The Hashtag Sessions

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Joelyn J. Bush@jojobu

January 23, 2014

www.emarketinglearningcenter.org#TwitterTraining

#Erie

What Will We Cover?1.Evolution and History

2.Definition/What are they?3.Where can you find them?4.How can you use them?5.How do you search for them?6.Building a Hashtag.7.Best Practices

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Evolution and History

“When did the pound sign become a hashtag?”

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Evolution and History

# = Easy Keyboard Character

2007

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2013

Evolution and History

Definition/What Are They?• Twitter: The # symbol… used to mark

keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.

• Other: o A hashtag is a word or an unspaced

phrase prefixed with the hash symbol. It is a form of metadata tag. (Wikipedia)

o A word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic. (Google)

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Definition/What Are They?Keywords or Unspaced

Phrases!All you need to do is place the pound sign, #, in front of the keyword or keyword phrase, uninterrupted by spaces or punctuation, and you've got yourself a hashtag.

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Definition/What Are They?

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Simply put, hashtags are used as a way to connect or group messages on social networks. Hashtagged content, including photos, statuses, videos or tweets, is pulled together into streams, so that people, businesses, events and other organizations have the opportunity to search, share and communicate about a particular topic.

Source: OnSharp.com

Where can you find them?

• Your content WANTS to be found.

• Your content NEEDS to be found.

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Where can you find them?

• Twitter• Facebook• Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Vine,

Google+, YouTube, Tumblr, Kickstarter, Flickr, etc., etc., etc.

• Print Collateral, Press Releases…• OFFLINE, EVERYWHERE IN

YOUR MARKETING/PR

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How can you use them?Hashtags can be POWERFUL when

promoting content for your business.

Whether you’re sharing a new blog post or attending a conference, incorporating a hashtag increases the odds of your message being found by the right audience(s).

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How can you use them?

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1. Conversation/topic: making it easier to find those with similar interests.

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How can you use them?

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2. Live events – encourages participation.

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How can you use them?

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3. Witty comment: usually at the end of a tweet.

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How can you use them?

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4. Abuse: too many hashtags –

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Source: VieoDesign.com

How can you use them?

• Create a hashtag routineo #ThrowbackThursdayo #FanFridayo #FollowFriday (2009)o Event Related: #Sochi2014

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How to search for hashtags?

• Within platforms

• Hashtags.org

• Tag Board

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• Ask yourself why you want to use a hashtag. (Hint hint: Increase your brand engagement)

• Make it memorable

• Acronyms are okay! (#SXSW, #FLOTUS)

• Integrate it! Add value to the conversation that’s already happening.

• Long-term strategy helps!

Building A Hashtag

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• What uses are you seeing?

• 3 Simple Rules

• Short, Concise and Clear

• Create it - Identifiable, Conversation Starter, Memorable

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Building A Hashtag

Use them for research.

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Best Practices

Best PracticesStart Sharing Information.

Interact with others who are using the same hashtags as you. Topical area, Industry specific, etc.

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Best PracticesAnswer Questions.

Many people use social media to ask brands, organizations and people questions. Monitor your brand related hashtags and answer questions more efficiently.

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Best Practices

Promote!

Think about all of the places you saw #AJO. Other brands offline?

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1. Lack of consistency. USE THEM!

2. Too many words. #Thisishashtagabuse

3. Irrelevant hashtags. #No #One #Best

4. Lack of promotion.

5. Carelessness. Look at what’s already out there!

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5 Reasons Hashtags Fail

InteractionBrand

Engagement• Did you use #Erie #TwitterTraining

already?

• Trade Shows, Events, Conferences

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joelynbush@gmail.com@jojobu

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