Learn to Use Hashtags

Twitter is a great social networking site. It is like a giant chat room (with a twist) opened 24/7. When you want to find interesting bits of information, you have to watch conversations. That is when #hashtags come to the rescue.

As a business, it is important to check what happens outside of your direct circle. #hashtags are one of the most powerful tools on Twitter.

What is a #hashtag?

According to Whatis.com, “A hashtag is a tag used to categorize posts on Twitter (tweets) according to topics. To add a hashtag to a tweet, you just preface the relevant term with the hash symbol (#). That will allow people who follow that topic to find your tweet and perhaps follow you as well.”

What can you do with it?

One of the most famous hashtags is #followfriday – people also write #ff sometimes. As the name indicates, it is used by tweeps on Fridays to recommend the people that they consider as inspirational or as a reliable source of information. Usually, it is a peak day to get new followers, especially for independent artists. They can grow their fanbase very fast.

A lot of people like to watch what others have to say on specific topics. Twitter is about finding your niche and being followed by individuals or companies that are right for your business. And there is nothing better than hashtags.

So, try to hashtag the most important words in your tweets. Usually, new followers in your niche or topics of interest will add you; and you will be spared the regular spammers or account holders who follow anybody.

Also, by watching discussions happening outside your direct circle of followers, you will be able to find new potential fans and strike a conversation with them. For an independent artist, it is essential.

#Hashtags are also used to start chatting sessions. For example, writers like to meet several times a week on Twitter and share their thoughts, adding
#hashtags such as #amwriting, #litchat or #writer. You can also start your own chat, by typing any word after “#”.

Any good links?

Absolutely! Check out the following:

–With http://search.twitter.com you can watch conversations according to keywords. You may answer the tweets individually or simply read them in a separate window. This is a wonderful way to discover new people who share your interests.
–http://hashtags.org allows you to see all the tweets that have been posted under a certain thread.

Now, may the force of hashtags be with you!