#Hashtag Dos and Don'ts

In light of recent rumors that Facebook may incorporate the infamous hashtag to its growing list of features, today's post will be about--you got it--hashtags!

Before we delve into the dos and don'ts, here is a quick background:

A hashtag is basically anything with a # before it. For example, #forexample. According to Twitter, it is a way to organize conversations and search for topics more easily. Although Twitter is responsible for making it the cultural icon it is today, the hashtag actually originated from online chat rooms even before Twitter was created.

So yeah.

#Hashtag          Notahashtag

On to dos and don'ts.

DO

• Use them on sites where the hashtags function is enabled, such as on Twitter, Pinterest and Instgram, to name a few.
• A bit of research before creating your "own" hashtag to maintain consistency. For instance, established TV shows or events often have an "official" hashtag.

• Use hashtags that others will also likely use or search for (remember it's a content organization tool). Single words are the most common, although popular phrases, figures of speech or terms work too. Example, #yourewelcome, #firstworldproblems, #ohnoyoudidnt.
• Capitalize letters if needed. Case in point: #susanalbumparty vs. #SusanAlbumParty.

DON'T

• Use them on sites that don't support the function, unless it's part of the humour. Hashtags are quickly becoming to go-to solution for the "how to express sarcasm through text" problem.

• Use hashtags that have nothing to do with what you're talking about. Not only is it annoying and confusing, it can even get you in trouble!
• Have too many in one post. Twitter recommends 2 max, otherwise people won't bother reading the message.

• Separate terms that don't need to be separated. For example, #socialmedia is likely more searchable and relevant than #social #media.

There you go! Any more you want to add? Drop a comment below!

xoxo
Mae