Facebook is finally on board and they have added support for the
#hashtag. Users will be able to search and click on hashtags to see other
status updates, pictures, and links that are using the same hashtag. Hashtags
are basically the subject of the messages, and it makes it easier for users to
find content on Facebook. Hastags are also now live on the iOS native app.
Facebook users can engage with hashtags the way they do on their desktop via
the iOS mobile app.
Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram have
already been using the hashtag to organize content. When you click on a hashtag
in Facebook you will see a feed of what other people and business pages are
saying about that particular event or topic. Hashtags do not override the current
Facebook privacy settings, you can only search public posts and content posted
by your friends.
This is great news for Internet marketers because you will be able
to join conversations about anything that is relevant to your industry with
real time public conversations being displayed. Think of keywords, targeted
keywords are great to use for a hashtag search. You should use this feature to
engage with consumers and stay current with the news in your industry. A
marketer can also add hashtags in an advertising campaigns to amplify your
reach over multiple social networks.
Hashtags are a great way to organize content but there are a few
suggestions that an Internet marketer should know to make sure you are getting
the most bang for your efforts.
Hashtag Etiquette
1. Make sure your hashtag relates to your message. Do not add
hashtags to a message if it has nothing to do with the message, that is
considered hashtag spamming. It will also make you look like you don't know
what you are doing. Consumers don't want to search #Dogs and end up seeing a
picture of a bird in the results.
2. Keep your hashtags short and to the point. Three words
should be the maximum for a single hashtag. Anything longer becomes really hard
to read and your message may be lost in translation. For example;
#HashtagsThatTurnIntoSentencesAndGoesOnForALongTimeAreAnnoying.
3. Use hashtags to help build brand awareness. By creating a
unique hashtag for your business you are starting a new real-time feed with
that particular hashtag. So when a consumer clicks on your unique hashtag they
will pull up your businesses messages, pictures, or links. An unique hashtag
will also help you get noticed and bring attention back to your business.
4. Do not hashtag every word in your message. A message with
a lot of hashtags is hard for the consumer to read, so focus on the subject of
your message and add your hashtags at the end.
Hashtags are great tool for marketers and now that all the major
social networks are supporting clickable hashtags this will be very helpful
when trying to engage with the consumer.
