The hashtag has come a long way! It emerged as a way to organize tweets on Twitter from disparate sources into one view as they are clickable due to the use of the # sign - i.e. #regegqanda (we use this for our webinars so folks can ask questions on social before, during and after).

Now the hashtag has expanded beyond Twitter to include support on Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest. This provides an opportunity to sit back and think a bit more strategically about how this simple tool can help you.

1. You can organize your content thematically across social platforms. This offers consistency to how folks can you find on one platform and potentially discover you on another (perhaps someone connected to you on Twitter, then by nature of using consistent hashtags, they also find you on Google+).

2. You should study the topical area or industry sector you focus on and assess the use of hashtags. Are there opportunities to connect with new peers via these hashtags, find conversations you can contribute to?

3. Can you leverage an existing, well-used hashtag and contribute content to it meaningfully without spamming?

4. Measure those hashtags, both ones you create and those you participate in and ensure you see how they are used and what engagement you are seeing.

Show Notes

• Not Just for Twitter Anymore - The 3 Best Practices for Using #Hashtags on Social Media

• Unlocking the Power Behind Twitter’s Secret Weapons: Hashtags

• Our podcast (episode 6!) on hashtags

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:00 — 3.5MB) | Embed