Use hashtags to attract customersUse hashtags to attract customers

Ah, the hashtag. It’s rare to go a day without encountering marketing that includes the “#” sign. The hashtag is not just for social media anymore. Hashtags are on billboards, business cards, on TV, in magazines and, if you’re socially savvy, in your store. 

A quick definition: Hashtags are a way of categorizing and finding information pertaining to a topic. Anyone can create or use a hashtag. All you have to do is type “#” followed by a word and your hashtag is born. But why use it? For one, it’s an easy way for your business to track chatter around a topic or to build buzz around a store event or contest. And because so many people are using and following specific hashtags, it’s a great way to surface your content among the social media noise. To put hashtags to good use for your business, follow this primer. 

Facebook. Use hashtags for tracking contests and giveaways or attending events. Use them sparingly in your everyday posts. They just aren’t that “cool” on Facebook (unless you count #tbt for Throwback Thursday).

Twitter. Use at least one for every tweet, up to three. This offers great exposure for your tweets without them coming across as unreadable. 

Instagram. Use as many as 30 hashtags per photo. Really! Add your hashtags as a comment below the photo description so you don’t look spammy. Capitalize on any hashtags you’ve created for your store. This is great for contests or bringing chatter together around a topic. 

Pinterest. Some people/brands use them a lot, others don’t at all. You look spammy when you use more than three to five. People primarily find things on Pinterest by searching interests or topics rather than using hashtags, so instead focus on writing keyword-rich descriptions. 

Google+. Use hashtags here to find or organize information from like-minded individuals you might want to include in your “circle” (like friend lists in Facebook). Use one to two hashtags in your posts to help others find your content. 

A word of caution: For every event/contest hashtag, always search on social media first to ensure it’s not taken or, if it is, that it’s relevant to your topic.