Are you using them or have you at least noticed them?

I’m talking about Facebook hashtags…

I’m sure you are at least aware that Facebook introduced hashtags earlier this week. (read about it here).

In my last post blog I talked about what hashtags in Facebook mean for business. This time I would like to show you how to use them and why you should be using them in your online marketing.

The most obvious reason is

Reach bigger audience and expend your fan base

Research shows that approx. 88-100 million people are engaging on Facebook during primetime television. By strategically using Facebook hashtags you will expand you reach to a wider audience. Bigger reach means more exposure and more exposure means growing your fan base. All that whilst watching TV – sounds good or what?

 

Create a buzz about your brand and expand your brand awareness

With strategic use of Facebook hashtags you will increase your visibility and engagement with your brand. When people click on hashtags and go to a page of content specific to that hashtag, they are more likely to engage with this page, as it is relevant to something they like or find important. This means more likes, more comments and also potential clients.

 

Make it personal

Everyone likes to know that there is a ‘real’ person behind a Facebook page. Especially if you are a small business owner, people want to meet you. With Facebook hashtags you can show your interest, what you stand for, what inspires you…Make it personal; yet stick to your branding. Don’t let the hashtags bite you!

 

Join a conversation about your brand and promote your events

Using relevant Facebook hashtags in your posts as well as monitoring conversations about your brand helps you create a buzz, respond timely on any adverse conversations about your brand and stay on top of what people are saying about your brand.

 

Create specific Facebook hashtag for your event and encourage attendees to engage. This will boost visibility of your brand, products and services and number of likes. This kind of ‘likes’ are likely your potential customers. They are already at your event, they liked you, so they are interested in you and what you have to offer. With a bit more schmoozing…you have them J

 

I hope this sparked some ideas on how to use Facebook hashtags on Facebook for business. I also know that there are some people who hate them and resist using them…are you one of them?

I’m interested to know if you like them or not and why? So don’t be shy…get the debate flowing….