#How #Do #You #Hashtag?

Am I the only one who cringes when I see people hashtag their Facebook statuses?Something about it just really sits wrong with me and I could rant about it for days on end. But I am not going to do that.

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

Synergy University: Social Media Around the World 2012

This post is part of a series called Synergy University. Think of it like a 4 week course you take in school except that we will not be assigning homework or exams and we promise not to put you to sleep.  Follow our posts on Twitter with the hashtag  #SynergyUniversity!

InSites Consulting have just released a new study to show how people are using social media this year. There are some really interesting figures presented in the report and we want to share a few of our favorites with you.  This study looked at 7,827 people’s social media usage across 19 countries and contains over 2,000 facts and figures.

Social Media around the World 2012 (by InSites Consulting) from InSites Consulting

Social is stable!

One of the interesting statements from the report is that users are happy with their online lives and have no intention of quitting social media.  More than seven out of ten internet users belong to at least one social network.   Six out of ten users use at least one platform daily.

What do people like?

Not surprisingly, the top brands online were Dove, Coca Cola, Samsung, H&M, Apple and Nike.  Why are they so successful?  They connect personally.  The sectors that are most followed are fashion, food, retail, and entertainment.   

Negativity is low, and that’s a good thing.

InSites reports that only 10% of social interactions with brands are negative.  Talk about excellent crisis control.  The three online conversation starters are as experience, promotions, service and competitions.

We want to know: What's your favorite brand online?

Synergy University: Online Networking 101

This post is part of a series called Synergy University. Think of it like a 4 week course you take in school except that we will not be assigning homework or exams and we promise not to put you to sleep.  Follow our posts on Twitter with the hashtag  #SynergyUniversity!

Networking used to involve meeting with people face to face, exchanging business cards, and having a (hopefully) memorable and productive conversation.  Whether you realize it or not, we are constantly networking.  Using Social Media to network is now more important than ever before.  The platforms you are actively using are essentially virtual business cards.  Are you using Social Media to network to your full potential?  Here are our top three tips to successfully network online.

LinkedIn is your new BFF: Is your profile updated and complete?  Join groups and discussions to share content that you find relevant and interesting to your industry.  Did you know that on the right hand side of your LinkedIn homepage you can see who has viewed your profile? This means that industry professionals are giving you open access to their interest in YOU.  Would you go to a networking event looking like you just rolled out of bed?  We hope not.  Your LinkedIn profile should be detailed, updated and professional.  When you see that “so –and-so” executive from your dream company views your profile, send them a message.  Ask to set up an informational interview with someone at the company to learn more about internship or job opportunities.

Join twitter chats: Twitter chats are another excellent way to expand your online network.  Share knowledge or learn about a particular topic by engaging in these chats regularly.  Here is a fantastic online resource to find these chats.  The chats are easily accessible through organized hash-tags, like the ones you see.

Start your own blog! What is your passion?  What industry do you want to work in?  Blogs share experience, desires, expertise, and knowledge.  You know those LinkedIn groups you joined?  Share your blog with the members of those groups!  Let people know about your blog using specific twitter keywords.  Make a Facebook page to promote it.  A blog is essentially an online portfolio.  If you are passionate about Graphic Design, share blog posts with tutorials, tips, and personal work. 

We want to know: Do you have any success stories from networking online?