Why Your Brand Should Be Using Hashtags

Hashtags are the new pound sign. Well, they really aren’t anything new. The hashtag was first used back in 2007 and was even added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2010. (#Official)

In case you were wondering, the dictionary definition is:

• a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) used to identify messages on a specific topic

So by now you’ve probably seen your fair share of them. And you’ve undoubtedly gotten extremely annoyed with them at some point and thought to yourself, “Why are they even necessary?”

Well here’s your answer: They work to bring similar content together in one easy-to-find place. It’s all about organization, and who doesn’t need more of that?

Hashtags allow users to search and click on any topic and instantly receive all posts on that subject.

Why should you use hashtags for your brand?

We already mentioned the organization factor, but the use of hashtags also brings new audiences in, which greatly increases engagement. In fact, posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6 percent more engagement than those without according to Simply Measured.

Tips

• Have one brand-specific hashtag that you use for all of your posts. For example, ours is #teamXdesign.
• Develop campaign specific hashtags when you launch something new.
• Utilize popular hashtags relevant to your industry and audiences. Think #MondayMotivation, #ThrowbackThursday, etc.

How do you decide which hashtags to use?

• See what hashtags competitors and those in your industry are using.
• Click on a hashtag that you’ve used and see what other users have paired it with.
• Search relevant keywords and see which hashtags come up.

#Do #Not #Get #Carried #Away

The most common mistake people make with hashtags is using too many of them. You see, they can be a little bit addictive. It’s like trying to eat one chip - Bet you can’t have just one! However, using too many (the limit is 30, by the way) hashtags makes you appear spammy and desperate for attention. (Not the good kind.) Always keep your hashtag count at one to two, three if you just can’t help yourself...but no more!

Other faux pas to avoid:

• Using hashtags that are too long or complicated - You don’t want people to have to decode what you’re trying to say. And you want people to be able to find your content when searching.
• Using contractions or other symbols. Symbols - such as an apostrophe or ampersand will break the hashtag. If you want to use a contraction, simply leave out the apostrophe. #DontWorry #StillMakesSense

Still need guidance in the minefield of hashtags? Contact us.