Figuring out hashtags can increase who sees your message on social media platforms. This is great for narrowing in on a specific audience or staying up to date with a trending topic. We are going to discuss the best ways to make hashtags work for you.

Image Source: Vertical Response Blog

What are Hashtags?

Hashtags encourage group discussion around a particular topic. It sets up a page that acts similar to a message board. This is perfect for reaching people outside of your customers that are already interested in your topic.

• Hashtags were made famous by Twitter
• They originally started with Internet Relay Chats.
•  Social media sites currently using hashtags are Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Instragram. 

A company should include hashtags to organize their posts and reach more viewers. For example, if you are a Pittsburgh baker, you may upload a picture of your newest wedding cake. In the same post, you may include #weddingcake and #pittsburgh. Anyone interested in either Pittsburgh or wedding cakes can now see your post.

Use hashtags for:

• Targeting your audience
• Organizing your posts
• Reaching out to new customers

Branding

You can also make your own! This is a great tool for branding. Use your own hashtag if you are running contest or asking for photographs from users. Keep it simple, easy to spell, and only stick to one if you can.

Rules to live by: 

• Keep hashtags to three tags or less to avoid coming off as spam
• Trending topics can be helpful, but stay relevant and try to avoid controvers
• Stay simple and specific. 
• Focus on a call to action with your company hashtag. Stay on point.

Hashtag Tools

There are three popular tools that can help you get the most out of hashtags.

1. Tagdef.com: This website focuses on the popularity and meaning behind a hashtag. This is great if you are unsure of the keyword you selected. It will also display related hashtags.
2.  Hashtags.org : This focuses on the analytic component of hashtags. It shows what was popular each hour of the day. It is a helpful tool for figuring out when to post on a particular topic. 
3. Tagboard.com: Another analytical tool that combines all social media and highlights what is currently trending.