What are Hashtags-Uncover Pro Hashtag Secrets - How to Start a Small Business

Wondering, what are hashtags? But more importantly, I bet you want to know how to use hashtags on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to drive more traffic? There’s no shorter shortcut than this # hashtag symbol. Knowing what are hashtags and how they work is a smart start!

Further, recent research shows posts with at least one Instagram hashtag average 12.6% more engagement than posts without a “hashtag”.

That being said, I’m sure you’re no longer wondering how vital is (#). A better question. How to use hash symbol # to gain a massive following. Keep reading as we share the insider’s secret of hashtagging and the benefits of using ‘#’ effectively across all social media networks.

In an additional research study by Social Bakers; “posts with 1 or 2″ hashtags” averaged 593 interactions”. Moreover, they help to grab your audience’s attention. Those who are specifically looking for your product, service, or brand. Most compelling, learning to better understand how to use social media tags ( Facebook hashtags, Twitter, and Instagram, the Big 4), is Time Well Spent.

“Hashtagging is a one-click activity that can raise the visibility of your message. Its purpose is to differentiate you/ your content apart from the other Gazillion messages. “

Notably, were you aware that hashtags have their own little secret society?… And the passcode is the hash mark. Continue to read as we break down critical details. These nuggets will help you accurately incorporate social media #’s to boost sales.

You’re definitely using your time wisely, by deciding to read this article. Especially, since something as simple as getting a good understanding to effectively use the ‘pound’ #. This can be the difference between no one knowing your business exists to attracting a stampede of thirsty visitors!

Unbeknownst to you, once you really begin to understand hashtagging 101, you’ll clearly realize that it’s ONE Powerful Marketing Weapon. Moreover, one that can significantly impact your audience’s engagement. – oh, and did we mention it: it’s FREE!!!!

Who said nothing in life is free?… Don’t Know How to Use Twitter Hashtags…

Stick and stay because will we share examples of hashtags. Additionally, we outlined the number of tags to use on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Lastly, sharing fundamental tagging usage.

Within the next 15 minutes, you’ll become a bonified, certified “ Hashtagologist”.

Learn a few hashtags tricks to decimate your competition for eBook-banner alt image.

What are hashtags?

A hashtag is a word (s) more specifically a keyword, or brand phrase preceded by a pound sign commonly known as a hashtag (#). Using hashtags categorizes topics of content that are used particularly on social media networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(Learn more about keywords here…) Twitter created this function to allow people to easily follow a topic of interest. Simply by using a hash tag # symbol. All in all the symbol is used to index keywords or topics on Twitter.

Contrary to popular belief, a hashtag isn’t just numbers, words, and a # (pound) sign that you throw against the social media wall. Hoping, wishing, and praying something will stick. “There’s a method to the #tags maddest”.

How Does Hashtags Work

The way hashtagging works from a marketing standpoint is ingenious. Because of social media networks’ fast growth, a way to keep up was needed!

With this in mind, starting with Twitter (who was first) was forced to find an organized way to group or segment topics. Therefore, the hashtag was invented. All because Twitter was trying to identify ways to search and organize content within their network.

As a fact, now across all social media networks tags are used to categorize subjects, groups of people, or brands. To reiterate, hash symbols not only work for Twitter tweets but on many other social media platforms.

“Is this You?
Question: Am I the only person that did not quite understand the benefits or advantages of that pesky-looking pound symbol? Many times, finding it hard to read the content. Trying to see around the numbers, question marks, colon, and commas. Is all that necessary???? Is that what we must do to succeed in social media marketing? Geeeee whiz!”

What are “Hashtags” Used For

Hashtag’s main purpose is to organize tweets by topics, brands, or related content. For example, let us say you are looking for an influencer within the small business marketing niche. With this intention, you can hashtag #smallbusinessmarketing.

Just performing that small action will put you on the right track. Using hashtags will direct you to similar content where others hashtagged the same phrase. The old saying is true, birds of a feather, flock together… Boo-yah…. hashtag 101!

How to Use Hashtags

Tags help to build your brand or followers. Keeping in mind learning how to make a hashtag is one of the first steps. By creating a hash tag that is associated with your brand, product, or service, IE; #ShareaCoke, your followers can easily identify your brand.

Now, are you wondering why should you add hashtags to your content? To point out, hash symbols (#), written within a post or comment highlight, facilitate a search for it? Essentially, just by including hash marks in your post.

