Much like geographic coordinates allow us to map out direction, the modern day hashtag is a correlative tool that allows us to group online content and search for more clues.
If you’ve ever engaged in #geocaching activity you will understand the importance of coordinates and global positioning to get to the ‘caches’, the treasures. Geocaches themselves contain content, toys or pieces of paper to sign off and say ‘Why yes, I’ve been here too.” Sometimes the gamer may visit the same one again or use similar coordinates to get to a new one.
Using a hashtag is similar, grouping information in a collective manner using buzzwords for direction. The hashtag directs us to content of interest whether it be #food #photography or simply a silly #throwbackthursday. The use of hashtags allows the social media user to find and seek information quickly and efficiently. Seek and you will find.
Treading carefully and using the hashtag tool effectively is crucial in social media marketing. How you use the hashtag function to position your brand or business, can significantly drive traffic and improve interaction with your audience. There is some ongoing debate over the benefits of using the hashtag in your social media marketing strategy. While some deem the use of the hashtag redundant, other social media marketers see it as a powerful tool for interaction and business potential.
Why #hashtag?
The primary use of hashtags is to group information together making it easier for social media users to find relevant information on a particular topic or trend.
A form of content aggregation, hashtag’s group information together making it easier for audiences to navigate their way through the social media sphere.
Using hashtags as clues or references embedded in stories creates a benchmark. This is just one of the many perks of using the hashtag to engage with consumers and your audience.
Using a hashtag that has already been created, gives you the convenience of engaging in already established conversation. It’s about online engagement and joining the conversation. Using hashtags enables communicators to source the right people drawn to the conversation, saving both time and energy.
After all, you don’t want to be tired before you reach the right ‘cache.’
Quick tips for hashtaggin’:
- Use industry focused key words – sorry but hashtagging #cute won’t work this time!
- Don’t over do it – no more than 2-5 hashtags per post
- Keep it short and sweet – 1-2 words per hashtag will suffice
- Include hashtags within the post – don’t just whack them on the end for the sake of it!
- Make sure it’s relevant to your business – do your research first!
- Make it unique and specific, but easy to understand – you don’t want to confuse your audience
- Create something that is easy for your audience to remember
- Spread the message and use it across multiple channels – there’s more to life than Twitter folks!
- Check if it’s been done before – there’s nothing worse than being behind the times!
Master the hashtag and you – and your social web – will never get lost on the network.
#talk to us about efficiently using social media.
