A hashtag is a word that is preceded by the # symbol. Hashtags provide a way for social media users to be part of a trending keyword as it is being posted. For example, if I hashtag the words “Internet Marketing”, as in #internetmarketing, others can then search for that term and trending content. The # symbol groups all of these like terms together, making it easier for searchers to bring order to the chaos of social media posting. By hashtagging a word or phrase, a user can increase exposure and invite others an online social conversation.
How Do I Use a Hashtag?
Hashtags are a great way for organizing information on the web and for building and participating in trends. However, if I overuse them or if I use them with non-relevant words, they won’t work for me. For example, if I hashtag common, ordinary, everyday words like #house, #we, #computer, I’m using something too broad for others to search that doesn’t create a trend. Social media users hashtag important terms that others relate to. So, if I hashtag currently trending terms, like #NFL and #NationalFootballLeague at the start of the season, then I’m able to join the conversation with like-minded individuals.
When Should I Use Hashtags?
- Subject-related hashtags in a post help others find relevant content. When I want to increase my following as an industry thought leader, I’ll add subject hashtags like #football, #fallsports, etc. These tags are clickable and lead others back to my content, increasing my following and my standing in social circles.
- Event-related hashtags help to be part of that event. If I am attending a convention, festival, or meeting, hashtagging that event will include me in the social sharing of that the event. Those who can’t make the event can follow me and others who are there.
- Context-related hashtags in a post orient the post to that context. If I’m posting about my city, then I’ll add #mycity to give a geographic point of reference for those searching for that context.
What to Remember Most about Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to share information, to increase social interaction and to follow trends. However, using too many in a post looks like the writer is trying too hard. Many social users see too many hashtags as spam. Additionally, hashtags work by grouping words after the symbol. The hashtag, #InternetMarketing, is not the same as #Internet Marketing. Finally, relevant hashtags are ideal for starting and following a social conversation; however, as with anything, moderation is best. Social media is for sharing, and hashtagging correctly makes sharing simple.
