Heshtegi: what is it and how to use them correctly?

Almost all social networks ("VKontakte", Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) are now actively using hashtags. What is it and why are they needed?

Let's glance at the dictionary

A hashteg is a single word or phrase before which the "#" symbol stands. From it, they got their name, because in translation from English "hash" means "grating". That is, as a result, we get specific notation such as "# Moscow", "# love", "# FootballMatch", etc., for the same template.

How it works?

These notations are necessary in order to group thematic messages, as well as create information channels. The author reports, attributing to his post hashtegi, that this is a record relating to a particular topic. At the same time, it includes a post in the appropriate channel.

After the publication of the entry, the keywords marked with grids are converted into clickable links. By clicking on one of them, the user will be able to see all the messages that have been marked with this hashtag.

What is a hashtag for?

And here the most interesting begins. Virtually all content marketers now understand and actively use this function of social networks. Using hashtag allows you to implement several tasks at once:

• Increase audience reach;
• Increase brand awareness;
• Attract the attention of the target audience to a particular event or trend.

In order for this to become possible, it is extremely important to learn how to properly use hashtags. What does this mean, and what subtleties are there in exhibiting such "labels"?

Choosing the right keywords is the basis for future success

Let's say you are going to publish a note on SEO issues. In order to be noticed by users interested in this topic, you should add the tag #SEO. However, here comes into force another factor - if you work with international services (for example, on Facebook), your content may remain almost unnoticed. And all because that these hashtames are actively used by English-speaking users of the system. That is, in order for your publication to be noticed by the Russian-speaking audience, it would be more logical to add a hashtag # СЕО.

By the way, it's very important not to forget to switch the input language to Russian. Otherwise, the system will recognize your abbreviation of CEO as Chief Executive Officer, and your note will not receive approval unambiguously.

When choosing keywords, try to put yourself in the place of a typical representative of the target audience. Think about what keywords your potential customers can use to search . It is important that your publication is 100% consistent with the expectations of users.

The most popular hashtags are common phrases (# repairs, # love, # gifts). They will allow you to show your post at the same time to a huge number of users. But, as always, there is a "but". Experienced SMM employees believe that sometimes it is better to type the required number of views due to a large number of targeted highly specialized hashtags (for example, not just # repairs, but # Installing the Plastic windows or # Installing the wiring).

How many hashtags should I use?

There are no restrictions in this respect and can not be. However, some people believe that too many tags visually distract users from the content of the article. Perhaps, it is more logical to say that in this respect it is worth sticking to a certain "golden mean" and choosing only the hashtags ideally suited to you in all parameters.

It's not necessary to say that this is also a powerful tool for increasing the audience. However, here you will find useful popular keywords. Of course, some of the views will be "empty" - people searching for information on a related topic will run through your post with your eyes and flip the tape further. But some of them may be interested in the message and go to your page to find out more.

Thus, the hashtag "VKontakte", and also in "Twitter", on Facebook and in "Instagram" can help you in the development of business or simply in promoting your name (for example, if your dream is to become a popular network blogger).