To Hashtag or Not to Hashtag? That is the #question

Remember when the only time you would ever press shift+3 was when you would shorthand the word “number”?  Those were the days.  Nowadays, that four-lined symbol resembling a tic-tac-toe board (#) translates to hashtag: a social media phenomenon that helps users search and sort topics.  I am sure you have seen this trend in action at some point [lest we forget the #YOLO craze!] but are you completely familiar with how it works and its immense advantages?  Let’s walk through the process and soon, you’ll be a hashtag pro.
 A hashtag is a tool used to group topics together to make them more easily searchable.  So, if you hop onto Facebook [yes, even Facebook uses hashtags now!] and search #inspiration, chances are you’ll stumble upon something that inspires you (see below).  All of those users posting photos or statuses about weight loss, puppies or having a case of the Mondays taggedtheir post with #inspiration because they want you to find them when you search for it.  Try this approach the next time you want to find something related to gardening, pizza or George Clooney; I guarantee it works.


Think about hashtags next time you post something on social media.  What hashtags would you use if you wanted to appear in someone else’s search?  When you ask yourself that question, hashtagging will just come naturally. Keep in mind, it’s important to keep your hashtags relevant to your post.

Examples:
  1. Can’t wait for the annual company picnic! #JustinBieber
  2. Can’t wait for the annual company picnic! #barbeque #coworkers #summer

Is it clear which of the two uses appropriate hashtags?  [Hint: it’s number 2!]  Unless Justin Bieber is performing at your annual company picnic, he doesn’t really have anything to do with your post and therefore should not be hashtagged.   If he is performing at your annual company picnic, congratulations on landing him as your headliner and enjoy the show!

Now, how does all of this relate to The Lucy Hobbs Project?  Well, just like other users, we want our information to be easily searchable and relatable.  Let’s take our market launch events for example.   What if we asked everyone attending to use the same hashtag in their social media posts and photos?  Then, we could search that hashtag and see what all of you are saying!  So, #LHPPlymouthMeeting will have completely different search results than #LHPMadison.  It’s like a Google search but more precise because it’s in a secret language that only we know!

The Lucy Hobbs Project wants to make using social media a fun, interactive experience while helping our users to network and connect.   But, we can’t do it alone; this is a community effort! First, we need you to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!  Then, check back to find the hashtag we’re using for each event.  Lastly, be sure to use that same hashtag on your posts!

Have questions?  Do you have any hashtag ideas?  Did we forget anything? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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