So Facebook has just launched #hashtags, whether you think this is a positive or negative move they are here to stay. They have not been fully rolled out yet so don’t worry if you have started using them and they are not working.
Want to know more. Here are the top 3 questions being asked:
What are #hashtags?
Hashtags are a way to group conversations around a certain topic. For example if I use #hashtag in my Facebook post it will (eventually when its fully rolled out) become clickable. When the #hashtag is clicked on you will be able to see all posts and comments that have used that #hashtag
How does it affect privacy on my personal page?
#hashtags can be used on personal and business pages and also in comments. The good news is that if you use a #hashtag in a post or comment on your personal page and the privacy settings are set to only share this post with your friends, then only your friends will be able to see the conversation when the #hashtag is clicked.
How can I use #hashtags to benefit my business?
If you are a Twitter, Instagram or Google + user you will be familiar with how #hashtags work. For those of you that are new to #hashtags they are a great way to allow users to follow a conversation around a specific topic. They are also a great way for you to start a conversation around a topic. Once you use a #hashtag on your Facebook post, it will become a clickable link (once fully rolled out to all pages) and all public posts and comments that use that #hashtag will be visible.
Now that you know what they are, here are some tips on how to use them in your business effectively:
- Create unique #hashtags. Search and ensure that no one else is using the #hashtag before commencing
- When creating them ensure that there are no spaces e.g. #bedynamic NOT #be dynamic . The second example would result in the tag being the word be instead of the combination.
- Keep them short – it would be ideal to use the same #hashtags across all social media accounts so it’s best to keep them short especially when using in Twitter
- Follow the conversation and contribute as needed. It is important that if you start a conversation around a certain topic that you are engaged with others
- Create generic and branded ones so you increase your brand visibility
- Don’t use too many #hashtags in a post. It makes the post very hard to read. #dont #you #think #so ?
- Promote your #hashtags across all marketing materials and mediums. It’s important that you make your network, customers and potential customers aware of what #hashtags they should be using when getting involved in a discussion or talking about your brand.
- Do not use #hashtags that are not relevant, ending a post with a #hashtag just so there is one visible is useless exercise and may take people away from the post/information unnecessarily.
Now that you have the low down, how will you use #hashtags on Facebook and as part of your online marketing strategy?
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