If you're not using hashtags in your social media strategy, you're #missingout. Hashtags are a word or group of words preceded by a # symbol. This online phenomenon was first introduced on live-chat and messaging precursors to social sites called Internet Chat Relays (ICRs). They were later popularized on Twitter where they were used for "tweet chats," which are open discussions around a particular subject. The hashtag was eventually adopted by almost every major social media platform, including Facebook and Instagram and every platform appeals to a different audience who use it differently.
Over the years, hashtags have evolved from a simple online taxonomy into a language all their own and, if used correctly, can be a very powerful tool for marketers. Tweets with hashtags get twice as much engagement as those without them and 55% more retweets. Furthermore, 75% of people on social media use hashtags. In 2015, Google started to include Tweets in its search results, meaning hashtags could even help with your SEO.
Christian is a Marketing Intern at RDW Group. When he's not hard at work, you'll find him Yelping, playing with his King Charles Spaniels, or passionately discussing the politics of a Bravo reality show.