HASTAGS: To Hash or Not To Hash
There are a million hashtags online. It’s become so popular that you can now hash on just about every social media on the planet. It took me ages to figure out what hashtags were and how to use them. There was a time I went out of my way to avoid Twitter simply because hashtags scared the holy heck out of me. But, like all good progress, one must adapt and learn even the most unusual methods of reaching new platforms.
Now, before we really delve into the process, I would just like to point out that I am by no means an expert on the topic. The method I use isn’t necessarily right or one everyone uses. But it works for me. I was asked by a friend to explain the mysteries that is the hashtag so here we are.
What are hashtags?
A hashtag is a type of label or metadata tag used on social network and microblogging services which makes it easier for users to find messages with a specific theme or content.
(Wikipedia)
Hashtags–believe it or not–isn’t a new symbol. Even when cellphones were bricks, the hashtag was at the bottom, on the right of the zero. It was called the number symbol (#) back in my day. Sometimes, it still is. But now, more and more, it’s called a hashtag and used more than the town bicycle.
So, now that we have that out of the way, let’s proceed.
There are a million great ways to use a hashtag. It’s great for business, especially branding. There are so many pros and cons, but the thing to remember is not to let yourself get overwhelmed. The social media circuit is forever changing and if you let yourself go under, you might miss out.
The thing I noticed most about the usage of hashtags is that people use too many. I saw a post on Instagram where the poster had no less than thirty different hashtags. While it’s great to use hashtags, don’t let them throw up all over your post either.
For example: Just #read the #Best #Book #EVER #BookLove #AmRead #Love #Words #IceCream #PinkBunnies #Bambi #ForeverYoung #YOLO #Author #BookBoyfriend #Dancing
No one is going to read that. Don’t spam your post! At the very most, use three, and for the love of chocolate, don’t run on.
For example: Eating! #Ameatinglovefoodgoingtogetcakesunshineandlolipopsandbunniesontoast
Keep it simple, keep it sweet, keep it relevant.
Wrote 15K today! #AmWriting #GoalAchieved
Short and to the point. Here is a list of 10 do’s and don’ts of hashtaging.
Finally, as some of you might know, I’m an author and because of this, I have only authorly type hashtags to share with you. Use them, pass them along and let your hashtag flag fly free. You can find some really great ones here
So, there is my hashtag party. I hope you enjoyed it. I hope it was informative.
═ For more helpful tips, visit my Author’s Corner. ═
Now, before we really delve into the process, I would just like to point out that I am by no means an expert on the topic. The method I use isn’t necessarily right or one everyone uses. But it works for me. I was asked by a friend to explain the mysteries that is the hashtag so here we are.
What are hashtags?
A hashtag is a type of label or metadata tag used on social network and microblogging services which makes it easier for users to find messages with a specific theme or content.
(Wikipedia)
Hashtags–believe it or not–isn’t a new symbol. Even when cellphones were bricks, the hashtag was at the bottom, on the right of the zero. It was called the number symbol (#) back in my day. Sometimes, it still is. But now, more and more, it’s called a hashtag and used more than the town bicycle.
So, now that we have that out of the way, let’s proceed.
There are a million great ways to use a hashtag. It’s great for business, especially branding. There are so many pros and cons, but the thing to remember is not to let yourself get overwhelmed. The social media circuit is forever changing and if you let yourself go under, you might miss out.
The thing I noticed most about the usage of hashtags is that people use too many. I saw a post on Instagram where the poster had no less than thirty different hashtags. While it’s great to use hashtags, don’t let them throw up all over your post either.
For example: Just #read the #Best #Book #EVER #BookLove #AmRead #Love #Words #IceCream #PinkBunnies #Bambi #ForeverYoung #YOLO #Author #BookBoyfriend #Dancing
No one is going to read that. Don’t spam your post! At the very most, use three, and for the love of chocolate, don’t run on.
For example: Eating! #Ameatinglovefoodgoingtogetcakesunshineandlolipopsandbunniesontoast
Keep it simple, keep it sweet, keep it relevant.
Wrote 15K today! #AmWriting #GoalAchieved
Short and to the point. Here is a list of 10 do’s and don’ts of hashtaging.
Finally, as some of you might know, I’m an author and because of this, I have only authorly type hashtags to share with you. Use them, pass them along and let your hashtag flag fly free. You can find some really great ones here
So, there is my hashtag party. I hope you enjoyed it. I hope it was informative.