Let’s kick this off with a joke, shall we? What do you call a hashtag that’s lost its way? #Directionless. Ok, so my future in stand-up comedy might be uncertain, but here’s something that isn’t: hashtags can be a game-changer when it comes to personal branding.
Every day, millions of people share their thoughts, ideas, passions, and breakfast choices with the world, splattering the social media canvas with the paint of their digital identity. But, in this cacophony of posts, tweets, reels, and snaps, how can you make your voice heard? The answer is a bit like that dream you had where you found a compass at a four-way crossroads – it’s all about direction, and in this case, it’s all about hashtags. So, buckle up, folks. It’s time to find our #TrueNorth in the world of personal branding.
Step One: #WhoAmI?
Before we leap into the hashtag abyss, we need to figure out who you are. A personal brand is, at its core, a mirror of yourself – your interests, your values, your ‘vibe.’ So, ask yourself, “What do I want people to think of when they hear my name?”
Imagine you’re an artist specialising in surreal pop-art portraits, or you’re a passionate baker with an obsession for plant-based treats. It’s crucial to narrow your focus and be clear about who you are and what you stand for. Doing so will guide you in choosing hashtags that truly reflect your brand.
As they say, “Know thyself, and thy hashtags shall follow.” Ok, I may have added that last bit.
Step Two: #ResearchIsCool
Once you’ve identified your niche, the next step is to do some hashtag homework. Look at people with similar interests or those who already have a strong personal brand. Observe the hashtags they use. You’ll find common ones, niche-specific ones, and even quirky ones.
For instance, if you’re that baker we talked about, you might explore hashtags like #PlantBasedBaking, #VeganTreats, and maybe even #EcoFriendlyEats.
Remember: the goal isn’t to copy these hashtags, but to get a feel for what’s working and why. Is it the tone, the specificity, the humor? Understanding these nuances will help you tailor your hashtags to your brand.
Step Three: #CreateYourOwn
There’s a secret sauce to personal branding that no amount of hashtag-following can replicate, and that’s uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to create your own hashtags. Something that is completely, unapologetically YOU.
This could be a catchphrase you use, your signature creation, or a unique perspective you bring. So, our surrealist pop-art artist might use something like #PopSurrealismBy[YourName], and our vegan baker could create a tag like #NoMeatSweetTreats.
The aim is to create a digital breadcrumb trail that leads straight to your brand.
Step Four: #ConsistencyIsKey
Like a hit song on the radio, the more your hashtags are heard (or seen), the more recognizable they become. This doesn’t mean you should flood your posts with the same hashtags (social media platforms aren’t fans of that). Rather, consistently use a couple of your key hashtags across your posts.
So if you suddenly decide to pivot from #NoMeatSweetTreats to #VeganBakeBoss, you might throw your followers off the scent. Consistency helps build familiarity, and familiarity, as you know, breeds engagement.
Wrapping Up: #TheHashtagTakeaway
Let’s face it: in the wild, wild West of social media, you need more than a cool profile picture to stand out. Hashtags are the bread crumbs that guide your audience through the digital forest, straight to your brand. They’re not just symbols or trendy add-ons; they’re powerful, indispensable tools for building your digital identity.
So remember, be true to who you are (#WhoAmI), do your homework (#ResearchIsCool), embrace your uniqueness (#CreateYourOwn), and stay consistent (#ConsistencyIsKey). These are the four pillars of the #HashtagGamePlan for your personal brand.
Keep in mind, building a brand isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. It requires patience, persistence, and a dash of creativity. And with the right hashtags leading the way, you’ll be crossing the finish line in no time, waving your personal brand flag high and proud. Ready, set, #GoBrandYourself!