you are using is not in use elsewhere, or you may be in for a major surprise. This involves doing a little research (a search on Search.Twitter.com) to find out if that keyword would be a wise decision. Also, don’t use misleading #hashtags, even with seriously trending keywords. This will most certainly not work in your favor. And most importantly, proofread before you create that #hashtag, lest you become a victim of your own hashtag.

4 Ways to win with #hashtags

1. Make your #hashtags short and direct - Keeping it brief and direct is the best approach to win with #hashtags. If you wish to combine more than one, fine, but don't string together a small army of them, as that will actually annoy your readers and label you an amateur.
2. Make them #hashtags to not forget - Great #hashtags are much more likely to be shared widely. Give consideration to this and you just may get your wish and have it go viral.
3. Use them on multiple social media channels - A #hashtag isn’t much use if it’s not shared. Although started on Twitter, #hashtags have become employed across multiple social media channels including Facebook, Google , LinkedIn and Pinterest. This assists to instill the #hashtag into the minds of their audience.
4. Use keywords - If you can. It’s not necessarily possible, but attempt to work in your brand or primary keywords.

Creating and making use of memorable #hashtags can keep your brand and conversation before your social media audience, and help perpetuate your campaigns. Try it out today!