In marketing, we utilize hashtags now on social media platforms. A “hash tag” is a phrase or single word preceded by a hash sign. Also, commonly referred to as a pound sign (#). Even though, we have been using hashtags for several years now, many still seem to not fully understand it. There are common marketing hashtag mistakes being made. Here, you will find more information on this topic. Find out more about hashtag done effectively here.
People can use hashtags to search for posts with a specific topic. Using hashtags helps people find posts and information that is relevant and interesting to them. Adding hashtags allows a business or individual to have their posts or pins found online. When properly applied, it delivers great benefits to a business posting on social media channels. When it is done incorrectly, it can have a negative impact on marketing efforts and results.
Marketing hashtag mistakes are best to avoid for improved results. To improve hashtag practices, it is important to know what not to do as well as how to do it properly. Here are the do’s and mistakes of hash tagging on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Tumblr and others.
How to Correctly Use Hashtags
Add a hashtag (also known as pound sign #) followed by a word or phrase most relevant to the post, tweet, or pin. The word or phrase should be keyword oriented and most applicable. They can be directly related to the entry, the industry, an offering, an emotion even and more. The hashtags must be correctly created to be effective. More than one word should be strung together or linked by an underscore symbol. See examples below:
A single word hashtag would look like this: #promotion. While stringing more than one word together would look like this: #salespromotion or #sales_promotion.
You can use more than one hashtag but do not use too many. This is less effective and can have a negative impact on the post and channel. Using 4-7 hashtags is more than sufficient. Hashtags can be inserted anywhere within the text. At the beginning, in the middle of the text body, or at the end.
Marketing Hashtags Mistakes
Here are some examples of how to not use hashtags. These mistakes are best to avoid when using hashtags on social media. These mistakes have negative impacts on marketing efforts. Here are the most common mistakes made with hashtag practices.
Spaces: Do not use any spaces in between words. Simple run them together or use an underscore to link them correctly.
Word Amount: Do not use too many words in a hashtag. A string of words is hard to read and tends to be ignored. Keep phrases as short as possible.
Trend Hijacking: Be careful about hijacking trending hashtag topics. Brands get themselves often into trouble doing this. It is not ethical.
Number of Hashtags: Too many hashtag entries have a negative impact on marketing. Each post should have only the most relevant hashtags and do not max out each post with hashtags.
Single Word Hashtags: Do not hashtag each word. This is incorrect and not necessary. One hashtag per phrase only.
For more information on hashtag best practices, speak to an expert. Through marketing consulting services or simply hire out social media marketing and see how experts manage properly marketing on social media platforms.
