Hashtags are indisputably necessary for social media marketing and promotion. Whether you own the coffee shop around the corner or work for a huge corporation, you know the power they wield! The ability to find relevant, recent content in real time is an unacknowledged luxury, so why not milk those pound signs for all their worth!? Henceforth, four simple ways to make your hashtag(s) work double time for your brand or business.
1. GeoTag Your Posts
Regardless of whether your business is based in New York or PoDunk, GodKnowsWhere you should be geotagging all of your social media posts. For example... Add #SanDiego if your company is hosting an event in San Diego. Add #Cancun if you're on an incentive trip with other executives. Seeing that a real person is behind the posts, enjoying or doing business in these locations and being searchable by location will add another set of eyes to posts.
2. Build Up that Street Cred
Join in Twitter chats and use your custom hashtag when communicating. Share knowledge, tips, etc. Once you've participated in a few, start your own twitter chat and use that hashtag to build credibility. Now all conversation around the topic of choice is searchable - by your hashtag!
3. Hook Up With People Using the Same or Similar Hashtag(s)
Search your custom hashtag and see if anyone is using it. If so, follow them and reach out. If your hashtag is more mainstream, follow a few industry/thought leaders and retweet posts including the hashtag. Use it religiously when communicating with these folks.
4. Be There. Even if You're Not.
Is there a big industry event or conference coming up? Find out what the hashtag is (or create one if it's your event) and use it in the weeks or months leading up to the conference, as well as weeks after to post follow up updates and photos of the event. This allows you to be a part of the conversation before, during and after the big day.