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.
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
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