I’ve been blogging for just over a year now, and I’m still scratching my head at times over hashtags and social media. Let me back up a little. What is a hashtag? A hashtag is basically a word, term or phrase used as a tag (duh) with the hash character (#) in front of it. For example, in Pinterest I used to tag images from this blog with #MaritzaLisa. It’s basically a label used to group together similar items.
In terms of my blog and social media, I focus mainly on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. Each platform has their own little twist on hashtags. Here’s how I use them:
- Instagram – you can search by hashtags. What’s nice about this is that you can join projects and follow people with similar interests based on these hashtags. For example, I recently joined in the #52HandLetteredProject that is hosted my Pen and Peplum. It’s a wonderful way to connect and feel part of a community. I also use hashtags on products I use to craft with (e.g. #SilhouetteCAMEO) – this was how I think I got noticed by them and am now an affiliate. A great tool for bloggers who want to connect and partner with their favorite companies
- Pinterest – like I said earlier, I used to hashtag, but no more. I’ve read on several of my fave blogs that hashtags are to be avoided here and are considered spammy
- Facebook – I sometimes hashtag here, but am still on the fence on how effective it is
- Google+ – I use hashtags here as well, but I’m still fairly new to this platform. What’s nice about Google+ is that if you do forget to hashtag, it will automatically add one for you
- Twitter – to be honest, I have not been very diligent with Twitter. There are lots of potential here though. The most beneficial use for hashtags for me so far is joining in Twitter Chats. The host will determine a topic, and then lets you know of a hashtag to use at a specific date, time. By searching or clicking on that hashtag, you will see a filtered view of the chat and will be able to use it to join in
I’m still learning and gobbling up any information I read on this topic. From what I’ve learned and seen through experience, hashtags are a great way to connect with your online community. Depending on how you use each platform, use your hashtags to connect with fellow bloggers, artists, potential partners and collaborations – you name it. So that’s my take. How do you use your hashtags?
I love them… a bit too much and have a hashtag tattoo on my hand so now I hardly ever have to speak full sentences… I just hashtag and point… Oh I kid you I do speak but love a hashtag mainly in Instagram. Great post.
Thanks, Tamzen! Hashtag away! 🙂
I pretty much only use hashtags on instagram and twitter, and you’re right Google+ does add them for you, which is great! I love the Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake hashtag spoofs… some people can really go overboard with their hashtags.
Ooooh. I have to check out JF and JT on their hashtag spoofs. Can’t believe I missed those – Thanks, Carrie!
I heard that hashtags are considered spammy on Pinterest but now I have to go back and change all of my image descriptins – ugh. Not fun!
I wonder about hashtags on StumbleUpon. Have you heard anything on that?
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Oh, Jennifer – So happy you stopped by! I hear ya, and am still trying to update mine from old posts. Not fun at all. Not sure about StumbleUpon. There is an area for tags, though.
Great post! I’m never sure when and where hastags would be most effective. I do try to only use them on Instagram and Twitter. And like you, I definitely neglect my Twitter account.
Thanks, Toyin! I know, right? Twitter is on my to-do list this year 🙂
What a clear concise posting, cleared up my questions! Thank you, you are my favorite blogger !!!!
What a sweet thing to say, Bonnie. You just made my week. Thank you! xo