Nov 14, 2012

What is a hashtag?

Why does that guy in the back office keep putting the pound key on everything?  Is he hammering out messages so fast the spell-check doesn't notice?

Image Source: isrisk.net


Maybe just smashing random keys in frustration?  Not always...

While the "hashtag" originated in IRC it is most familiar to those who use twitter.  It is a way to organize feed content through organic search.  Any post that contains the hashtag can be indexed.

It is a fun way to organize twitter conversations, but it is also useful for any information your brand posts to the internet.  I have been using #DJREE (Darren James Real Estate Experts) When I make blog posts, do a quick google search and see what else comes up.

There are a few points of etiquette:

1.  Don't spam - don't just blast a hashtag because you are bored.  Most people avoid spammers.
2.  Content - what does your hashtag stand for?  If it can be  used in your message #great.
3.  Organize - Remember that they are to group your postings together, so don't add them to the post if they aren't relevant.

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