Why, When, and How Should You Use Hash Tags?

You’ve seen these: #.

It used to be something just on your phone to press at the end of a message prompt. Now, it is something that is changing how people communicate and search online.

If you plan on marketing online, you need to know about hash tags and why, when, and how they should be used.

Why

First, there is the why of hash tags. They are used to categorize posts on social media sites plus they help to increase your visibility on those sites and in searches. When posts are grouped into categories, they are easier to find later on when someone is searching on microblogging sites like Twitter. Now, these hash tags are also used on other social media platforms, including Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Google+ and Flickr.

When

Hash tags are used to draw attention to a certain subject or topic that has been identified as interest to the target audience and that you can offer some relevant information about. These are often keyword related and can provide a way to better target people on these social media sites.

It is a good idea to use hash tags for specific branding strategies or for a campaign that ties all your social media and marketing efforts together for consistent messaging and brand building. They also work great for contests and other special events.

How

Use hash tags when they add real value. Some people just use them to use them and this accomplishes nothing in terms of your marketing efforts.  Overuse hash tags and you can actually elicit the same response that spam gets. You will be ignored. That’s why it is important to do research before just adding the symbol to any word or phrase just to say you are using hash tags.

Keep the hash tag to only a couple of keywords to help categorize it accurately. There are some people that make long hash tags. These are not effective and difficult to categorize so they also end up being ignored.

Measurement

The results from hash tags can be measured because there are hash tag analytic tools that are now available to help gauge if they are working or not. This is important to the online marketing program because you need to ensure that all efforts provide a return on investment.

Are you ready to add this tactic to your marketing program? Find out how Flyline Search Marketing can help!