Hashtags, or those keywords preceded by a # sign, have become quite popular since these properly usher the right customers to your online company or website.
Many businesses big and small use hashtags to
spread word about their brand online and let other people know about events and promos.
However, you need to be careful about the creation and use of hashtags as there are unscrupulous individuals and
hashtag hijackers that could immediately change the way people think of your brand from positive to negative.
Here are some safety measures to make sure your hashtags go according to plans.
1. Determine your objectives.
From the beginning, it?s best to identify the reasons why you?re using the Twitter hashtag. Many businesses primarily use it to
boost publicity, as well as let others know about their company, brand and offers.
Conversations are initiated through hashtags and you can
start contests or announce upcoming events and activities through these. Be specifying your objectives clearly, you can also determine the different approaches that will guarantee its viral success.
2. Be specific.
When making hashtags, always
use the relevant keywords that will drive people to the topic properly. Many Twitter users will use the search function when looking for relevant topics, so incorporate the right terms that will draw their attention.
It?s also ideal to fully describe what the hashtag is about, first by
defining the hashtag. Weed out comments and posts that do not relate to the topic and drive the conversation by asking questions and specifically answering queries and other concerns.
3. Describe the target audience.
The hashtag must be
created for a particular group of individuals. You should know which people you wish to remain in the conversation and remove those who are not relevant to the development of your brand or promotional efforts.
Knowing your target market or audience will also increase the likelihood of gaining more followers. The topics will pertain to them primarily so they will continue to tune in to acquire and share information.
4. Specify the viewers.
Determine the age, place of origin, gender, educational background and interests of your target audience, then distinguish which topics will spur them to share the information and look for others who can help spread the popularity of the hashtag.
Knowing your target market's profile will help you create better hashtags and online marketing campaigns.
5. Be consistent.
Branding should be done appropriately. The idea is to offer the right information and products to your target clients consistently through time.
Whenever you come up with new promos and information, these should still relate well with your brand or main offers.
Avoid confusing your clients by changing the theme or direction of your business every now and then. View your objectives then create a fixed schedule to accomplish the tasks .
6. Fight it out.
Learn
how to battle it out with those who intend to put your company in bad publicity. Use the necessary tools and features that will prevent you from becoming the target of abusive online users. It is equally important to stay updated with the recent protection guidelines to steer clear of hashtag hijackers.
7. Avoid hashtag piggybacking.
Although some individuals and online marketers experience short-term success by
piggybacking on the successful hashtags of others, it?s best to make your own.
Think of interesting topics that will excite your current and potential clients. Should these popular hashtags be the subject of hijacking, you can also be affected negatively.
8. Close monitoring.
Always watch out for potential threats and attacks online.
Follow the
basic guidelines on maintaining your hashtag by keeping the conversations unique, interactive and interesting. It?s also good to specify the activities and functions of every person in the team to determine how they can contribute to the long term success of the hashtag. Invite the right people and check for users who do not contribute to the trending of topics.
9. Personalize.
Always address your target audience in a personal, direct manner. Give the impression that an actual human being is handling the account. Provide useful updates that they cannot get anywhere else. What you present in your hashtag should be synonymous to what you?re actually offering.
10. Be prepared for hijacks.
Hashtag hijacking can happen anytime. It?s best to be prepared for the worst when you become the victim of an attack. You can either wait until the buzz disappears or change the tone of the negative PR by providing unique and relevant content that people will appreciate. You have to
establish yourself as a reputable company regardless of the risks.
