)-3.png)
How hashtags can help you reach the out-crowd and engage the in-crowd
The facts are in: if you are not using hashtags, you are missing out! Knowing that a tweet with hashtags is 33% more likely to get retweeted, these handy hashtags can mean the difference between #GameOver and #Trending when it comes to social media success. Hashtags are more than just a fad — they are a means of organizing information and standing out from the crowd. Hashtags are also a way to engage with millennials in the way they shine brightest — their social media savviness. With millennials beginning to outnumber previous generations, speaking their language has become increasingly important. Do not miss out on this opportunity to #GetSocial!
Hashtag basics
The hashtag (#) turns any word, or group of words, into a link that can be searched. When writing a hashtag, leave your grammar at the door — no punctuation, no spaces! The best way to keep your message clear is to capitalize each word #LikeThis, otherwise known as using CamelCase.
There are two ways businesses can use hashtags to their advantage.
To reach the out-crowd by joining a conversation that is already in progress.
To engage the in-crowd by starting a new conversation.
Reaching the out-crowd
As a business, using hashtags to reach potential new customers is a no-brainer. But, how do you do this effectively? Join a conversation that's already in progress. Start thinking about what words people would search when looking for a business like yours. If you don’t know where to start, follow businesses who are doing similar work to you on all your favorite social media channels — especially businesses who have a great following. Take a look at what hashtags are they using, and how many — keeping in mind that less is more in scope (hashtags that are more niche have a more engaged following) and in presentation (too many hashtags can look inauthentic and Instagram caps them to 30 per post ).
For example, this, “Take a bite out of our best burger today! #BurgerLover #Foodie #CheatMeal” is better than this, “Take a bite out of our best burger today! #WhatsForDinner #Foodie #EatClean #CommonTable #OnMyTable #TasteMade #ForkYea #OnTheTable #FoodStyling #BeautifulCuisines #HeresMyFood #TheArtOfSlowLiving #FreshFoods #CheatMeal #BurgerLover #Foodstagram #BurgerLife”.
So, joining a pre-existing conversation takes your business and puts it in front of someone who would have never found you otherwise. That’s something to get excited about!
Engaging the in-crowd
The second way that you can use hashtags to build your business is to start a conversation with the followers that you already have by creating an original hashtag. Brands from Calvin Klein (#MyCalvins) to Charmin toilet paper (#TweetFromTheSeat) have managed to create original hashtags that engage their audience in a way that builds their social media momentum. Original hashtags can be used for promotions, contests, events, or general brand awareness. Just be sure that when you are creating an original hashtag that it is clear, simple, unique, and catchy. No one will want to join your conversation if it’s confusing or boring.
Imagine if Coca-Cola’s classic #ShareACoke hashtag was #TakeACocaColaAndGiveItToSomeoneElse – that's definitely not very fun or memorable. Original hashtags give your followers something to talk about and a way to interact with your business on a personal level.
Are you #Trending yet?
These tips and tricks for how to use hashtags as a business are about more than getting ahead in a technological age. Hashtags, above all, are about building community. By putting a simple pound sign in front of a word, you are taking that message and immediately sharing it with someone who cares about what you do and how you do it. This tool is a revolutionary way to make your words matter and allow them to connect with not only a new customer, but a new spokesperson for your business. From #MotivationalMonday to #FlashbackFriday, use your new hashtagging skills to make both the in-crowd and the out-crowd your new #BFFL.
Want to leave the hashtagging up to the experts? Our team at Two17 is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about social media management.
댓글