One of the hashtag strategies that doesn’t get enough attention is the importance of developing a community around a hashtag that is onbrand.
Hashtags that are onbrand help your business stay on topic, top of mind, and spread the word about your business. Find content created about you by your followers and create a community around your business. Let’s break it down.
Don’t worry, you’re not too late in the game if you’re a new business owner or an established business! Start by promoting your business and get others as well by letting the world know about your hashtag.
Here are 5 ways to get the word out about your branded hashtags:
1) Create a contest! Get your audience motivated to use your branded hashtag. I love to do this with my audience in my challenges and trainings that I offer. Using branded hashtags in this way creates a buzz around you and your business, and gets people to use your hashtags.
2) Promote it! Everywhere you talk -- in trainings, speaking engagements, podcasts, your videos, and Facebook groups - promote your branded hashtag. I always include a slide with my specific hashtag -- #simplifysquad for ways to show the good work you’re doing when learning from me.
3) Location! If your business has a physical location, post your branded hashtag signage, table tents (if you’re a restaurant), or a sign right by the registers. I’ve seen clothing boutiques even drop a card in the shopping bag with ways to tag the products you bought from the business.
4) Subtle card drops! Similar to the physical location, if you’re an ecommerce business, drop a card in your customer’s purchases with ways to support your business on social media platforms. For an added bonus, offer an incentive for tagging your business.
5) Educate your audience! Write social media posts about your branded hashtag and promote it often in your call-to-action, especially if you’re educating your followers and teaching them how to do something.
Action Step: Come up with a branded hashtag and use this consistently! Something as simple as your name and you can even name your community after a phrase that you often use.