Social Media: Your Guide to Hashtags!

You have seen them on social media, yet you may be asking yourself, “what are they and how do they work?” These famous blue letters are called “hashtags.” # - This symbol is synonymous with social media and has allowed those who use it, generate a wide reach on different social media platforms.

What is a Hashtag?

So what is a hashtag? In the most simplest of terms, a hashtag is a word or phrase comprised of letters and numbers (and an emoji now) that is preceded by the hashtag symbol (#)

Hashtag’s essential main function is for social media platforms. Hashtags categorize content that is easily searchable by simply clicking on the "hashtag." Clicking on a hashtag will allow you to browse posts and content that has been tagged with it. Posting your own content (photo, tweet, video) with a hashtag will allow your post to be discoverable to anyone who searches for the hashtag. Depending on the hashtag popularity and use, the reach and impressions on your post depend on the popularity of the hashtag. Of course, you will factor in your following strength and how popular your post is.

Why should  I use them?

Hashtags allow people searching for specific related content to find it. Hashtags function similar to links and are clickable. This allows people to find similar content and accounts to follow. Using the right hashtag or a combination of hashtags will expose your content to a large targeted audience. It is a great tool to find like-minded brands. By utilizing hashtags, you allow yourself (your company, your brand, your business) to be more discoverable, leading to new followers, leads, increasing likes and engagement. It is one of the best ways to organically attract a following and reach a targeted group of individuals, interested in your brand.

Where to use them?

You want to use your hashtags in 2 key social media platforms, Twitter and Instagram.

Twitter:

Twitter can be attributed to making the hashtag mainstream and a staple for Twitter accounts. Twitter is a place that group posts based on hashtags, leading to trending topics. Being strategic and relevant with hashtags to the content you are sharing on Twitter can lead to an increase in organic engagement.

Instagram:

Instagram is another social media platform that has embraces the use of hashtags. Using hashtags within captions and your content such as Instagram stories gives you the ability to curate your content. Most importantly, your content becomes discoverable when hashtags are utilized, the same way you can find new content when clicking on hashtags. Instagram goes a step further, allowing you to also follow hashtags, the same way you would follow an account. You can also add a hashtag to your bio, all helping your content reach its highest (organic) potential.

Different Types of Hashtags:

There are different types of hashtags and different ways you can incorporate them into your social media strategy.

Branded hashtags: Branded hashtags are hashtags that are specific to your brand. They most likely will contain your brand name, a particular product or refer to a specific series of content. One of our clients Waterhouse Animal Hospital utilizes the hashtag and their name (#waterhouseanimalhospital). Branded hashtags allow you to keep your content organized, discoverable and invites your customers/patients to use the same hashtag.

Campaign Hashtags: Campaign hashtags have a short lifespan and are tied to an event, a product launch, a contest or something you would like to keep track of for a short amount of time.

Community hashtags are general hashtags that are flooded with content on a daily basis. For example, these hashtags like #instapic or #throwbackthursday are used widely and not specific to a brand, business or person.

Hashtags are ultimately a great way to reach people and have become the best ways to organically attract a following and reach a targeted group of individuals, interested in your business.  Hashtags categorize content that is easily searchable by simply clicking on the "hashtag.” Which hashtags are you using or following? Need some more in-depth tips for your practice or business? Need help with social media or some tips, contact us for more information at info@solutionsbydesign.com

4 Reasons Why Touch Screen Technology is Important

Technology is inundated into everything we do daily. From our phones to how we gather and receive information, to how we order our meals to how we access entertainment, technology has consumed multiple points of interactions in our daily life.

Touch screens are part of this component of technology and have become a staple in technology. From professional to personal use to wearable technology to even how we drive. With a durable surface, touch screen devices are more protected than other technological devices, because of their everyday use. The resilient and easy to use nature of touch screens make them suitable for users of all ages and skill levels, point being, touch screen technology is here to stay.

1. Easy User Experience:

The main benefit of touch screens is the overall simplicity of using them. It is one of the many reasons why we are all still loving our devices, personally. We interact with multiple things on a daily by the simple act of touch, your business/practice should be no exception. By using touch screens, you put the experience of your customer or patient, as a top priority. A defined set of menus is easy to navigate through when all the user has to do is touch the desired option. The user-friendly nature of the touch screen also helps save time, giving the user (customer/ patients) what they want in one place, information, education, resources, and entertainment.

2. Accessibility to All

The opportunity to reach a wide range of customers is important to any business or practice, of any size. With a wide reach of potential customers, your services should be tailored to meet anyone. Touch screens have the potential to be comfortable for any user to be informed, educated and entertained. Impaired individuals can use touch-screen technology, especially if using a mouse or keyboard is difficult. Touch screens can be customized and organized with content and information in a clear, simple way so anyone can operate them. People who have difficulty speaking or standing in lines can take advantage of touch-screen technology to access information easily and at their own pace. Touch screen technology is easy to use for any skill level and anyone of any age. The user experience and interfaces of touch screens are easy to use that anyone with little or no experience using computers can utilize them.

3. Efficiency to Your Business

Running an efficient business is one key to success. Several businesses use touch-screen technology to accelerate their speed of service, allowing customers to find information or serve themselves at touch-screen boards. From simple services, such as purchasing movie tickets, paying bills or accessing account information quickly, touch screen boards (kiosks) are beneficial for both customers and business owners. As a result, businesses can offer shorter lines, fast services, and excellent customer service.

4. Trustworthy and a Clean Look

To stand above your competitors, your business/practice has to be a place where customers can trust and be comfortable. Touch screen devices are smooth, flat screens, which bring your place of business to feel more modern, professional and clean. With accessible information, you are perceived as trustworthy, which is invaluable for any business. The wireless nature of the touch screen also eliminates the mess of tangled power cords behind the desk.

Technology is inundated into everything we do and how we interact. Touch screens are part of this component of technology and have become a staple in technology. To learn more or to request more information on how touch screen boards can change your practice, contact us today.