Hashtags are a powerful way to connect guests, engage with guests, gain content, and improve discoverability on social media. Whether you're organizing a ministry event, promoting a campaign, or sharing personal moments, hashtags make it easier for people to find and interact with your posts!
What is a Hashtag?
A hashtag is a keyword or keyphrase preceded by the # symbol that helps categorize and index social media posts. For example, a keyword like #dogs or #kitchens identifies general topics, whereas keyphrases such as #cutedogsnapping or #kitchencolorcombo provide more specific groupings.
Both keywords and keyphrases function the same way despite their length!
However, keyphrases should ideally be kept to a max of 3-4 words. When a keyphrase is lengthy, it can be difficult for users to read or remember! An exception to this rule is if the keyphrase is widely known or popular, like #takemeouttotheballgame or #iloveyoutothemoonandback
How did Hashtags come to be?
The hashtag was introduced in 2007 by Chris Messina, who used the # symbol to group tweets for easy lookup. According to Internet history, Twitter incorporated hashtags into its platform in 2009. From there, hashtags have continued to gain popularity and are now widely recognized across most social media platforms.
How do Hashtags work?
A hashtag is a label. When a user types "#dogs" into their Facebook or Instagram post, the post is automatically grouped with all other posts on Facebook and Instagram that also contain "#dog."
If I use a hashtag, does that mean anyone on the Internet can see my status?
Only if you want them to! A status with a hashtag will only be visible to those you share the status with.
Per Facebook's Help Center, "When you add a hashtag to your post, the people you've shared your post with can also see it in that hashtag's feed. For example, if you share a post with a hashtag with the audience Friends, people you're friends with can see your post in that hashtag's feed. If you use a hashtag in a post you share to a Public audience, and allow people to follow you, your post will appear on your public profile and in that hashtag's feed."
Can I remove a hashtag?
Yes! Simply backspace/delete it from the text, and the status will no longer be categorized whether the post is shared with Friends or Public.
So why should I use a hashtag at my ministry event?
Hashtags can increase engagement and provide you with real-time feedback. For example, your guests can share uplifting photos and videos with one another using a hashtag. Guests can also search the hashtag to see content related to your event, interact with one another, and connect online. How many times have you met a new friend at an event and forgot to get their contact info? Creating an online environment makes it easier for guests to find and each each other on social media.
A more practical benefit is that guests can share important information with you, such as "It's cold in Room 201!" or "No paper towels in the auditorium restrooms."
How do I keep track of hashtags at my ministry event?
It's easy! Navigate to the search bar on your dashboard or homepage and enter the hashtag. All relevant results will be populated. You can also click the hashtag (which is a hyperlink) anywhere you see it on your feed, and you'll be redirected to the hashtag's feed.
If you are looking for a more robust tracking tool that includes analytics, you'll most likely need to purchase a subscription. Read this Hootsuite blog for their comprehensive list of tracking tools.
By understanding how to use hashtags effectively, you can expand your reach, encourage conversation, and build stronger online communities that help promote your event and ministry.
Start experimenting with hashtags today to see how they can enhance your social media presence for your next ministry event.