Favorably, the tags are indexed by most of the top social media networks. Therefore, discoverable to everyone, even if they are not your followers or fans.

Using Hashtags to Categorize Tweets by Keyword

People use the #hashtag symbol (#) before a phrase or keyword in their Tweets to categorize Tweets. Additionally, it helps the tweet show up even more in Twitter searches.

Clicking on a hashtag word/phrase in any message shows you other Tweets that include the same hashtag. To answer the question of why use hashtags

… “because it’s the game”. All about exposure.!!!

Remember we stated hashtags were designed, to segment and organize tweets. Basically, it is a way of raising your hand in a crowded room, to be easily found.

“***Quick Question: when grocery shopping, how excited would you be about pushing your buggy from aisle to aisle looking for produce? Tipping in stilettos while “dem corns’ ‘ screaming! (And not the “ear’s”)

Aren’t you glad you do not have to patrol through the entire store? Where are the apples, grapes, and bananas in your local supermarket? Let me guess? All in the same section of the store, #produceaisle …. GOT IT!!!!”

How to Use a #Hashtag?

Using the “#” sign ” can be simple, but if the whole hashtag thingy is still a little fuzzy,

Follow the guidelines below:

Never separate your word phrase with spaces or other symbols
Refrain from placing your hashtag between every word
Don’t include apostrophes
Try not to be boring and stiff with your tags
Avoid the urge to trick your audience
Back off using too many words. Keep it short!
The more distinguishable your keywords or phrases are, the better
Hashtags can be added anywhere within a Tweet
Follow popular hashtags, they often become trends

How to Create a Hashtag

Effective usage of hashtags depends on your social media marketing strategy. Determining, whether you’re trying to boost your business brand, promote a product or service, or sponsor an event or campaign. As an illustration, below is an example of business branding, #pytalkbiz is one of my hashtags.

Hence, the tags are used to help organize our content and allow viewers to know where to find us online. Keep in mind the process is the same for any business product or service.

One helpful pointer, when creating tags, try invoking creativity, and curiosity. BotH usually increases exposure. Below are a few examples that can be used as templates. This can help in case you’re stuck trying to come up with catchy tags.

USP hash#’s, these you will identify either their name or USP!

#PutACanOnIt—Red Bull.
#ShareaCoke—Coca Cola.
#TweetFromTheSeat—Charmin.
#OreoHorrorStories—Oreo.
#WantAnR8—Audi.
#NationalFriedChickenDay—KFC.
#CollegeIn5Words—Denny’s Diner.

Examples of ‘hashtags’

#No1insports
#WorldCupNews
#BizTips
#TBT (TruthbeTold)
#OOTD (outfit of the day)
#ThrowBackThursday
#Thurdate
#TechTuesday
#Funday
#FridayFact

Social Media Hashtags

Social media tags are #’s that are used on social media networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (and many others). The tag connects groups of people or brands. Ingeniously, it’s a way to socialize, monitor, and manage digital content.

This #’s help you to find and join conversations on a particular topic. Equally important, are trending topics. Comparatively, hash tag trending is a process that helps you to know what’s popular. Below is one of the best free resources found; Hashtags.org. Notedly, this site will help expand your knowledge even more about how to use them effectively. Moreover, it lists the recent trending #’s.

How to Use Hashtags on Facebook

The simple answer is sporadically. According to social media marketing experts, Facebook is not that up on #hash tags yet. So what ???… What does that have to do with the tea in China?

You best know that Mark Zuckerberg is smart. That being said; if other socials are hashtagging it…. Facebook will be attaching their hitch to the gravy train sooner than later!

However, to answer; what does that have to do with us… NOTHING!!! Especially since the # symbol is one of the most pertinent symbols in the social media lexicon.

It’s a simple but highly effective way to cross-promote your brands across the networks. All in all, if your goal is to boost business exposure, and increase fans and followers, get to tagging. ~

Now before you start tattooing # all over everything and everywhere, below are a few helpful pointers.

Only use (1 or 2) hashtags, too many tags will decrease your visibility and create confusion–
Use industry-specific hashtags as an example #BizTips,
Keep tags short and simple —
Use keywords that can help make your post more searchable—
To create your own tag, keep them relevant to your target market–

How to Use Hashtags on Twitter

Twitter, the originator of the hashtag, loves them. As stated earlier, they use #s to organize and monitor content. Truthfully, this should give us a hint on how we should use them. Specifically, if you want to be included or associated with certain groups, your hashtag can easily indicate that.

