What is the point of using hashtags?
#whatsthepoint
I was so confused when I would see hashtags all over social media.
Hashtags have long been a part of social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram, but they now have crept the way into sites like Pinterest , Facebook and google + sparking interest from a whole new potential-hashtag-using audience. I could not understand what all the rage was. In fact, I thought it was something people were just trying to be cute, trendy and funny with.
Little did I know they actually do mean something.
I am no social media expert. In fact, I am not even great on social media. I would much rather be creating something and sharing on my blog than blabbing all over social media. With that said, being a blogger and being active on social media is vital to what we do and share.
So what is a hashtag? A hashtag is a word or a phrase prefixed with the symbol #
This technology has endless possibilities, and if used correctly then it is a very powerful business tool.
There is no directory of hashtags. You simply put a hashtag in front of any keyword that you think is relevant.
Example for Pinterest: If you are sharing one of your great painted furniture or wedding images on Pinterest (don’t forget your watermark and URL on the image). Add your photo description and #weddingphotography #vintagewedding, #paintedfurniture #chalkypaint #KILZ, etc, etc, NOW when a potential bride is searching wedding photography, or someone is looking on how to paint furniture your brand also receives exposure.
These rules go for non-bloggers as well. If you are on Pinterest and social media why not have your latest and greatest project or hashtag seen?
This is also great for the brand themselves. If they hit the hashtag, they see all your wonderful projects with their brand name. You just may be in the next publication of #Countrywomanmagazine.
Hey, you never know!
Hashtags also trend on places like twitter and google+. So if you are using a popular hashtag people have the potential to hit it and see your image and gain a new follower or two.
A hashtag is essentially a new way to search for things on social media across the board. Hit and it will take you to the latest and greatest!
Will there be something new on the horizon? Of course, there always is, but for now
hashtag away. I am getting much better at it.
If there is something more to it that I missed feel free to comment and give me your thoughts as well.
In fact, last year when I painted my Rit dye vase
it was my hashtag that Rit dye stumbled upon on Google + and Pinterest.
I made this post mostly for my non-bloggy friends here that come and read me.
I am certain you are on social media and see this all the time and perhaps wondered.
That is all for today!
if you are not a regular here hope I see you back again.
XO
It’s funny because even when I started using Instagram, I didn’t know what hashtags were! Now I use them on Instagram all the time but I haven’t used them anywhere else yet. I guess I am a little slow catching on to some of these things!
-Shelley
Well, I for one– hashtag all my Instagram pics…and yes, some of my hash tags are meant to be cute… like
#mybrotherreadsmyhashtags … but I never thought of using them on Pinterest and I’m a very poor Facebookian… It never occurred to me that they crossed over between media sites. so yes, I learned something new here today! Thanks
My husband and I were just discussing why there is hashtags. Speaking of hashtags we are huge fans of Jimmy Fallons The Tonight Show, and I laugh everytime at their “hashtag” character (wears a Panda costume). Thanks for explaining the whole craze on hashtags. Have a great day!
Thank you, Debbie! You’ve given me all sorts of ideas! I’ve really never understood what they were all about…
Thanks Debbie, who knew? I just thought it was an annoying social media tic LOL. Now I know it really has a useful purpose.
Great post! I use ‘me all the time now on my own publishings and when searching!
Hi Debbie Dear! You are the smartest one! I wondered the same thing about those little hash tags. Thank you for sharing that with us. Hope you’re doing well. We’ve been traveling for almost a month and we’ve even bought a house in upstate New York to be near our grandbabies! Am I too old for this? 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Sharing, I felt the same way at first lol I had to Google it. So glad you did this post. Thank You
Great info Debbie-Doo! Hope you’re having a #greatday!!! 🙂
Blessings,
Cindy
# Debbiedoos great info
You’ve got to be kidding me Debbie !!!
I’ve never used a hash tag for anything ( and really thought it was just for Instagram – which I’m not part of )
OMG – there really should be a Social Network school or something LOL
Thanks so much for sharing – ( I think you were the one that invited me to my first linky party ever – and I was over the top confused about how to do THAT )
XOXO
I use hashtags on social media, but I never thought to use them on Pinterest! Thanks for the wakeup call. 🙂
Great post! I used to not really care for hashtags, but now I love them! It helps me sort through all the stuff on Twitter and Instagram. Thank you #Debbiedoo 🙂
#yougalsarecrackingmeup!
I do this quite often on instagram…but on occasion…..while typing on my smart phone…I misspell a word. Then it ends up messed up..oh well.Good thing my daughter knows how to edit my mistakes 🙂
What a great post! I always make fun of hashtags, especially when my teenage daughters are in the car. I hashtag everything we pass. #redlight/#firetruck. You get the picture. #nuttymom:-)
I’m so ignorant when it comes to this kind of thing. I’ll probably never use a hashtag thingy ever. Thank you for explaining it though. You are so smart.
Debbie
xo
Finally, someone explained this to me!!! I’ve never understood it either!!! Thanks #Debbiedoo!!!!~~Ang
Hi Debbie – this is an awesome post! I needed to be reminded that I can use hastags in Pinterest too – thanks 🙂
I need to use them more #petticoatjunktion ha!
I think they’re fun! I need to be more consistent with them though!
I always forget to use hashtags! #forgetful #thanksDebbiedoos
Really helpful post, Debbie, even for some of us bloggy folks! I used hash tags on Twitter and FB, but didn’t know about Pinterest. Going to try to be better at this! Thanks for sharing!
Great post, I often have friends ask what a hashtag is.
Ok… so the difference between typing in a key word like Rit Dye, and using a hashtag is that you can click right on the hashtag right?
Yes on social media sites such as pinterest, instagram, FB and googl plus. If you see a hashtag, you can hit it and it will take you to other content that have used that hashtag.
I also would like a bit more explanation, like Bliss in the comment before mine. I tried touching on several of the hastags in the comments below your article. I am using a Galaxy Tab 3. None one them took me anywhere else. I just sit here poking my tablet!
Hashtags work on twitter, facebook, google plus and instagram. So for example if you see a hashtag on those social media outlets and you hit it, it will take you to a others who have hashtagged the same topic. They don’t work on blogs.
Wow, my first time on your blog and I learned something new. I thought hashtags were just for twitter. Thanks a bunch. Nancy
Great, glad to have you!
Debbie,
I’m a forty something nurse and empty nester. I found your blog on pintrest. I’m so glad that you shared the info about hash tags! I honestly didn’t have any idea that hash tags where that involved!! Thanks for sharing, Im back in the loop! Also do you have any great money saving ideas for baby showers! Going to be a grandma!!!!
Thanks
Trish
Hi there Trisha…I actually do have a baby shower post or two: It was very affordable and some cute ideas, her is the link. And welcome!
http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.com/2013/07/baby-shower-decorating-ideas-with-mason-jars.html
http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.com/2013/07/fresh-fun-ideas-for-hosting-a-baby-shower-part-ii.html
http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.com/2013/09/hosting-a-virtual-baby-shower.html