Pop quiz, folks! What links #IceBucketChallenge, #MeToo, and #BlackLivesMatter? You’ve got it: they’re hashtags, the magic keys to digital activism and, dare we say it, monetary success. We’re about to get #SeriousAboutHashtags.
Hashtags are like a veritable digital pandora’s box of infinite possibilities. More than a mere trendy wave in the expansive ocean of social media, they possess a potent ability to bring the right eyeballs to your cause or project. They’re like the chatty cousin at a family gathering who doesn’t mind grabbing everyone’s attention while you stand quietly in a corner, plotting world domination or the next big Kickstarter campaign.
In the crowdfunding world, #Success (see what we did there?) is all about being seen and heard by the right crowd. Thankfully, with social media, the world is your stage. Still, having a stage isn’t enough if the spotlight doesn’t find you. And that, my friends, is where our trendy little pal the hashtag comes in.
Now, don’t be mistaken, using hashtags isn’t about plucking the trendiest ones out of thin air and slapping them onto your posts like labels on a clearance sale. It’s a subtle art, the Da Vinci code of digital marketing, if you will. Luckily for you, we’re about to crack this code.
Step1: Hashtag Research
Okay, it sounds like you’re about to write a thesis. Relax! You’re not. Hashtag research is as simple as scouring social media platforms, especially Twitter and Instagram, for popular and relevant hashtags in your niche. A #CatMeme isn’t going to help fund your indie film project, unless it’s a documentary about internet cats (which we’d totally watch, by the way).
Step2: Keep It Simple and Specific
Hashtags, like coffee orders, work best when they’re specific but straightforward. #ILoveMyAdorableBlackLabradorRetriever is, well, a mouthful. Or should we say, a screenful? Keep it short and sweet. Something like #BlackLabLove is easier to read, quicker to type, and less likely to be misspelled.
Step3: Make It Memorable and Unique
Here’s the fun part. A unique and catchy hashtag can go viral faster than you can say #TakeMyMoney. Think #DontTellMom for a campaign about a secret new gadget, or #KitchenRevolution for an innovative cooking tool. Remember, a catchy hashtag is like a catchy tune; it sticks, and it spreads.
Step4: Consistency Is Key
Once you’ve got your golden hashtag, stick with it. Consistency across platforms helps in reinforcing your message and creating a strong brand image. Think of it as your campaign’s theme song. #KeepSingingIt
Step5: Engage, Engage, Engage
A hashtag isn’t just a tag; it’s a conversation starter. Engage with anyone who uses your hashtag. Respond, share, and foster a sense of community. After all, your hashtag should be more of a #PartyStarter than a #Wallflower.
Sounds simple enough, right? You bet! But remember, the power of a hashtag lies in its strategic use. With these steps, you’re well on your way to a viral Kickstarter or crowdfunding campaign.
So, are you ready to take the world by storm, one hashtag at a time? Here’s hoping your campaign gets a #FullHouse, and we aren’t talking about the ’90s sitcom. And hey, while we’re on the topic of handy digital tools, consider checking out Boost App Social to turbocharge your social media campaigns. Now, that’s what we call #KickstartingYourSuccess!