6 Types of Hashtags

Hashtags. You see them everywhere. They’re used in many ways. Sometimes they’re used as subtext for a post or sometimes they’re used to boost overall reach. When it’s the latter case, it’s a good idea to be strategic with hashtags. Doing so will encourage audiences to either use them or better engage with your posts. Here is a description of the six types of hashtags.

Brand

Brands often use hashtags to convey a message about their brand or increase brand awareness. Brand hashtags can include the brand name or a slogan. Examples include: #TweetsFromtheSeat or #IKEAFamily. In case you didn’t know, the first example was a hashtag for Charmin toilet paper. It’s a tactic that’s somewhat cringe worthy but also clever at the same time. Toilet paper might be difficult to promote on social media, but this hashtag makes it less so. The hashtag was released by Charmin in 2016 and people still continue to use it.

Content

Content hashtags are often simple words or phrases that can be used in any context. Brands can use them to connect products with their audience. The hashtag #tiles can be applied to a multitude of contexts.

It can be used to promote a workshop.

It can also be used for travel.

Or, it can be used to express this thing you have with floors.

You get the picture. Overall, content hashtags invite flexibility and creativity.

Campaign

If you want more people to know about a specific cause or campaign, then it’s a good idea to have a hashtag associated with it. These hashtags are specific and concise so that people can easily remember them and use them when relevant. Examples include: #Ontario150 or #ShareACoke.

Location

Location hashtags bring awareness to a specific place. The name of the location is directly in the hashtag so that audiences know what specific location is being referenced. Examples include #ygk or #the6ix. Normally you would find these hashtags in association with travel and tourism. Brands have also used location hashtags to reach out to audiences from that location to inform them of their location or where their products can be found.

Trending

When you want to share your thoughts on a current event through social media, then it’s more common to share a trending hashtag that is associated with that occasion. #HumboldtStrong is one example of an trending hashtag which was attached to messages of support and solidarity.

Event

If you’re hosting an event, and you want more people to know about it through social media, then event hashtags are the way to go. They can also be used outside the realm of social media. Depending on the nature of your event, there are a number of ways you can remind guests to use your hashtag.

Event hashtags can be used before, during, and after an event. One example of this includes #RoyalWedding2018. This hashtag was used in anticipation of the event, while people were watching the event (at 4 A.M. nonetheless), and after the event to share thoughts on how magical it all was.

What is your experience with using hashtags? Leave a comment below!