The Hashtag (or pound symbol, to some) precedes a keyword on most of today’s popular social media platforms. It links the keyword to a categorized feed, and it’s a great way to increase social engagement on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Vine. So how do you get your message out into the social media landscape with hashtags? Here are 3 easy ways:
· Create and host a live conversation
Thanks to the hashtags, you can host or moderate live conversations with clients/customers/fans by adding #ConversationName to your posts. For example:
OK #Mets fans, Rusty Staub is ready for your questions! Submit using #AskRusty
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 2, 2013
By adding #AskRusty to the post, replies are easily sorted by clicking on the hashtag itself. Managing replies and engagement becomes a little easier now that responses include your conversation’s hashtag.
· Promote an event
Adding a hashtag specific to an event is a great way to boost engagement and your marketing campaign.
Are you going to be listening or playing music this Friday?If the answer is yes,which it should be,capture and tag the moment with #MMNY2013
— Make Music New York (@makemusicny) June 19, 2013
Whether it’s a tweet, photo, pin, or video, this allows you to market your event to a specific audience and keeps your efforts locked to memorable hashtag rather than multiple keywords you may lose track of.
· Use humor to your advantage
You see it all the time. A celebrity or random ‘internet phenomenon’ does something hilarious or noteworthy. Suddenly, it’s trending all over the Twitterverse and being over-shared on Facebook. Take advantage and create a funny hashtag.
In honor of Mother’s Day, watch Jimmy read his favorite #MomQuotes this week! http://t.co/6XNYUvV019
— Late Night (@LateNightJimmy) May 12, 2013
The other option, of course, is taking advantage of funny quotes like this example does. Keep it fun, simple, and spelled correctly. Nobody wants to read about #MomQoutes when they actually want to read about #MomQuotes.
Josh Springer is the founder of Northside Web Services, providing small businesses and individuals with professional web-based services that include web design, logo design and branding, SEO, and social media consulting.