Here are some of the different types of hashtags and when to use them:
Trending: These hashtags are what’s hot here and now, and can change by day or by hour depending on what the current buzz is. You can check what hashtags are trending on Twitter or Google+. Don’t feel compelled to get on board with these hashtags. Join conversations that are relevant or meaningful to your business when appropriate.
Example: Just a few days before Thanksgiving, trending hashtags include #Thanksgiving and #BlackFriday.
Brand: If you decide to use hashtags, the first thing you should do is develop a brand hashtag. You can do this by using your company name, tagline, area of expertise, location, acronym, or some combination of these. Make sure you research hashtags you’re considering before settling on anything to make sure it isn’t already being used.
Example: KitKat used their tagline #HaveABreak for their brand hashtag.
Campaign: These hashtags are a little different than your brand hashtag because they will promote a new campaign you’re running for a product, service, event, new image or message, etc. Choose your campaign hashtags wisely, be sure no one else is using them and that they do not have a bad reputation. Create something that is unique to your brand and memorable for your audience.
Example: Budweiser used the hashtag #clydesdales last Super Bowl season to encourage viewers to name the baby Clydesdale in their commercials and get engaged with the brand.
How do you like to use hashtags for your business?