hashtags - 422 business · by theresa mintzer should i be using hashtags? that’s a question i...

APRIL 2019 422business.com and 422bizmag.com ROUTE 422 BUSINESS ADVISOR55

HASHTAGSSOCIAL MEDIA TIPSBy Theresa Mintzer

Should I be using hashtags? That’s a question I hear a lot.The answer depends on the platform that you are using.Hashtags are used to index keywords for search results.

They are more prevalent on some social media platforms than others. Hashtags can help you build your

brand, keep in touch with customers, andhelp with marketing. They aren’t veryimportant right now on Facebook. OnLinkedIn you will be given a suggestionat the bottom of your post for relevanthashtags. For Twitter and Instagram theyare great for increasing brand awarenessand keeping in touch with what yourcustomer likes.

When you use a hashtag, you want tothink about how your customer wouldgo about searching for something. So, ifyou sell outdoor play equipment, youmight want to use #swingset and#outdoorplay. Another tip is to go to#outdoorplay and see what otherhashtags someone used with #outdoor-play, they might work for you too. Also,

if you are a local business, use a hashtagrelated to your ideal customer(playground buyer) like #montcomoms.Find a hashtag to use for your businesslike #mintzersolutions so that all yourposts come up together. Let yourcustomers know your hashtag so thatthey can use it when they take pictures ofyour product.

Hashtags are used commonly onInstagram right now. You want to usebetween 15 and 30. You also want to mixup your hashtags so that you are notusing the same ones all the time. You can“hide” them in the comments if youwant. Don’t forget to add a few to yourstories too. Theresa Mintzer can be reached at 484.686.2995;email: bytheresamarie@outlook.com; website:ByTheresaMarie.com.