You may not be using them, but if you have spent any time on Twitter, you’ve seen them. The hash tag. It looks like this: # and is used in front of a keyword. Used correctly, it can help build your online business!
Not quite sure how it all works? OK, say you are in the parenting niche. You might try searching #parenting, #parents #teens #kids #teachers or #moms and see what comes up! (Yes, just enter it in the “search” area) This helps you find your audience.
But, it’s much more than that . . .
Just searching for hashtags will help you find your keyword group and gather information. Sending out tweets using the hashtag is the key. You use it to engage. Remember, when using the hashtag, you are sending out some sort of message to that targeted group. Make your tweets conversation-worthy. Or follow-worthy. Give an informative link or some valuable content in the tweet.
In 140 characters??
Yes, make it short. People don’t want to read your blog. Yet. If you’ve written a fantastic blog post, use a relevant hashtag to drive traffic to it. As a matter of fact, that’s one of the primary uses of the hashtag. To drive targeted traffic to your site. If your tweets are compelling enough, and you use the right hashtag, it works.
But wait! There’s more. . . .
One of the most interesting and fun ways to use the hashtag is to participate in a hashtag event! It’s similar to an offline event but it takes place in the Twitter stream. People congregate during a certain time period and openly tweet during the event. For example, during many Blog Talk Radio shows, they will be using a hashtag during the show for people to make comments and be social while they are listening to the program.
It’s truly one of the most delightful ways to meet and engage with others interested in a topic.
In the past year, I participated in and benefited from several hashtag events. Some of my favorites were:
- #unlaunch – a BTR show produced several times a year to introduce new products created from Pat O’Bryan’s coaching program.
- #soiree – online chat while Kay Ballard interviewed someone famous or almost-famous.
- #blogboost – a stream of bloggers with new posts participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. (I’m tweeting with this one as we speak!)
- #SMManners – hosted every Tuesday night by Michele Price (aka @prosperitygal) with people discussing social media manners and social media in general.
And even MORE. . . . .
Using the hashtag is a fantastic way to find people in your niche and also to connect with folks that might be helpful to you in the future. They just might become customers, affiliates, mentors or JV partners. When connecting socially, you NEVER know when you are meeting the one person who could possibly be the game changer for your biz!
Hopefully, now you have a basic understanding of the hashtag and are eager to use it. Go out there and have #massive #online #success!!
Peace,
-Martha
p.s. For more Twitter tips: Best Tweet Tips; To connect with me on Twitter: @marthagiffen
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
#thanks! ‘Twas a gr8 explanation!
This is a simple, clear and thorough description of hashtags. I’m off to do a search using a hashtag – - thanks for the motivation
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Martha,
Thanks for this short, sweet explanation of hash tags with a focus on how to use them to connect and converse with people in your niche. Twitter participation can feel like wandering into a Rave with so much noise and confusion that conversation seems impossible. You’ve made it easy to see how to enter with the expectation that you’ll make new acquaintances and friends–make meaningful connections–and, have some fun!
Kate
Roy, #thanks
Leanne, so glad you are going to take action!
Kate, good point. Sometimes Twitter seems like a loud room of chatter. You have to focus and carry on one conversation at a time
Thank you for this informative post. I love Twitter and I use #hashtags but your post opened my eyes to some new possibilities.
I have never participated in a hashtag event ~ Sounds like fun!
Hi Martha-Great info here. I think I’ll try promoting my Prayer Blog after doing a Twitter search! Thanks for the show last night! You can put a replay right here on your blog!
Blessings!
Thanks for the explanation Martha. I’ve occassionally and accidently used #hashtags but I didn’t really see the opportunity.
I guess a Tweeter could almost own a particular hashtag – by starting one for an event they are running, or using one in their particular industry.
It’s a great idea.
Thanks Martha, That’s my learning for today, I didn’t have a clue that you could use the # in a useful promoting manner. Great info.
Janette, You will really like hashtag events! If you are using the hashtag #blogboost right now, you’re participating
Kate, Yes, I’m going to put the replay in the blog post within the next couple of days!
Fiona, I LOVE the idea of “owning” a hashtag. Thanks for your input!
Kama, it’s true. We learn something new every day! So glad I could be your teacher
I actually have used hashtags a couple of times, but didn’t understand their power until now.
Great piece and I have it bookmarked now.
I just attended #SMManners for the first time a couple of weeks ago — exciting!! Glad you mentioned it here.
That night they were having a scavenger hunt and giving away the most fabulous gifts from some of the participants — handbags, jewelry, books, etc. It was pretty exhilarating to see how FAST everyone was submitting their answers to questions the host tweeted.
Great explanation of hashtags, Martha, and some pretty cool ways to use them!
Melanie, it’s a great hashtag group that @prosperitygal has created! I don’t get to attend as regularly as I would like because I am on a call at that time. I’ve tried to do both at once. Doesn’t work!
FYI–I got 40 more visitors to my blog (yesterday) because of using the hashtag. The one I had been using was for naught! Thanks again for the great tidbits you present here!!