There are many ways to get a conversation started on the internet, and Twitter does this by using hashtags. Hashtags on Twitter are a great way for a community to all talk about the same thing. Hashtagged tweets are meant to be adding to a larger conversation. For example, during the presidential debates tonight, you might see a lot of things like #PresidentialDebate2012 trend. Of course that is just an example, but it is an effective way to let all Twitter users know that you are adding to their same conversation. Businesses also use this technique when trying to spark promotional material, and it can pay off well. Whatever the case may be, it is a very useful tool, but it should be used with caution.
Hashtags on Twitter | Don’t Be Ambiguous
Picking a hashtag is where this process begins. Ambiguous hashtags can really kill your efforts if trying to use this tool as a way to promote yourself. For instance if Direct TV wanted to tweet satellite package deals, then they might want to start a conversation based around #DirecTVDeals to specifically promote their business. This is pretty straightforward, and there is little room for the topic to be misconstrued. However if they started something like #TVPackages, it could be attributed to any company, and companies like Dish TV might try to jump in on that and also reap the benefits. Therefore it is important to try and make your hashtag as relevant and specific as possible so there is not a doubt that you are associated with the trending topic. This is especially important if you want to help build brand recognition.
Hashtags on Twitter |Watch the Wording
This is somewhat like the previous tip, but there is some small differences. The biggest thing that you want to do is make sure that your promoted trend isn’t able to be easily and openly mocked. For instance, if the aforementioned topic of TV deals wanted to use a topic like #HugePackageDeals, I think it is pretty obvious how that can be misconstrued or twisted into an innuendo, and you definitely don’t want the Twitter trolls to get ahold of that. This has been seen in the present political race as well, as both candidates are putting out hashtags that are not working in their favor. In fact, it seems that they have become their own “how not to tweet” tutorial. It is a good lesson as well, to know that if you try to trend in a contentious arena like politics, be VERY careful how you phrase things, though luckily not many things are as divisive as politics.
Hashtags on Twitter |Be Concise
This is easy, but make your trends short and to the point. Nothing is worse on Twitter than seeing a bunch of words strung together in a hashtag. This comes off as spammy, and also is normally only done as a joke. The worst part about it all is that when something becomes overly complicated, it might be hard to replicate, and you will get a lot of misspellings or other typos that will then exclude those tweets from the larger conversation. If you really want to start a large conversation, make sure it is one that is easy for others to be a part of. Otherwise, it goes all over the place.
Hashtagging, and the proper use of such, is not a difficult concept to grasp. All it really takes is a little effort and care, as well as a critical eye. Other than that it is a real fun and creative way to help you build your brand and awareness. It is encouraged that everyone try to have some fun with it, and when you start seeing your hashtag trend, it is really very exciting. When you’re ready to leap into the Twitter action, make sure that everything is order, nothing will come off too easily to mock, and you’ll be on your way. It’s a great way to engage your followers as well as gain some more along the way.
Peter Margolis is an SEO and social media blogger that focuses a lot on content creation and community outreach. He enjoys blogging and using other social platforms, and it a big social media advocate.