Given that all major social media platforms now use hashtags, it is imperative that we understand how to use them effectively for #MarketingSuccess. 1. Keep it Simple – Ideally, limit hashtags to one (no more than two) per post. Keep the hashtag straightforward and obvious. If you are the only person using the hashtag, then the purpose of the hashtag – to facilitate conversations – has been made irrelevant. 2. Do Your Research – Before choosing a hashtag, determine how it is currently being used. For example, if the hashtag is being used in a major marketing campaign, it may dilute the conversation you want to take place. Even worse, many serious marketing missteps have occurred through the misuse of a hashtag – using it to mean one thing, when the conversation on the topic was of a different angle. 3. Stay on Topic – The hashtag should reflect the main topic of your post, or relate back to your company. A trending, but irrelevant hashtag will negatively affect your credibility to a wide audience. 4. Target Your Audience – It’s a good idea to indicate who your tweets are intended for in the hashtag. For example, a good tweet for the CNSC audience might be #ServiceExportTips. 5. Motivate – Use a hashtag that prompts users to complete a sentence, share experiences or otherwise get involved in the conversation. 6. Promote – Make sure to include the hashtag in other marketing channels to encourage more people to take part in the conversation.
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Social Media Marketing: Strategies for Service Exporters Series