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Hashtag, you’re it!
July 27, 2020
Promote your page and business with this handy device, but use it wisely
Just about everybody who’s been on social media for more than an hour will have run across the ubiquitous hashtag: a “pound sign” (#) followed by a hyperlink. But not everybody knows what these are or how to best use them.
So first, a definition is in order. According to Hootsuite, a hashtag is:
Twitter was the first social media platform to start using the hashtag. In 2007, an enterprising techie had the idea of clustering topical content around a tag. Now, if you’re interested in #NaturePhotography, #RecipeOfTheDay or #hockey, you just click the hashtag and you’ll land on a page full of posts about those topics.
But this innovation is useful for more than just the interested web-surfer. If you have a business, you can put hashtags into your posts to expand your visibility. Say, you sell solar water heaters and have a Facebook and Twitter page. By using a tag like #SolarWaterHeaters, you have expanded your reach – and to an audience likely to be interested in that product.
If you’re going to use them, though, it’s important to remember some best practices.
First, make sure there are no spaces, emojis, symbols or punctuation in your tag. The words should just run together as one. Keep them as short and intuitive as possible. While #SolarWaterHeaters is specific enough to give you a somewhat targeted group, something like #SolarWaterHeatersInJacksonvilleForUnderAThousandDollars is too long and too esoteric.
Remember, too, that there should be a single # in front of your entire tag. So, #do #not #hashtag #every #single #word.
Avoid using trending hashtags on a post that isn’t about the trending topic just to expose the post to more eyeballs. If your post about solar water heaters contains the tag #OutfitOfTheDay, you’ll look like an opportunist and you won’t have an audience specifically interested in your product. A sea of people looking at your post doesn’t help if they’re not in the market for solar water heaters. Also, a highly trending tag means your post will blend in with many thousands upon thousands of others. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your hashtags add meaning to your post.
If you do want to include a trending tag, make sure it reflects what you’ve posted. For example, #ThrowbackThursday is fine to use, just make sure your post is an old photo like all the others bearing this tag (and make sure it’s Thursday).
When you use a hashtag, your accounts and posts should be public, too. If they aren’t, then hashtagging won’t matter because your post won’t be viewable by the public.
Also, don’t forget the virtue of moderation. Filling your post up with a flurry of tags is a less-than-best practice. On Twitter, try not to use more than two. The same goes for Facebook and LinkedIn. You can get away with using more on Instagram, maybe between five or 10 – but no more than that. Up to five on Pinterest is good.
So, use this device to help your page’s visibility, but use it wisely.
Happy #hashtagging.
So first, a definition is in order. According to Hootsuite, a hashtag is:
“… a way to connect social media content to a specific topic, event, theme or conversation. They also make it easier to discover posts around those specific topics, because hashtags aggregate all social media content with that same hashtag.”
Twitter was the first social media platform to start using the hashtag. In 2007, an enterprising techie had the idea of clustering topical content around a tag. Now, if you’re interested in #NaturePhotography, #RecipeOfTheDay or #hockey, you just click the hashtag and you’ll land on a page full of posts about those topics.
But this innovation is useful for more than just the interested web-surfer. If you have a business, you can put hashtags into your posts to expand your visibility. Say, you sell solar water heaters and have a Facebook and Twitter page. By using a tag like #SolarWaterHeaters, you have expanded your reach – and to an audience likely to be interested in that product.
If you’re going to use them, though, it’s important to remember some best practices.
First, make sure there are no spaces, emojis, symbols or punctuation in your tag. The words should just run together as one. Keep them as short and intuitive as possible. While #SolarWaterHeaters is specific enough to give you a somewhat targeted group, something like #SolarWaterHeatersInJacksonvilleForUnderAThousandDollars is too long and too esoteric.
Remember, too, that there should be a single # in front of your entire tag. So, #do #not #hashtag #every #single #word.
Avoid using trending hashtags on a post that isn’t about the trending topic just to expose the post to more eyeballs. If your post about solar water heaters contains the tag #OutfitOfTheDay, you’ll look like an opportunist and you won’t have an audience specifically interested in your product. A sea of people looking at your post doesn’t help if they’re not in the market for solar water heaters. Also, a highly trending tag means your post will blend in with many thousands upon thousands of others. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your hashtags add meaning to your post.
If you do want to include a trending tag, make sure it reflects what you’ve posted. For example, #ThrowbackThursday is fine to use, just make sure your post is an old photo like all the others bearing this tag (and make sure it’s Thursday).
When you use a hashtag, your accounts and posts should be public, too. If they aren’t, then hashtagging won’t matter because your post won’t be viewable by the public.
Also, don’t forget the virtue of moderation. Filling your post up with a flurry of tags is a less-than-best practice. On Twitter, try not to use more than two. The same goes for Facebook and LinkedIn. You can get away with using more on Instagram, maybe between five or 10 – but no more than that. Up to five on Pinterest is good.
So, use this device to help your page’s visibility, but use it wisely.
