Using #Hashtags in Social Media

Hashtagging gone wrong

This September Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake released a YouTube video that basically makes fun of how ridiculous we sound when we use hashtags.  Well, not all of us sound bad, but I'm talking about those crazy hashtaggers that tweet something short, then follow it with a gazillion hashtags. (You know who you are)

I also see an absurd amount of hashtags on Instagram more than I'd prefer to.  Why people feel the need to #yummy #food #getinmybelly #noodles #spaghetti #sauce #garlic #bread #nomnomnom...you get my point, when they post of picture of their Spaghetti is beyond me, and is something I will probably never get.

Hashtags have gotten way out of hand.  I'll admit, I'm even notorious for those pointless hashtags in some of my previous tweets.  But, believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to use them.  Hashtags can be a powerful tool for any person or business if used the right way.

Hashtags can boost your brand

Photo Credit: blog.hashtagify.me

The first hashtag was created on August 23, 2007 by Chris Messina.  According to a post on Quora that he wrote, hashtags were created to provide some means for groups to organize themselves. By adding the # sign in front of word you are essentially creating a clickable link.  By clicking on  that link, you will be brought to other users who have hashtagged that word.

The benefit?  Well, let me tell you, once something is made clickable, the content becomes searchable. Thus, giving you the ideal opportunity to engage with your audience every time you post, which is why this is has become a key tool for businesses and their brands.

I understand...now you're probably scratching your head about what you should and shouldn't be hashtagging. Well you're in luck,  the following infographic from Gremln gives you a crash course in Hashtag Etiquette.
  

Photo Credit: Gremlin - Social Media Tools For Business

Keep Calm and Hashtag On

And just like that, you've become a pro in the world of hashtags. Remember, be consistent and share the hashtag with relevant information. Show your boss, you hashtag like boss by increasing brand exposure!