• Member Login

NC Blogger Network

North Carolina's premier blogger community

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership Team
  • Join
    • Members
  • Collaborate
  • Blog
    • Blogging for Beginners
    • Blogging Resources
  • Podcast
    • Listen Live
    • On iTunes
    • On Google Play
  • Say Hello
  • Calendar

What the Heck Are Hashtags and How Do I Use Them?

August 5, 2015 by Trish 4 Comments

hashtagIf you’re new to social media, you’re probably wondering what the heck hashtags are and how you can use them effectively. You may have asked yourself “What the Heck Are Hashtags and How Do I Use Them?” In this article, we’re going to cover those questions and so much more!

Grab these helpful tips on how to use Hashtags!

Click To Tweet

What The Heck Are Hashtags?

Hashtags assign topics to your posts, status updates and articles. Using the pound sign # {or hash} on a social network {think Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and even Facebook}, turns any word or group of words that directly follow it, into a searchable link, allowing you to organize content and track discussion topics based on those keywords. That means, if you wanted to post about your visit to NYC, like I did above, you would include #NYC in your status update to join the conversation. Click on any hashtag to see all the posts that mention that topic/subject in real time.

How to Format Your Hashtags

The first thing you should know is that you don’t want to use spaces – even if your hashtag contains multiple words. But you do want to differentiate those words by using upper and lower case. For example, Pen Island would look better, and make much more sense, as #PenIsland than as #penisland, don’t you agree?  Uppercase letters won’t alter your search results so people searching for #abc will get the same results as people searching for #ABC.

Numbers are supported, so #EasyAs123 works. Sadly, punctuation marks are not. So commas, periods, exclamation points, question marks, and apostrophes are out. While you’re at it, skip asterisks, ampersands and any other special characters.

There Are No Presets

There isn’t a master list of hashtags, but you can search your social networks {and search engines} to see if there’s a hashtag already in use for a particular subject or topic. You can even check services like HashAtIt, Hashtagify, and Hashtags.org. Remember, every time you add a hashtag in front of a word or phrase, you’re creating a hashtag. Try it out!

How You Can Use Hashtags

Hashtags are supported on Twitter {where they started}, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and even Facebook, now. There are so many different ways you can use hashtags, the possibilities are almost endless. However, I wanted to give you a few ways you can use them, along with a few tips.

Hashtags turn words into searchable links

Click To Tweet

  •  Don’t forget, hashtags turn words into searchable links
  • Always start with a # and leave out spaces
  • Use upper and lowercase to differentiate words
  • Use them during conferences and events
  • Use them in conversations around specific topics
  • Use them for Twitter chats
  • Use them during television shows (#CNN, #GreysAnatomy, #JurassicWorld)
  • Hashtags can be used anywhere within your post or update
  • Use them to find like-minded individuals
  • Use them to find people discussing the topics you’re interested in
  • Use them to create a following for your brand
  • Use them to complement photos you share on Instagram (This helps you discover new accounts and pick up followers)
  • Use them to show off your personality, brand voice or tone
  • Use them for fun!

If you enjoyed the tips in this blog post, be sure to check out all our tips!

Again, these are just a few ways you can use hashtags while you’re using social media. What would you add to help bloggers trying to understand hashtags? How are you using hashtags for your blog or brand? Let us know in the comments below!


About Us

NC Blogger Network is North Carolina’s premier community for bloggers. We bring bloggers together for events, education, networking and paid opportunities working with relevant brands. Join today!


Trish

Trish is NC Blogger Network's Blogger-In-Chief and a Digital/Social Media Marketing Strategist for creatives, bloggers, and brands. Most importantly, she's a mom. You can find her tweeting as @Dayngr and the voice of the "Eat, Sleep, Blog, Repeat" radio show.
View all posts

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: How To, Social Media Tips

« {See NC} Have You Been? You Should Go
{Meet} Nate of SOBX Tech »

Comments

  1. Jonah says

    August 12, 2015 at 4:48 AM

    Hi Trish. I’m Jonah from Hashtagify.me. Thanks very much for the mention 🙂 Have a nice day!

