SHIFT 3: FROM POUND SIGN TO HASHTAG By Michael Rigg

From: Your Complete Guide to Hashtag Analytics | Sprout Social

As users of social media, we’ve all seen them. On most keyboards, it’s the symbol that results when you hit “Shift” and the Number 3: #. Some might still call it a “pound sign” or a “hash mark.” But those of us, even Boomers like me, who have made the bold leap into social media call them “hashtags.”

Hashtags made their debut in social media—on Twitter—in about 2007. In 2014, the Oxford English Dictionary adopted this definition of hashtag: “On social media websites and applications: a word or phrase preceded by a hash sign and used to identify messages relating to a specific topic. Also: a hash sign used in this way.” (See, hashtag, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary (oed.com))

In “plain English”:

A hashtag is a keyword or phrase preceded by the hash symbol (#), written within a post or comment to highlight it and facilitate a search for it. Essentially, by including hash marks in your post; it can be indexed by the social network so that it can be discoverable to everyone, even if they’re not your followers or fans.

(Source: What are Hashtags and How to Use Them on Social Media (wix.com))

That’s the “What.” Now the “Why” and “How.”

According to the Digital Marketing Institute:

Hashtags are important on social media as they enable your content to be found by the right people. Using relevant hashtags helps give context to your content and drives traffic so that you can boost views, likes, and shares. The key is finding the right hashtags that match your content and appeal to users.

(Source: How to Use Hashtags Effectively on Social Media | Digital Marketing Institute.)

There are various types of hashtags. Wix.com identifies three: (1) content hashtags, (2) trending hashtags, and (3) brand-specific hashtags. I believe that LinkedIn provides a better, more detailed, discussion, identifying five types of hashtags: (1) location hashtags, (2) branded hashtags, (3) industry hashtags, (4) community hashtags, and (5) descriptive hashtags. (See, (30) HASHTAG CATEGORIES TO INCREASE REACH | LinkedIn.)

Here is a summary of each:   

Location hashtags are powerful tools for reaching a local or regional audience. Whether you're promoting a local event, a business, or simply sharing experiences from a particular place, incorporating location-specific hashtags can significantly increase visibility. For instance, using hashtags like #NewYorkCity or #London allows your content to be discovered by users searching for content related to those locations. Remember to be specific with your location hashtags to target the right audience effectively.

Branded hashtags are unique to your brand and serve as a way to foster community engagement and brand loyalty. Creating a branded hashtag that reflects your brand's identity or a specific campaign can help unify your content and encourage user-generated content. For example, #JustDoIt by Nike or #ShareACoke by Coca-Cola are excellent examples of branded hashtags that have gained widespread recognition and participation. When implementing branded hashtags, ensure they are memorable, relevant, and easy to spell.

Industry hashtags are tailored to a specific niche or industry, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and target audiences interested in your field. These hashtags help position your content within a broader conversation and establish your authority in your industry. Whether you're in technology, fashion, food, or any other sector, identifying and using relevant industry hashtags can help amplify your reach and attract relevant followers and engagement.

Community hashtags bring people with shared interests or affiliations together, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating conversations within a community. These hashtags can range from hobbies and interests to social causes and movements. Engaging with community hashtags not only expands your reach but also allows you to connect with individuals who share similar passions or values. By participating in community discussions and using relevant hashtags, you can increase your visibility and build meaningful relationships with your audience.

Descriptive hashtags provide context or describe the content of your posts, making them more discoverable to users searching for specific topics or themes. These hashtags complement other types of hashtags and help categorize your content based on its subject matter. Whether it's #TravelPhotography, #HealthyRecipes, or #MondayMotivation, descriptive hashtags allow you to target users interested in particular topics or activities. When crafting descriptive hashtags, aim for clarity and relevance to maximize their effectiveness.

For additional assistance on developing hashtags, see: Infographic: The 5 Steps of Keyword Research | Digital Marketing Institute.

So, there you have it. A very basic primer on the What, Why, and How of hashtags—Hashtags 101. Next time you blog, or post on social media, think about adding a one or more hashtags. Some practice tips on using hashtags: (1) keep your hashtags short, (2) don’t overuse hashtags, and (3) think strategically about your target audience.

 Now, go forth and experiment! With a little practice, knock-on-wood, your social media reach and presence should grow.