If you are active on Twitter you have probably seen hash tags … but are you using them? Hash tags are a keyword or keyword phrase that is preceded by the pound sign. For example, #socialmedia or #tipoftheday. Hash tags are used to organize and share your tweets with other Twitter users. Many users use tools to search hash tags they are interested in and follow these streams. Your objective is to get your tweets in these popular streams.
Hash tags will help others find your posts, so try to use one in every tweet. Of course, it is really important that you only use hash tags that are relevant to your post. Using #britneyspears on your tweet for your new real estate blog post might seem like a great way to get exposure, but this is considered spamming and will annoy Twitter users and hurt your reputation.
When choosing a hash tag, pick keywords or phrases that are relevant to your topic. I like to research hash tags using Hootsuite so I can see what hash tags are already being used. This way I am sure the hash tags I am using will get me exposure. You can check your Twitter account to see the most popular trending topics and there are many websites that track popular topics as well. When choosing a hash tag you don’t want to choose something unique – this is one time you want to join the crowd.
More and more businesses and organizations are using hash tags in their advertising to get Twitter users to talk about an event or their products or services. If you are attending an event or webinar check if there is a hash tag you can use.
You can also start to follow your own #hash tag streams and respond to other people’s tweets on your favorite topics. This is a wonderful way to engage other users on Twitter.
Remember, hash tags are a simple way to get more exposure for your tweets, as your message reaches both your followers and people who are interested in your topic. Also hash tags give you an opportunity to get more social.
