Facebook Hashtags

After Facebook purchased Instagram, a social media site that uses hashtags regularly, it was probably only a matter of time that they would fully jump on the hashtag bandwagon.

Hashtag Basics

The purpose of hashtags is to add a search factor to any conversation whether it is on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and now Facebook. Hashtag means tagging your post with "#" and a term you are creating a reference point. In some cases, this is an original term and in others you are adding your post to an existing grouping.

The danger is the complete overuse and abuse by people who add multiple hashtags to a post because they want to, not because they are trying to ensure people can easily find it.

Hashtags on Facebook

The concept is actually rather good because it provides a simple way to link conversations between multiple users on different threads. The hashtags will redirect to a search page that includes other posts with the same hashtag.

For people who are developing a hashtag as part of their brand, this goes well for additional free social marketing options. Plus you will be able to click hashtags from other services and follow trends.

Making Use of It

First, you need to create your own hashtag or phrase that is the social media equivalent of your brand:

• Specific: You want your tag to be unique enough that people won't find you when searching for something completely different.
• Association: You want something closely associated with your brand or industry. Hundreds of hashtags are registered everyday so people need something simple and easy to remember that is naturally associated with the brand.
• Short: Social media is often limited in characters so don't take them all up with an overly long name.

Next, you need to make it work for you by including it almost like a signature in posts. You want to promote your content and make it more social. Additionally, you can include hashtags for relevant conversations you want your posts to be included in.