If you’re on any social media, you’ve encountered the infamous #hashtag a few times. These little links proceeded by the pound-sign are more than just a way of prettifying a tweet; they’re actually an easy-to-use means of tracking and organizing topics on social media platforms. Any combination of characters with a hash in front of them, and no spaces between, are automatically transformed into a link. Clicking on it will navigate users to other posts using that same hashtag. For example, including #NationalCoffeeDay, or #Daytona500 in your Facebook post will allow others to see that post when they search for that topic.

The primary benefit of using hashtags is that it’s a free way of putting your content onto a larger stage, giving people who don’t follow you yet a chance to see it. Whether you want to help people find #NYCRealEstate, or you have an insightful comment on #GameOfThrones, more people will know if you hashtag it. Furthermore, if you have an event or promotion you want to start trending, creating your own hashtag will consolidate all of your content on the subject, while also giving your followers an easy way to help spread the word!

If you’re nervous about proper hashtag etiquette, here are some best practices to start you out:

Simplify Research shows that having more than two hashtags on a Facebook post or tweet, or more than 9 on Instagram, actually decreases interest. Shorter hashtags are always more effective than long ones as well, so watch your character count!
Specify Your hashtags should always be relevant to what you’re talking about. Make sure you don’t use unrelated hashtags, and try to be more specific when possible. More people are interested in #BigBangTheory than #TV.
Be Sensitive While it’s important to get your name out there, don’t be the guy who crashes a #NaturalDisaster to talk about how great your product is. When considering when to use a trending hashtag, make sure to read the room first.

Using hashtags effectively isn’t difficult, which is why it became so popular in the first place. Even if you don’t like how they look, embracing the humble hashtag is the best way to take your social media from an audience of ten to a circle of ten-thousand.

In a world of Facebooks, Twitters, and Instagrams, Snapchat can feel like the odd one out. It’s entirely mobile, and the content posted there automatically disappears after a set period of time. However, Snapchat is growing quickly, and is especially popular with Millenials. Whether or not you are targeting the 17-34 demographic, you should not ignore the benefits that Snapchat can bring to your brand. In fact, Snapchat’s unique format can allow you to provide exciting content to your followers that they can’t find anywhere else. Here are a few ways you can use Snapchat to liven up your marketing.

Live-Snap events - One advantage of Snapchat is that the photos and videos taken with it feel more immediate and personal. During a live event, such as a trade-show, product launch, or other live promotion, you can send Snaps to your followers to let them feel like they’re right there with you.
Exclusive content - You can use Snapchat to give your followers access to content that they won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look, a preview of upcoming products, or even something fun and silly, people who use your Snapchat will feel included and in-the-know.
Contests and promotions - Snapchat is far more interactive than many other social media platforms. Not only do you Snap your followers, they’re free to send you Snaps back. Encourage this by offering exclusive contests or promotions. This allows them to have fun with your brand by exercising their creativity, and make your brand look more fun and relatable.

Even if you are not a personal fan of Snapchat, it’s power as a marketing tool is undeniable. If you want to make the impression that your brand is hip and fun, it’s perfect. We recommend investing in Snapchat marketing no matter what you are promoting, but for anything that is targeted towards younger people, it is absolutely essential.