The pound sign, the hash key, the number sign.
This little symbol has revolutionized the way we communicate. It turns a word, phrase or acronym into a searchable link, allowing social media users to track real-time posts made by others they would otherwise not be connected to.
The hashtag was introduced into the social media world through Twitter, when developer Chris Messina proposed the idea as a way to group tweets about the same topics. The idea was initially rejected, but resurfaced and took off when residents of San Diego began using the hashtag #SanDiegoFire to update followers on the forest fires.
The use of hashtags acts as a great marketing tool, as long as you use it correctly. So here are a few basics:
1. Capitalization Doesn't Matter.
#Sarasota and #sarasota will yield the same results.
2. Do Not Use Spaces in a Hashtag
Yes: #webdesign
No: #web design
3. Only Letters and Numbers are Accepted.
Do not use special characters in a hashtag (even if its improper grammar!). Using a special character will break the link just like using a space will.
Yes: #letsgo
No: #let'sgo
4. Separate Multiple Hashtags by Spaces.
Don't group them together.
Yes: #marketing #socialmedia #websites
No: #marketing#socialmedia#websites
(That said, you probably only want to stick to one or two hashtags in a tweet anyways.)
Now that we've got the basics covered, you're probably feeling pretty comfortable to try it out for yourself! Before you do, here are a few more pointers on hashtag etiquette:
5. Do Not Hashtag Everything!
Going overboard with hashtags is bad etiquette, so find one or two ideas in your tweet you would like to emphasize.
Yes: We love #inboundmarketing
No: #we #love #inbound #marketing
6. There's No Set List of Hashtags
So feel free to make up your own! They can be funny or serious. For bonus points, start an internal hashtag that your clients and followers will recognize as unique to your business.
Example: Join us for our the next workshop in our #Uncorked education series!
7. Don't waste hashtags on words that no one is going to follow.
If your tweet doesn't have anything worthy of a hashtag within the sentence, use one at the end to drive home your point.
Example: Read our latest blog for 5 tips to generate more leads to your site! #leadgeneration 