Happy #hashtagging.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business that depends on the surrounding area for its customers. While major platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer broad reach, community-oriented businesses can benefit immensely from a presence on Nextdoor —a hyperlocal social media platform designed specifically for neighborhoods. Here’s why your business should be on Nextdoor: 1. Direct access to local customers Nextdoor connects neighbors and local businesses, allowing you to reach a highly targeted audience in your immediate area. Unlike other platforms that serve a global audience, Nextdoor ensures that your business is seen by potential customers in your community who are most likely to engage with and support you. 2. Builds trust and credibility Trust is essential in a community setting, and Nextdoor fosters a sense of authenticity by verifying users’ addresses. When locals recommend your business through word-of-mouth posts and reviews, it establishes credibility and strengthens your reputation. 3. Encourages community engagement Community-oriented businesses thrive on relationships. By engaging with neighbors on Nextdoor, responding to inquiries, and participating in discussions, you can foster stronger connections and develop long-term customer loyalty . 4. Offers free and paid promotion options Nextdoor provides organic ways to connect with your audience through community posts, as well as paid advertising options to further extend your reach. This flexibility allows businesses of all sizes to find an approach that suits their budget and goals. 5. Enhances Word-of-Mouth Marketing One of Nextdoor’s most powerful features is its recommendation system. When satisfied customers endorse your business, their recommendations are seen by neighbors, providing a trusted form of organic marketing that can drive more foot traffic and sales. 6. Ideal for Local Service Providers If you run a neighborhood-based business—such as a restaurant, home repair service, pet care or real estate agency—Nextdoor is an invaluable tool for connecting with nearby residents who need your services. By establishing a presence on Nextdoor, community-oriented businesses can enhance their local visibility , build trust, and foster deeper relationships with customers right in their own neighborhoods. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the people who matter most—your local community!
In today’s competitive landscape, building a loyal community around your brand is essential for long-term success. A strong community fosters brand advocacy, enhances customer retention, and creates a foundation for organic growth. But how do you turn casual customers into devoted followers who champion your brand? Let’s explore key strategies to cultivate a loyal and engaged brand community. 1. Understand your audience The first step to building a loyal community is understanding who your audience is. Conduct surveys, analyze customer data, and engage in social listening to learn their preferences, pain points and aspirations. By gaining a deeper understanding of your audience, you can create tailored experiences that resonate on a personal level. Pro tip: Use tools like Google Analytics , social media insights, and customer feedback forms to gather actionable data. 2. Develop a clear brand identity Your brand identity is the cornerstone of your community. A clear and consistent voice, mission, and set of values help customers understand who you are and what you stand for. Authenticity is key; people are more likely to align with a brand that feels genuine and relatable. Example: If sustainability is a core value for your brand, showcase eco-friendly practices in your operations and marketing materials. 3. Create valuable content Content is a powerful tool for building and nurturing a community. By sharing insightful, entertaining, or educational content, you can provide value beyond your products or services. Blogs, social media posts, videos, and podcasts are excellent mediums to connect with your audience. Actionable tip: Focus on solving problems for your audience. For instance, a skincare brand might share tips on maintaining healthy skin during seasonal changes. 4. Engage consistently on social media Social media platforms are ideal for fostering two-way communication. Be sure you respond to comments. Get involved in online conversations. Interact with your audience members and they’ll feel more in sync with your brand. Hashtag power: Encourage customers to use branded hashtags to share their experiences, making them feel like an integral part of your brand’s story. 5. Reward loyalty Show your appreciation for loyal customers by rewarding their support. Loyalty programs, exclusive discounts and personalized offers can make customers feel valued. Additionally, recognizing community members publicly can strengthen their emotional connection to your brand. 6. Host events and experiences Bringing your community together through events—whether virtual or in-person—can deepen relationships. Webinars, Q&A sessions, product launches, or even casual meetups create opportunities for authentic interactions and foster a sense of belonging. Hybrid idea: Offer a mix of in-person and virtual options to make your events accessible to a wider audience. 7. Empower brand advocates Encourage satisfied customers to promote your brand. Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials are powerful ways to grow your community organically. Provide tools and incentives for advocates to share their positive experiences with others. Implementation: Launch an ambassador program where loyal customers receive perks for promoting your brand. 8. Listen and adapt Building a loyal community is an ongoing process. Pay attention to feedback, monitor trends, and be willing to evolve. Customers value brands that listen to their needs and adapt to meet their expectations. Feedback loop: Regularly ask your community for input through polls, surveys, or direct messages. Conclusion Building a loyal community around your brand takes time, effort, and a genuine commitment to serving your audience. By understanding your customers, staying true to your brand identity, and fostering meaningful connections, you can create a community that not only supports your brand but also propels it to new heights. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your community grow into a powerful force for your business. For businesses seeking to strengthen their marketing, Z Corp offers expertise in creating tailored strategies and driving results. Call us today at (321) 213-1818 or email info@zcorppr.com .
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