Below are a few tips to help.

Use tools like Hashtagify. me to find other trending hashtags related to your specific tag.
Cross-promote using relevant tags to reach other social networks.
Remember to retweet, this is the best way to share other people’s content.
Test your effectiveness, and analyze the results.
Use tags correctly limited the number of words and tags.
Know your goal, this will help determine how you use hashtags.

How to Use Hashtags on Instagram?

Instagram is a horse of a different color. They have a whole different set of rules. For instance, Twitter spanks you for using more than 2 hash tags in a tweet. Unlike Instagram, they encourage you to use a maximum, of 30. “Manu Muraro, founder of Your Social Team says one-off influencer posts or stories aren’t enough to bring results to most brands — “it takes 6 to 8 touches to make a sale.”

Additionally, IG is made up of different types of hashtags, Knowing the difference and how to use them is key. View the three different types below including a few pointers for posting.

#1: Community Hashtags

Community tags are hashtags that connect like-minded users around a specific subject. They’re a great way to connect with others, improve the searchability of your posts, gain followers, and grow your own community.

#2. Branded Hashtags

Keeping it simple, branding “hashtags” are unique to your company. The tag can be something as simple as your company tagline or product name or something abstract.

#3. Campaign Hashtags

Campaign # are usually short-term and tied to a particular event. IE. A new product launch, special promotion, and event. Use for a quick burst of excitement!

Stay in your lane, gain targeted followers, and remain relevant.
Avoid gimmicky tags such as #likeforlike
Try to use the maximum number of hashtags allowed by Instagram (30 per post)
Do not use tags that have been used over 1 million times.
Be a repeat offender…. One-hit wonders do not make the cut, post often.

Hashtags Best Practices

Tips for using hashtags

#Hashtags won’t work properly if you add spaces or punctuations.
When tweeting on a public account, anyone who does a search for that tag will see your tweet.
To cut down on confusion twitter only recommends using no more than 2 hashtags per Tweet. However, you can use as many as you like.
Type a hashtagged keyword in the search bar to find content and brands based on your interests.

Why Use ‘Hashtags’

Hashtags are the new purple cow. (Seth Godin) It allows your post to stand out amongst the crowd. Since it seems like every day a new social media network is announced tweets/posts are becoming harder and harder to be seen or heard. This is where the mighty hashtags come to save the day. Not only is it outstanding, but it also allows non-associated followers and fans to connect.

As it stands normally, the possibility for your post or comment to be seen is slim, however, once you add a hashtagged keyword you increase your exposure

they create order, organization, and searchability, throughout the social media network. All in all, the symbol makes a bold statement by standing out and creating higher visibility. Also, the symbol is a distraction and an attention grabber. And if you’re annoyed enough or curiosity takes over, you will more than likely click on it to view the tag.

Just by adding that little symbol (#), your content will be accessible to all other users interested in similar topics who search using the same (hashtag)#. Adding hash symbols can up your reach of followers -fans from friends and family to thousands.

For example, if you sold a weight loss product, it can be tempting to go for the obvious #weightloss! With over a million daily posts the chances of being noticed are as slippery as a banana peel. Now if you try a more targeted tag like #loseyourgut, you just improved your odds.

CONCLUSION:

Some of the key questions we wanted to address are:

What are hashtags used for
How to #hash symbol
How many tags are allowed on Instagram and Twitter
Do hashtags work in comments

Hashtagging is one of the most underutilized and misunderstood social media marketing strategies out there. Regardless of which social media platform you choose, they are essential.

If you’re looking to scale your business, connect to your targeted market or build your brand, this little # hashtg Symbol is an accurate STARTING point.

All things considered, learning to tag, will elevate your business above your competitors. But of course, keep in mind there are different guidelines for each social network.

Here is a resource that includes power plays that may move the needle on your fan and follower barometer. HashTag (link ebook)

Hashtags Best Practices

Do not add spaces or punctuations.
Use 1-2 Hashtags on Twitter
Include up to 30 hashtags on Instagram, the more the merrier!

Moreover, I think you have a surprisingly good idea of how to implement and use ‘tags’ We hope this article helps clear the smoke behind Hashtagology…. (#)! …

Be sure to check out this updated resource~

Do you use hashtags in your social media posts? If so, how?

Do you have a creative tagline? Please share?

Let us know by leaving a quick comment Now

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