#Hashtags are becoming more and more prevalent in marketing campaigns, but did you know there’s a right and a wrong way? These empty tic-tac-toe boards are a great way to set your brand apart and draw attention with minimal effort. Originally started on Twitter, hashtags have since migrated to Facebook, print ads, TV, even voicemail systems.
When choosing your hashtag remember to K.I.S.S. (Keep it short and simple). Concise hashtags can still draw attention and create buzz about your brand without being distracting and hard to read. Take #Rays for example. This is a perfect example of a K.I.S.S. hashtag. This hashtag for the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team is clear, concise, and much easier to read than #TampaBayRays or even #Tampa #Bay #Rays. Too long of a hashtag and too many hashtags can make it difficult to read and flat out annoying! If you are going to use more than one hashtag we recommend no more than 5.
An awesome feature of the hashtag is its seamlessly effortless ability to promote your event. By creating a unique hashtag you and your fellow guests can use the hashtag on your social media platforms thus increasing your exposure and making others a little jealous that they missed your shin-dig. A unique yet relevant event hashtag is sure to spark interest in your event and draw attention to your brand. Lab3 Marketing used the hashtag #Lab3Style for their latest event, which was a HUGE success, and after the event noticed a 134% increase in their weekly Facebook analytics.
Another important tip to remember about hashtags is to choose carefully! Make sure that your hashtag is relevant to the topic and that you don’t jump on the bandwagon of a current trending topic. Using the wrong hashtag can be terribly embarrassing and can send people the wrong message. Using the right hashtag at the wrong time can be just as unsettling. Take #nowthatcherisdead (#now thatcher is dead) for exampe. This hashtag was created in light of the passing of Margaret Thatcher; however, this hashtag also upset quite a few Cher fans when they read the hashtag as #now that Cher is dead. Celeb Boutique fell victim to bad timing when they saw that #Aurora was trending. Aurora was the name of the Kim Kardashian inspired dress but unfortunately for them #Aurora was trending because of the mass shooting that took place in Aurora, Colorado at the Dark Knight Rises movie.
In conclusion, #don’t #hastag #every #word #you #post, #don’tuseahashtagthatistoolong, limit your hashtags to 5 or less, make sure no one dies from your hashtag, don’t be a bandwagoner, and pay attention to your timing. Whether you’re using Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram it is important to remember your hashtag etiquette.
