People think that using “Hashtags” is very simple and everybody can do it. Yes, everybody can do it but that does not mean they are doing it right, specially if it’s part of your social media strategy.
Here’s some hashtag etiquette:
1) 2 to 3 hashtags in a post is an acceptable range. It is wrong to think that the more hashtags the better. Using more will make your post look crowded and almost like spam.
Example of a DON’T: I love Miami #beach #miami #fun #sun #sand #sky #clouds #summer #dog #shells
2) Use only related and relevant hashtags. It is very common for people to write random hashtags! It is totally wrong. Hashtags are part of your post so include them, don’t confuse readers. Having unrelated “#” won’t help you achieve what you are trying to communicate the world.
Example of a DON’T: I love Miami #igers #oscars2014 #leodicaprio #hair #PicOfTheDay
3) You don’t need to hashtag every word or every other word! Just use “#” for relevant keywords.
Example of a DON’T: I #love Miami #so very #much. #I miss #all my #friends.
4) Don’t say the word “Hashtag” please. It is not necessary (Watch Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon “Hashtag”)
5) Avoid long hashtags. Keep it short and simple.
Example of a DON’T #ILoveMiamiBeachAndIMissMyFriends #IWantToGoBackToTheSand
6) Don’t use spaces. If you want to write a SHORT hashtag (2-3 words) do not separate them, use capitals at the beginning of each word instead. It won’t affect the search.
Example of a DO: #HelloMiami #ILoveYou #FunNight
7) No commas, period, exclamation points, question marks, apostrophes, asterisks, etc.
Example of a DON’T #ILoveMiami! #:) #Hello*
8 ) Do not hashtag the same word twice in a post. It won’t make a difference.
Example of a DON’T: Hello #Miami I always wanted to come to #Miami during winter time. There is nothing like #Miami
Websites and the hashtag purposes
Each website uses “Hashtags” for different purposes.
1) Twitter: Mainly use “#” to denote specific topics of conversations.
2) Facebook: Clicking a hashtag on FB will take u to a list of posts containing the same hashtag. Not limited to the people you know.
3) Instagram & Vine: Use hashtags to complement photos and help you discover new accounts or followers. Example #tbt to post retro pics. Tip: Accompany each pic or video with at least one hash tag to maximize shareability.
4) Google+: When clicking a # on Google+, the search will include the original hashtag as well as posts with similar tags and keywords. It also gives you the option to search within Facebook or Twitter.
5) Tumblr: Tumblr posts have a special tag section where you can enter tags. It organizes posts by topic. Hashtags included on the main body are not transformed to a link.
6) Pinterest: It is used to mark and search for content. Clicking a “#” in a pin to navigate results that contain the exact hashtag plus pins with the same word or phrase in the description.
Related Blog “Hashtag you’re it! An inference into the reason of its purpose”
This website gives you the highest trend on Hashtag popularity.
Hashtag’s gone wrong!
