A hashtag (#) is simply a label used to search for social media updates. It could be a trending social media topic such as #facebookfriday or a specific label such as a social media marketing campaign name. On most social networks, clicking on the hashtag will reveal other similarly tagged items.
Hashtags got their booming beginning on Twitter, but their popularity has grown across multiple social platforms and used wisely, can help get your message out by engaging your target audience. You can implement hashtags within Pinterest, Facebook and Google+ as well as Twitter. Consider the following when posting your content:
- Use Pinterest hashtags to mark, as well as search for content. Click on the hashtag in a pin description to navigate results that contain the exact hashtag, including pins with the same word or phrase in the description.
- When clicking on a hashtag in Google+, the search results will include the original hashtag as well as posts with similar tags and keywords. Google also offers the option to search within Facebook or Twitter.
- Hashtags can be used with photos shared on Instagram to help discover new accounts and gain new followers. Tumblr posts have a special “Tag” section. These tags function like Twitter hashtags, organizing posts by topic, and the hash symbol is inserted automatically.
Choosing hashtags that your fans are searching for:
Use relevant hashtags: See what hashtags other businesses in your field are using. If you’re promoting your sports photography business, you will want to use hashtags like #gamedayphotos and #teamphotos so users will find you when they search for those keywords.
Follow trends: See what hashtags are trending and make use of them while they can support your marketing campaign. Do not use high traffic hashtags that have nothing to do with your brand (for example, including #ESPN in a tweet about Olympic ice skating), you will look like a spammer and it will cause issues with your credibility for future posts.
Create your own hashtag: Create a special hashtag for an event or campaign, select one that hasn’t been used before and remind everyone to use it in related tweets and messages. Include the tag in any promotional materials. There is no preset list of required hashtags. Create a brand new hashtag simply by putting the hash before a series of words and you have created a hashtag. Below is a list of examples to help you build your hashtag mojo:
- Top 10 U.S. Sports Trending Hashtags in 2014 in America (5 are soccer related)
- Basic hashtag development examples(including sports)
Don’t forget to share your favorite use of #hashtags with us here.
Happy Hashtagging!
Linda
