You Asked: What in the Heck are Hashtags?

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author

th-3Welcome to the Cow Pasture’s, You Asked, the Experts Answer.

First up, a question from a recent Twitter chat. “What are hashtags and how do I use them? ”

I’m definitely not the expert on Twitter. So, let’s ask the experts.

Hashtags Defined by Twitter

 “The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.” 

 How to #Hashtags: 

  • Anyone can use a hashtag.
  • Place the # before a keyword (without spaces) to help categorize Tweets; examples include (#writingcontest, #flashfiction).
  • To find trending topics and those talking about it, search by the #keyword.
  • Can be placed anywhere in a Tweet and as a keyword in a blog post.
  • Use, clear, memorable, and common hashtags (those universally understood).

Advantages of Using Hashtags:

  • Lead to connections.
  • A search by #hashtag will help locate everyone who is talking about the topic.
  • Link’s you to social networks.
  • Increases traffic to your social sites and blog.
  • Can help you develop your own brand (#cowpasturechronicles).
  • People will notice you or your business.

Best Practices:

  • Don’t spam.
  • Don’t overuse hashtags, your message will be lost.
  • Twitter recommends no more than two hashtags per Tweet.
  • Make sure the hashtags you’re using are relevant and on topic.

There you have it, the run down on #hashtags. I hope I answered your questions, but if not, shoot me a note. Have another burning question? Submit it below in the comments.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.

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14 thoughts on “You Asked: What in the Heck are Hashtags?”

    • I’m working on this as part of my next post. However, simply put a #hashtag from your blog connects you to Twitter and people who are interested in same topic. In turn they see you and your blog and check it out. More to come. Thanks for commenting.

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