In the era of digital marketing, being seen isn’t just about big billboards and catchy jingles anymore. It’s about being “hashtag-worthy”. For those who just landed from Mars, here’s the breakdown: a hashtag (#) is a label for content. It helps others who are interested in a certain topic quickly find content on that same topic. It’s as if we finally found a way to make “Marco Polo” a global phenomenon, but with more fun and fewer lost kids.
Hashtags: The Social Media Swiss Knife
On platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, hashtags are your Swiss Army knife. This handy tool helps you connect with your audience, brand your content, expand your reach, and even keep an eye on your competitors. Oh, did we mention it’s free? Imagine someone giving you a powerful wand, like Harry Potter, but instead of shouting “Expelliarmus,” you shout “#BuyMyStuff”! Now that’s a spell we all could use.
2. Hashtagging: Your Brand’s BFF
Branding, once a la-dee-dah term from the marketing world, is now something even your grandma is curious about. But did you know you can brand yourself, your cat, or your homemade jam business using hashtags? It’s simple: just invent a hashtag (one that doesn’t lead to some random Joe’s vacation photos), and consistently use it on all your posts. Viola, your brand just earned its wings!
Don’t believe it? Try searching for #JustDoIt or #ShareACoke, and watch a branding spectacle unfold before your eyes.
3. The Art of Being #Trendy
Being on-trend isn’t just for fashionistas. It’s for smart digital marketers too! When a hashtag trend pops up that resonates with your brand, hop onto that bandwagon ASAP. Just remember, don’t be that guy who arrives at a Halloween party in Christmas pajamas. Ensure your brand genuinely aligns with the trend.
Did you remember the #IceBucketChallenge? That was a fantastic example of trending hashtag use.
4. Size Doesn’t Always Matter, but Relevancy Does
In the world of hashtags, relevancy is the king. Forget about the giant, generic tags like #happy or #love. Instead, choose more specific ones. If you’re selling home-baked cookies, using #SweetestCookiesInTown will attract more relevant (and hungry) audiences than just #food.
5. #CompetitorStalking – It’s a Thing
Remember when we said hashtags are a Swiss Army knife? Well, this feature could be the magnifying glass part. Monitoring your competitor’s hashtags can give you insights into their strategy, performance, and audience. It’s like a free marketing report, but without the tedious charts and pie graphs.
6. #TheDarkSideOfHashtags – Beware
Like everything in this world, from chocolate cake to re-runs of Friends, too much of a good thing can be bad. Overstuffing your posts with hashtags can look spammy and desperate. It’s a #MajorTurnOff. Stick to 1-3 relevant hashtags per post, and remember, quality over quantity.
In conclusion, hashtags are your secret weapon in the digital marketing world. They’re like the breadcrumbs Hansel and Gretel should’ve used—durable, traceable, and unlikely to be eaten by birds. So go on, my fellow marketers, make your mark, and let the world play tag along with your brand. Because, in this digital age, #EveryBrandCounts!
And remember, if your marketing campaign were a movie, hashtags would be the soundtrack. It sets the mood, guides the story, and if done right, it gets stuck in your audience’s head. #AndTheyLivedHashtaglyEverAfter