The Power of Hashtags

#what #is #a #hashtag — is not an uncommon tag line used in social media posts and even professional articles.

Known widely as the pound sign for over a decade, it has now evolved into something far greater — a symbol that dominates every social media outlet.

The significance of the hashtag was once merely just to make it easier for users to search for items that were grouped together by similar words; its use was to improve the experience for the user in terms of searching associated content. The hashtag, first adopted by the social media channel, Twitter, has now spread to Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Consumers are able to view what is ‘trending’ and are available to view trending topics in real time.

Brands are able to view the power of hashtags when consumers publicly make their purchases viral, when on the discoverable section of the Instagram page. The use of hashtags in photos also provides brands with an effective tool for influencing and creating brand followers.

Engagement is the name of the game and hashtags are the perfect tool to connect brands with consumers. The critical element is the relationship built between brands, influencers and consumers, one that is at a scale that allows for exponential growth and the success of marketing campaigns.

Tip: Don’t become the #hashtag #hoarder. Ever see hashtags that take up several posts? Consumers are able to pick up on the sense of need that brands produce when this happens. Make them brief, allow them to be searchable and let the power of the hashtag do its work.