    Reply
    • Trish Forant says

      August 14, 2015 at 11:52 AM

      My pleasure, Jonah! Thanks for swinging by!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What Interests You?

Archived Articles

What Bloggers Are Saying

  • Lê Anh minh on Better Ways to Use Your Bio
  • Hannah Flack on Create Stunning Videos without Fancy Equipment
  • Lê Anh minh on Better Ways to Use Your Bio
  • Rahul Roy on Wedding Invitations for the Modern Bride
  • Sea on Using Consistent Hashtags for Your Business

Join Us on Facebook

Join Us on Facebook

Grab These Freebies

Powered by Creative Market

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Members Only

  • Become a Member
No one has escaped the challenges that 2020 has of No one has escaped the challenges that 2020 has offered⁣
⁣
The question is: Are you going to let 2020 define you? Or are you going to create your own narrative?⁣
⁣
✨{𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄}✨ 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞⁣
[3 Part Masterclass Series Oct. 22-24]⁣
⁣
I  know you. The over achiever.  The planner. The one who doesn't appreciate failure, changes, or surprises. You desire to have things under control -- and 2020 was NOT in our control.⁣
⁣
Because over the past 7 years of living life as a coach, I wanted to control everything. Yet - things happened that I couldn't control. And my mindset was tested daily.⁣
⁣
❗️Getting fired 3 times!⁣
❗️Almost getting evicted.⁣
❗️Having collections & IRS calling me daily.⁣
❗️Having to shut down my first business.⁣
⁣
𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦. ⁣
⁣
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.⁣
⁣
We are now wrapping up the year of 2020:⁣
✏️Do you have a sense of certainty on your direction?⁣
✏️Do you feel solid in your confidence to make it though?⁣
✏️Do you feel like 2020 is happening TO you, or FOR you?⁣
✏️Do you experience anxiety, and want to move into joy and gratitude?⁣
⁣
If these questions resonate with you, you've come to the right place. In this 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞, (starting on Oct. 22) I will teach you...how to have clarity, confidence, and certainty [plus much more!]⁣
⁣
✨𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟐𝟐-𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟐𝟒.⁣
DM me for deets :) ⁣
⁣
#confidenceissexy⁣
#2020ismybitch⁣
⁣
📷: @tmelvinphotography Repost from @camykennedy
Don’t mind me, I’m just calling up my friends Don’t mind me, I’m just calling up my friends to see if they want to come out to the polls with me. Everything's better with friends right?
.
Did you know research shows that reminding 3 friends to vote can significantly increase voter turnout? So stop scrolling on the gram’ and start texting or calling some friends – lets make sure we show up and show out at the polls this election!
.
@unconventionalsouthernbelle, @tiffanyturnermoon, @mermaidkisses_n_narwhaldreams want to take our relationship to the next level + vote together? North Carolina needs us! 
.
Check out votemaskormail.org/act (link in bio) for tips and information so you can be prepared and informed to vote and make sure your voice is heard! Repost from @shabbychiccheap #MaskorMail
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#Shabbychiccheap #Pollposal #CultureSurge #VoteEarly #VoteReady #VoteYourFuture #WhenWeAllVote #OwnYourVote #AndStillIVote #SquadUp #SquadUptoVote #fashionatthepolls #whowhatwear #votinginstyle 
#forthepeople #downtownraleigh #raleighinfluencer #influenceforgood #discoverunder12k #2020Election #momswhovote #earlyvote #voteforchange #voteforthebabies #voteforyourlife #ownyourvote #blackgirlsvote
✨HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED/ ON TRACK ✨ 1 plan ou ✨HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED/ ON TRACK ✨

1  plan out your workouts for the week — so you have a plan it helps keep you accountable. I look at my schedule for the week and figure out what classes I can take.

2  MEAL PREP — if you live a busy life, it is so important to think ahead and plan your meals out in advance so you aren’t tempted to eat out/unhealthy foods. 

3  DONT BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING NEW — this is so important, if you find what you love it will be the best part of your day. 

I am by no means a fitness expert, these are just a few tips that have helped me along the way. 

