In a previous post I discussed how to use a twitter search for online networking but did not go into detail on hashtags or twitter searches. So let's chat. What is a hashtag anyway? The hashtag is designated by the number sign (#). When you put the hashtag in front of a word or phrase it allows Twitter (and Pinterest and Instagram) users to search categorically.
In a targeted Twitter search, using a hashtag such as #newrelease improves the chance that other users will find your tweet. Hashtags are also a great way to streamline things for your own business purposes. Asking participants in a contest or campaign to use a specific hashtag keeps tweets "filed". Gina Harney, a popular health and fitness blogger, encourages readers to use specific hashtags to identify when they do one of her workouts. Her October workout is specified with the hashtag #HereComesHallowLEAN.
Here are three ways to use hashtags to YOUR benefit:
1. Create your own. Use a specific, unique hashtag to identify posts about your business, company, organization, or latest campaign/project.
2. Don't get crazy. It is highly unnecessary to hashtag #every #single #word #in #a #tweet. It also looks like a cross between desperation and spam.
3. Do your research. Use the Twitter search bar to see how people are hashtagging various topics. What ones have the most discussion? Taylor Swift's highly anticipated album "RED" was released today. Hollywood Records strategically used the #RED hashtag to identify that one of their artists had music releasing today as well. Smart move, Hollywood Records. You caught my attention.
Let's talk: What brands use hashtags well? Any hashtag pet peeves like me?
-Marysa Miller
You can follow me on Twitter @marysa_miller
