This week Facebook began rolling out hashtag inclusion. Users will be able to tag their updates in order to categorize information (or just to be silly). Like Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest, navigating to a specific topic will now be easier.
How hashtags work: If, for example, you go to a Chicago Bears game with your dad, you make a status update and post a photo, you might tag this information with #chicagobears #football #familytime #dadsarethebest. When people search for information on Chicago Bears and Football, this information will come up in a category along with similar information from other users. This will also be functionally across other services including Instagram. Finding what you are looking for will now be quicker and easier.
According to Facebook, you will now be able to accomplish the following:
- Search for a specific hashtag from your search bar. For example, #ChicagoBears.
- Click on hashtags that originate on other services, such as Instagram.
- Compose posts directly from the hashtag feed and search results.
The hashtag capability rolled out to a small amount of users on Wednesday, June 12 and will reach a wider audience over the next few weeks. Per usual Facebook fashion, they will be rolling this out in stages.
How can this be used to help your marketing campaign? Hashtags are a very powerful tool because they help to connect you with other users within your specific business or niche. You can, not only, find out what your targeted audience is talking about, but you can also determine where their location. This can provide great insight as to what you need to provide to your consumer, and where you need to target your marketing efforts.
For example, if you are a plumber in San Diego, you will be able to search for keywords surrounding plumbing: #plumber, #plumbing, #sandiego. This will help you connect with users who are searching for your services. Additionally, it’s never a bad idea to hashtag your business name #petesplumbing. This helps to create and boost brand relevance.
It will be interesting to see how well this new feature will be received, and if Facebook users will participate in #hashtagging.
Jori Stevian is an Account Manager at SEOhaus. If you would like to stay up-to-date on all of the latest SEO industry news and tips, you can subscribe to our blog here. Thanks for reading the SEOhaus blog! #sandiegoseo
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