Xo, cat. ⚡️

Repost from @catherine_keller
Crisp #Fall air and sunshine. Nothing better this Crisp #Fall air and sunshine. Nothing better this time of year. This iconic church stands in New Bern and has plenty of quiet spots on its beautiful grounds for reflection. It also has a playground for the kids. It’s currently decorated for Fall and Halloween with lots of spots for beautiful photos. 🍁
.
.
.
#church #falldecor #falldecorating #ecnc #enc #coastalcarolina #mycrysyalcoast #newbernnc #dayngrtravels #ncbloggers #ncblogger #ncbn  #travelblogger #newbern #newbernnow #crystalcoast #crystalcoasters #fall #halloween #halloweendecor #northcarolina #IGersnc #ncigers #photospot #smalltownusa #smalltown #smalltownlife #smalltowncharm
We’re always up for a visit to New Bern! The wea We’re always up for a visit to New Bern! The weather’s been great and they town is decorated for Fall. Plenty of cute photo opportunities for Instagram. In fact, if we could sneak away today, we would. Hmmmm, where could we co-work in New Bern? Would you sneak away if you could? 💗
.
.
.
.
#NCBlogger #NCBloggers #BlogNetwork #BlogCommunity #BloggerCommunity #NCBloggerNetwork #Blogger #BloggerLife #BlogLife #SouthernBlogger #BloggerMom #NC #NorthCarolina #LiveAuthentic #BlogSociety #TravelBlogger #ContentCreation #NCBN #NCIGERS #NewBern #NewBernNC #newbernnow
View
Fall! We love it. Had a wonderful visit to New Ber Fall! We love it. Had a wonderful visit to New Bern recently. Have you even been? What’s your favorite spot? So many great restaurants and shops. 💗
.
.
.
.
#NCBlogger #NCBloggers #BlogNetwork #BlogCommunity #BloggerCommunity #NCBloggerNetwork  #Blogger #BloggerLife #BlogLife  #SouthernBlogger  #BloggerMom #NC #NorthCarolina #LiveAuthentic #BlogSociety #TravelBlogger #ContentCreation #NCBN #NCIGERS #NewBern #NewBernNC #newbernnow
Yes!! #Repost @iammrsboyd ・・・ WE ARE BLACK W Yes!! #Repost @iammrsboyd
・・・
WE ARE BLACK WOMEN.....we build...we don’t tear down other BLACK WOMEN! We have felt the pain of being torn down and we have decided that we will be deliberate about building others! 
All too often, we find it easier to criticize each other instead of building each other up! With all of the negativity going around, let’s spread something positive! Upload one picture of yourself.....ONLY you. Then tag as many sisters to do the same. Let’s build ourselves up instead of tearing ourselves down 💕COPY and PASTE💕

Thanks for tagging me @themamamogul and @ashley.dominique ! #ncblogger #amplifymelanatedvoices
#Repost @stylecommodity ・・・ It’s not my jo #Repost @stylecommodity
・・・
It’s not my job to educate you about racism, I’m tired and exhausted. I’m a young Black educated woman who is aware of my privilege which hasn’t stopped me from experiencing Racism, so are many of my Black educated young Black sisters and brothers. I’m not looking for a pity party but CHANGE. So I’m going to use my energy on sharing ways to uplift our community. When a Black woman speaks up don’t tell her she’s aggressive while my White pairs are addressed as confident. Posting a black square as solidarity is nice but Brands- Pay Black Creators and stop asking us to work for exposure or products when we use our resources, time, money and energy to create the same content. We shouldn’t have to work twice as hard to be heard, visible and taken care off. We deserve to be treated equally. I shouldn’t have to ask to see people who like me on your Instagram feed, travel campaigns or campaigns in general. We shouldn’t have to ask for this things, it’s the bare minimum. I’m appreciative of the brands who have done this all along. We can create change together🤎 #amplifymelatedvoices #supportBlackWomen #SupportblackCreators #Payblackcreators
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms

© 2021 NC Blogger Network · A Division of DayngrZone Media Built with Genesis Framework